The Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic, held at Arizona State University, was the first-ever Division I collegiate flag football tournament. UCF won the championship against Florida, marking a significant step towards NCAA recognition for the sport.
Key points
First-ever Division I collegiate flag football tournament
Held at Arizona State University
UCF won against Florida in the championship
Televised and streamed live by ESPN
Potential for NCAA recognition of flag football
Mentioned in this story
UCFFloridaArizona State UniversityGrand Canyon UniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaGeorgiaCharlotteAlabama State
The future of flag football has arrived.
The Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic presented by Oakley, held from April 18-19 at Arizona State University in Tempe, was the first-ever Division I collegiate flag football tournament, marking a historic moment for the sport.
The weekend event was televised and streamed live by ESPN networks.
Arizona State, Grand Canyon University, the University of Southern California, Florida, UCF, Georgia, Charlotte and Alabama State were the participating schools. UCF won, taking down Florida 19-7 in the championship game on Sunday. It was an all-Florida final, fitting for the state that first sanctioned the sport at the high school level in 2003.
“This is a huge stepping stone to flag football being recognized as an NCAA sport, and eventually becoming a professional sport,” UCF club coach Brandon Baroody said.
Arizona State club coach Jesse Pap said ''The momentum is unstoppable” for the sport at the college level.
"To me, what this weekend is, is a chance for all these universities to show the NCAA, and their own universities, ‘We’re ready for varsity status.’ There’s a pipeline of players ready. There’s good coaches who will teach. It’s ready,'' Pap said.
The ball slips through USC sophomore Kyla Moore's (3) hands as they play Arizona State in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Arizona State plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Q&A
What was the significance of the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic?
The event marked the first-ever Division I collegiate flag football tournament, showcasing the sport's potential for NCAA recognition.
Which teams participated in the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic?
Participating teams included Arizona State, Grand Canyon University, USC, Florida, UCF, Georgia, Charlotte, and Alabama State.
Who won the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic championship?
UCF won the championship, defeating Florida 19-7 in the final match.
What are the future prospects for flag football after this tournament?
The tournament is seen as a significant step towards flag football being recognized as an NCAA sport and potentially developing into a professional sport.
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Cami Douglas (85) of the USC Trojans makes a catch as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Mai Kalama (5) of the Arizona State Sun Devils attempts to push past the Trojans defense during the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Cailyn Hill (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils makes an interception as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Arizona quarterback Allison Rodriguez (7) receives the snap as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Cailyn Hill (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils breaks away from the offense after an interception as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Sophia Smith (18) of the Arizona State Sun Devils runs with the ball as Jayden Bellemeur (13) goes for her flag as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Jordan Schwesinger (23) of the USC Trojans makes a catch during the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Arizona quarterback Allison Rodriguez (7) makes a throw as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Sophia Smith (18) of the Arizona State Sun Devils makes a catch as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Katrina Kowitz (28) runs with the ball as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Jordan Schwesinger (23) of the USC Trojans makes a catch during the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
The ball slips through USC sophomore Kyla Moore's (3) hands as they play Arizona State in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
The ball slips through USC sophomore Kyla Moore's (3) hands as they play Arizona State in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Arizona State plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Cami Douglas (85) of the USC Trojans makes a catch as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Mai Kalama (5) of the Arizona State Sun Devils attempts to push past the Trojans defense during the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
5 / 13
Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Cailyn Hill (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils makes an interception as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Arizona quarterback Allison Rodriguez (7) receives the snap as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Cailyn Hill (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils breaks away from the offense after an interception as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Sophia Smith (18) of the Arizona State Sun Devils runs with the ball as Jayden Bellemeur (13) goes for her flag as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Jordan Schwesinger (23) of the USC Trojans makes a catch during the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Arizona quarterback Allison Rodriguez (7) makes a throw as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Sophia Smith (18) of the Arizona State Sun Devils makes a catch as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Katrina Kowitz (28) runs with the ball as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
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Arizona State flag football at Fiesta Bowl Classic. Photos
Jordan Schwesinger (23) of the USC Trojans makes a catch during the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
“We just need the help to take the next big step. We all recognize that it’s a big step, that universities have budgets. But this is the big sport. In five years, we’re going to look back and say, ‘Gosh, flag football is now the sport for women.’”
