STUNT is rapidly emerging into one of the fastest growing collegiate sports in the United States. Originally developed as a competitive offshoot of cheerleading, STUNT has evolved into a standalone sport and one which emphasizes athleticism, precision, and teamwork. With its recent recommendation for full NCAA championship status and a surge in varsity programs nationwide, STUNT is now one of the fastest-growing and most influential sports for female student-athletes. Our latest blog sheds more light on STUNT's rapid development and the increasing opportunities available for those athletes aspiring to take the leap into collegiate sport ...
What is STUNT?
STUNT is a head-to-head team sport that removes traditional cheerleading elements like crowd-leading and focuses entirely on technical performance. Teams compete in four quarters: partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumps and tumbling, and team routines. Each routine is scored based on execution, synchronization, and difficulty, creating a fast-paced and strategic competition format.
Unlike cheerleading, STUNT offers a standardized scoring system, making it ideal for collegiate and potentially international competition.
The History of Stunt
STUNT was launched in 2010 by USA Cheer to provide more competitive opportunities for female athletes. It was officially added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in 2023 for Divisions I and II, and in 2024 for Division III. By spring 2025, STUNT had surpassed the NCAA’s benchmark of 40 varsity programs across all divisions, qualifying it for championship status consideration
In May 2025, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics recommended that legislation be introduced to establish a National Collegiate STUNT Championship. If approved at the 2026 NCAA Convention, the first championship could be held as early as spring 2027.
Explosive Growth in Numbers
STUNT’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. In just two years, the number of NCAA institutions sponsoring STUNT has more than doubled. As of mid-2025:
- Over 40 NCAA schools sponsor STUNT at the varsity level
- Five divisions competed at the 2025 College STUNT National Championship
- Scholarship limits have increased to allow up to 65 roster-based scholarships per program.
- Viewership and attendance at national events have surged, with the 2025 College Nationals streamed live on FloCheer
This growth reflects not only institutional investment but also rising interest among athletes from cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance backgrounds.
Who Are the Top Collegiate STUNT Programs?
Several universities have emerged as leaders in STUNT across NCAA divisions:
Division I
- California Baptist University (CBU) continues to dominate, aiming for its fifth national title.
- University of Kentucky has built a deep roster, hosting its matches in the iconic Memorial Coliseum.
- Missouri State and Northern Kentucky University are rising contenders with strong recruiting classes.
Division II
- Oklahoma Baptist University claimed its first national title in 2024 and remains a top-tier program.
- Jessup University and Vanguard University have transitioned from NAIA and are now competitive forces.
Division III
- George Fox University and Heidelberg University lead the way, with new programs like Centenary, Gallaudet, and Randolph joining in 2025.
Appeal and Olympic Potential
STUNT’s structured format and emphasis on athletic skill make it an attractive sport globally. Interest is growing in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK, where schools and clubs are beginning to adopt STUNT as a competitive discipline.
With cheerleading already recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), STUNT is seen as a strong candidate for future Olympic inclusion. Its objective scoring system and team-based format align well with Olympic standards, and USA Cheer is actively working to promote STUNT on the international stage.
Scholarship Opportunities and University Investment
As STUNT gains traction, more universities are investing in scholarships and program development. Schools like CBU, Oklahoma Baptist, and Kentucky already offer athletic scholarships, and many others are expected to follow suit. The NCAA’s approval of up to 65 scholarships per program under roster-based rules has opened the door for significant financial support for student-athletes.
STUNT is no longer just an emerging sport—it’s a movement. With NCAA championship status on the horizon, growing scholarship opportunities, and international interest, STUNT is poised to become one of the most influential and exciting sports of the next decade. For student-athletes looking to compete at the highest level, STUNT offers a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and opportunity.
If you're ready to explore scholarship opportunities within STUNT, register your interest with FirstPoint USA today and take the first steps towards your student-athlete journey!
