The 2026 women's college flag football season is nearing its end, after multiple conference championships were decided last week. Since there was no recap last Sunday, we'll look at some of the happenings, with a specific focus on the conference tournaments. As usual, we'll look at each governing body (NCAA, NAIA, JUCOs, etc.) and end with a small preview of next week's games. Click here to check out previous recaps for the 2026 spring season. There's a table of contents below if you are looking for a specific conference or governing body. Also, be sure to check out the conference tournaments page.

Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic

The inaugural Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic took place last weekend on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. Eight NCAA Division I teams - 7 clubs and 1 varsity team - competed for the title. In the end, UCF defeated Florida 19-7 in the championship game.

NCAA

There were six conference championships decided in the NCAA over the previous two weekends, with some incredible performances. We'll start with the Atlantic East.

Atlantic East

The top two teams entering the Division III Atlantic East Conference tournament were Marymount (VA) and Eastern (PA), and that's exactly who reached the championship game. Marymount struck first when Cara Vollmer found Alexandria Veltri, and a missed flag pull by Eastern allowed Veltri to run into the end zone. Eastern had two goal-to-go drives after the Marymount score, but failed to convert on either one. Marymount took a 6-0 lead into the break.

Marymount doubled its advantage to 12-0 at the start of the second half when Jesenia Velez ran the ball in from two yards out. Eastern responded immediately on the next drive, with Kira Green finding Molly Schellpeper for a touchdown on fourth down. The extra point try was converted, leaving Marymount with a 12-7 lead.

The defenses showed up the rest of the way. Eastern forced Marymount to give the ball back twice more, including the final drive of the game. Eastern had another goal-to-go chance to win the game and the AEC title, but Marymount's defense forced an incompletion to win 12-7. It was the second straight Atlantic East Championship for Marymount, which won last year's title 12-0 over Eastern.

Conference Carolinas

The NCAA D-II Conference Carolinas tournament took place last weekend, and it was a showdown between the top two teams. Wingate (NC) and Ferrum (VA) tied for the regular season title, but it was Wingate that was the top seed. They defeated Mount St. Mary's (MD) 31-0 in the quarterfinals and Barton (NC) 32-18 in the semifinals. Ferrum crushed Mount Olive (NC) 72-0 in the quarterfinals and had to survive a test against Lees-McRae (NC) 27-20 to reach the final.

Ferrum opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run from Breyana Kimmons to take an early 7-0 lead. After that, it was mostly Wingate, which scored on two second quarter drives for a 14-7 halftime lead. The Bulldogs made it a 26-7 lead in the third quarter and cruised to a 32-14 win.

Jhenelle Francis threw for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns, while adding another 60 yards and 3 scores on the ground. Wingate's Addison Morgan was named the tournament MVP.

Empire 8

The D-III Empire 8 Conference Championship saw an upset in the semifinals. Second-seeded SUNY Brockport (NY) handled Hartwick (NY) 47-18 in the first semifinal, but Elmira (NY) stunned the top-seeded SUNY Geneseo Knights (NY) 34-26. Elmira had lost the previous two matchups by a combined margin of 59-21. Elmira staged a 20-point comeback against Geneso, led by Hannah Smith's 354 yards and 5 touchdown passes. Amarionah Dixon had 15 catches for 178 and 4 touchdowns, as well as 9 flag pulls and an interception on defense.

In the Championship game, Elmira had a 12-0 lead and looked poised to seize total control of the game. Brockport's Addy VanDeWater returned an interception for a touchdown to cut the deficit in half. Elmira was driving midway through the second quarter following the pick, but it was VanDeWater's second interception that ended the threat. Brockport recorded another interception when Lauren Cundra ended another Elmira drive, and Brockport cashed it in for a touchdown as time expired in the first half. Brockport led 13-12 at halftime, but there were plenty of fireworks left.

The teams traded touchdowns on their opening possessions. On Elmira's two-point attempt, Megan Gerber caught a deflection and returned it the length of the field to make it a 22-18 lead for Brockport. Elmira scored to open the fourth quarter and take a 24-22 lead, but Brockport responded on the next drive with Gerber finding VanDeWater for a 29-24 lead.