Sierra Smith, a Chandler Hamilton alum, was a freshman at Arizona State when she and her twin sister, Sophia, decided to start a women’s flag football club. Flag football was sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association for her senior year in high school.
“To be able to have such a historic event that we’re finally able to be a part of, it’s so huge,'' Smith said. "I never would have thought in a million years that there would be a flag football classic for D-I (Division I college) teams. That’s never been heard of before. It’s truly historic what the Fiesta Sports Foundation is doing.”
Smith’s high school coach, Matt Stone, was there during the weekend. Stone, who helped the sport become sanctioned by the AIA, has been vocal about flag football's growth and future for over a decade.
“It’s absolutely beautiful to see these name-brand, recognized schools across all collegiate women’s sports now playing flag football,” Stone said. “I’m just proud to see it. Where do we go next? Only straight up from here.”
Rylen Bourguet, a junior at ASU who gave up a beach volleyball scholarship to join the club team, didn’t even have the chance to play flag football at Tucson Salpointe Catholic High School. The school had its inaugural season in 2025, winning the 4A state championship. Bourguet comes from a family with deep ties to the sport.
Cailyn Hill (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils breaks away from the offense after an interception as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Cailyn Hill (4) of the Arizona State Sun Devils breaks away from the offense after an interception as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
The Bourguet Family owns Tucson Turf, the premier flag football organization in the state. Her parents, Toby and Vanessa, started playing flag football at ASU in the 1990s.
“Humbled to say that we are the trailblazers for this sport,” Rylen said. “As a young girl, I never thought I would have this opportunity. I played for the straight passion, love of the game.”
Toby has watched the sport come a long way during his time in flag football.
“This is my hobby,” Toby said. “Cowboys, they ride horses. Fishermen, they fish. Musicians have a guitar. I do flag football. The growth of the sport is nothing short of amazing. It’s almost unbelievable. We were playing all over the nation, in parks. To go from what it’s been, then see to where it’s at – and the foundation that the Fiesta Bowl just put down for it – it’s tremendous."
Also in attendance was ASU head football coach Kenny Dillingham, who made a stop at Dorsey Fields. Dillingham said he would support a women’s flag football varsity team at ASU.
“It’s fun to come out here, seeing them play football, running real plays, running throwbacks,” Dillingham said. “I would have no clue how to coach this. It’s really cool to watch how the game is a little bit different at the flag level. It’s fun to be around.”
Dillingham came over to the team at halftime, giving them a pep talk.
Katrina Kowitz (28) runs with the ball as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
Katrina Kowitz (28) runs with the ball as ASU plays USC in the Fiesta Bowl Classic women's flag football quarterfinals on April 19, 2026, in Tempe.
It may seem like a small moment, but it was much bigger for those involved. Athletic director Graham Rossini made a stop as well.
“The signal to me was that these girls finally feel seen,” Pap said. “When Kenny Dillingham comes over and he says, ‘I’m watching. And here’s what’s going to happen next,’ they feel like I’m not only seen, I matter. Things like that are important. To know that we have the support of Kenny — Graham Rossini was out earlier today — that the university sees what we’re doing and they’re ready to support, it’s amazing to us.”
ASU went 3-2 at the tournament, falling to UCF in the semifinals. The game was telecast on ESPNU and the ESPN app, giving the sport a platform it really hasn’t seen before.
Phoebe Schecter, an ESPN flag football analyst, was flown in to call the game.
"The names you’re saying out loud, ‘The Georgia Bulldogs. The Florida Gators.’ You’re talking about top college tackle teams, and now we’re saying these names in a flag football perspective,'' Schecter said. "It’s game-changing. They’re being treated as equal to the tackle game, and that’s something that really hasn’t happened that much for us.”
The plan is for this event to return annually, Fiesta Bowl CEO Erik Moses said.
“We want this to be the biggest, most well-known women’s collegiate flag football tournament in the country every year. Even as the sport starts to formalize, we want this to be an in-season tournament every single year. Frankly, I want Phoenix to be the home of women's flag football. And we're going to do all that we can to try to make that the case."