Brockport added a much-needed insurance touchdown late when Gerber weaved through the defense to extend the lead to 36-24. Elmira would add a touchdown in the final minute to make the final score 36-31. Gerber was named tournament MVP. She tallied 127 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions through the air, but had another 260 yards and 1 score on the ground.

MCWFFL

The College of Saint Benedict (MN) and Concordia-Moorhead (MN) won their respective semifinal games in the Midwest College Women's Flag Football League (MCWFFL) to set up a matchup of the two teams. The Bennies won a 13-12 nail-biter over St. Olaf (MN), while Moorhead crushed UW-Stout (WI) 34-13. In the championship game, Saint Benedict rallied from a 20-6 deficit in the second half to win 26-20. Drew Buslee had two touchdown catches and returned an interception for a touchdown.

NACC

The D-III Northern Athletics College Conference (NACC) held its first tournament in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on the campus of Marian University. The first game of the day was between the two heavyweights, and it took overtime to determine the winner. The defenses were out as neither Aurora (IL) nor Marian scored in regulation. Aurora's Kaylin Morgan hit Jennah Grice for an 8-yard score and converted the extra point to give the Spartans a 7-0 lead. Marian responded with a touchdown pass from Holly Goodwin to Kendall Graves, but failed to convert the two-point attempt.

The other semifinal between Benedictine (IL) and Rockford (IL) also showcased defense. Rockford eked out a 6-0 win thanks to a rushing touchdown by Quentasia Mills. The consolation game between Marian and Benedictine was all Marian. The Sabres won 34-0 behind Goodwin's 4 touchdown passes, with Graves and Nyedeng Awak having two apiece.

In the NACC championship game, Aurora gave up a first quarter touchdown to Rockford, but that was the only blemish. Morgan threw for 219 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Clare Strong recorded 2 interceptions. The Spartans won 33-6 as Strong was named tournament MVP.

Skyline

The D-III Skyline Conference championship was dominated by St. Joseph's Long Island (NY). SJLI hosted the tournament on Friday, April 17, and posted a 38-13 win over SUNY Old Westbury (NY) in the semifinal. St. Joseph's Brooklyn (NY) defeated Mount Saint Mary (NY) 35-13 in the other semifinal to set up the all-St. Joseph's final.

In the final, SJLI scored early and held a 19-6 halftime lead. Brooklyn kept the game interesting with a touchdown late in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 19-12, but SJLI scored two fourth quarter touchdowns for the 32-12 win.

United East

The D-III United East Conference championship took place entirely on Saturday. Gallaudet (D.C.) handled Cedar Crest (PA) 27-6 in the first semifinal, while Penn State Harrisburg (PA) fended off Cairn (PA). Nadia King's 60-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter was the difference for Harrisburg in the 27-21 win.

The final was the third meeting between Gallaudet and Harrisburg. Gallaudet had won the first two games 34-20 and 38-19 to secure the top seed for the tournament. Harrisburg opened the scoring early in the second quarter when King found J'ene Thompson from five yards out. The extra point try was no good as Harrisburg took a 6-0 lead.

Gallaudet responded with a long drive down the field. Facing second and goal, Harrisburg's Nyra Perez intercepted the pass to end the threat. Both teams had chances to put points on the board throughout the rest of the half, but drives stalled out near midfield. Harrisburg's final drive ended in Gallaudet's red zone as the first half expired.

Harrisburg started the second half with another chance to extend the lead, but the fourth-and-goal pass fell incomplete. Gallaudet's subsequent drive stalled at midfield, which gave Harrisburg the chance to extend its lead. On 3rd and 9, King found an open Morgan Cruz, who ended up in the end zone after three missed flag pulls by Gallaudet.

Gallaudet broke through on the next drive, as Gianna Visco found Jada Zarembka free in the middle of the field. The extra point try was successful, cutting the Harrisburg lead to 12-7 with 10 minutes remaining. Zarembka would get the ball back via an interception, and the Gallaudet offense methodically drove down the field. On fourth and goal from the five, Harrisburg brought the pressure and forced a sack to seal the United East title.

Nadia King threw for 218 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 pick, while rushing for 40 yards. Bianca Williams recorded 10 flag pulls and 1 sack, which was the game-winning one. Williams was named tournament MVP. Gianna Visco threw for 309 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in the loss.

NAIA

Three of the four NAIA conferences determined their automatic qualification bids to the NAIA Invitational this weekend. The Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC) determined its winner on Friday, April 17, which is where we begin.

GSAC

The GSAC tournament started on Thursday, April 16, with La Sierra (CA) defeating Arizona Christian 21-13 in the first semifinal, followed by Hope International (CA) crushing Simpson (CA) 44-8 in the second semifinal. Those results set up a matchup of the top two seeds in the championship game.

Second-seeded La Sierra took the advantage on the first play of the second quarter when Ariana Rivera threw a rocket to Matea Verdugo for a 7-0 lead. It was the first time HIU had trailed in any GSAC game in 2026. HIU had a chance to respond, but a sack on fourth and goal ended their chances. The Royals finally got on the board in the final minute of the half when Anahi Morales threw a perfect pass to Layla Mayes just beyond the goal line.

HIU took the lead on its first drive of the second half in what would be the eventual game-winning touchdown run by Morales. She was able to avoid the pressure and multiple flag pull attempts as she spun her way into the end zone. The extra point try was unsuccessful, and the Royals led 13-7. HIU's defense stood tall the rest of the way and didn't allow La Sierra to reach the red zone in the second half.

Hope International claimed the inaugural GSAC tournament to win the AQ bid to the NAIA Invitational in May.

KCAC

The KCAC tournament came down to the top 2 teams. Ottawa (KS) and Baker (KS) both steamrolled their opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals to set up the title match. Ottawa defeated Hesston (KS) 54-0 in the quarters and Graceland (IA) 51-6 in the semis. Baker bested William Woods (MO) 32-6 in the quarters and put up an impressive 40-13 win over Kansas Wesleyan in the semifinals.

Ottawa opened the scoring midway through the first quarter when Anna Anderson found Olga Sotillo at the pylon. The Braves made it 14-0 late in the second half when Anderson found Alyssa Linkous from 12 yards out. Baker responded in the waning seconds with a one-yard run by Sanija Waller to make it 14-6 at the break.

The Wildcats started the second half the same way the first half ended. Tara Llorente connected with Kaley Phillips from 16 yards out to make it a 14-12 Ottawa lead. Baker intercepted Ottawa on the next drive, but was unable to cash in, and the Braves made them pay. Anderson found Tatiana DosSantos open near the goal line, and she spun her way in to extend the lead to 20-12. Baker's next drive would tie the game as Llorente caught a bubble screen from Phillips, and Waller ran in the two-point conversion.

Ottawa had the ball next and did what Ottawa does: they showed championship resolve. Anderson found a completely unguarded Sotillo for the touchdown. The Braves missed the extra point try and left the door slightly ajar for Baker to win. That door slammed shut when Kaysie Hart intercepted a deep pass from Llorente to seal the win.

Ottawa won its sixth straight KCAC conference title and claimed the conference's AQ bid to the NAIA Invitational. Ottawa will be looking to repeat as NAIA champs for the sixth year in a row.

NAIA East (Independents)

Campbellsville University (KY), Cumberland University (TN), Lindsey Wilson University (KY), Milligan University (TN), Siena Heights University (MI), and the University of Saint Francis (IN) met in Columbus, Indiana, to determine the NAIA East's AQ bid.

Pool play on Thursday gave way to the six-team bracket on Friday. Milligan and Saint Francis were the top teams in their respective pools and received byes to the semifinals. Milligan took care of Siena Heights 21-0 to reach the title game, while Saint Francis needed a late score to hold off Campbellsville 26-18.

In the title game, both teams traded touchdowns to make it 7-7. After that, it was all Saint Francis, which scored 19 second quarter points to take control 26-7 at halftime. The Cougars added another touchdown in the second half to win 32-7 and end Milligan's unbeaten start to the season. Jianna Reyes went 33 of 40 for 311 yards and 4 touchdown passes, while adding another 34 yards and 1 score on the ground.

Sun

The Sun Conference championship came down to the top two teams in the conference: Keiser (FL) and Warner (FL). Warner was the tournament host as the top seed and won the previous matchup against Keiser on Saturday, April 11, 26-13.

The scoring started midway through the first quarter. On fourth and goal, Kathryn Hutchinson found Jessica Finley on a crossing route to make it 6-0 after a failed extra point try. Keiser responded immediately, thanks in large part to busted coverage in the secondary, which allowed Dakota Moberg to nearly score. Two plays later, Ava Wallace and Moberg finished the drive to tie the game at 6.

It took all of one play for Warner to respond. Hutchinson saw O'Mariah Gordon flying past the secondary and hit her in stride on the way to the end zone for a 13-6 lead. Keiser was unable to respond as the defenses began to settle in... until the final two minutes. Warner added another score in the final 90 seconds with Hutchinson and Avalon Lux-Offermann connecting to make it a 19-6 game at the break.

After a scoreless third quarter, Warner extended the lead early in the fourth. Gordon took the snap on second and goal, planted her foot, and cut up the field for the score. Warner led 25-6, and Keiser would add a late score to cut the lead to 25-14. Warner won its first Sun Conference title with the win. Keiser has reached five of the six Sun championship games, sporting a 3-2 record in those games. Warner receives the Sun's AQ bid to the NAIA Invitational in May.

NAIA Invitational Picture

The 2026 NAIA Invitational will have eight (8) teams competing for the title. Four (4) of the teams won bids via conference tournament automatic qualification (AQ), and the other four (4) will be at-large selections.

The four AQ Bids have gone to Hope International (CA) from the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC), Ottawa (KS) from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), the University of Saint Francis (IN) from the NAIA East's four conferences, and Warner (FL) from the Sun Conference.

My guesses as to the four at-large teams would be: Baker (KS) and Kansas Wesleyan from the KCAC, Keiser (FL) from the Sun, and Milligan (TN) from the NAIA's independents. I have to think Baker and Keiser are locks at this point, so it comes down to the final two spots. That's where it will be a choice between two of the following: Kansas Wesleyan (KCAC), Milligan (NAIA East), and a pair of Sun Conference teams in Life (GA) and St. Thomas (FL).

Both Life and St. Thomas lost handily in the Sun Conference semifinals, as did Kansas Wesleyan to Baker in the KCAC semis. St. Thomas defeated Life head-to-head at the start of the season and also owns a win over the AQ-bid winner Saint Francis (IN). STU's losses were against Hope International (GSAC winner), Keiser (Sun runner-up), Warner (Sun winner), and Webber International (FL). Life not only has the H2H loss against St. Thomas, but they also lost to Saint Francis. Finally, St. Thomas was ranked higher in the NAIA's RPI and ARC ratings from last Monday.

For Kansas Wesleyan, they have three losses: two against Baker and one against Ottawa (KS). KWU also owns an impressive win at Ottawa, albeit as a non-conference game from late March. There are no "bad" losses to speak of for KWU, and they ranked higher than Baker in the last RPI and ARC ratings releases. Obviously, Baker will jump over KWU in those this week, but I think the win over Ottawa will carry a lot of weight.

I think the final spot comes down to St. Thomas (FL) and Milligan (TN). Milligan was undefeated heading into the NAIA East Championship, but lost pretty big to Saint Francis (IN) 32-7. The Buffs played an NCAA-heavy schedule, but they have a win over D-II Conference Carolinas champions Wingate (26-7), a pair of wins against runners-up Ferrum (26-14 and 48-7), and a win over semifinalist Lees-McRae (13-12). Milligan ranked lower than St. Thomas on the NAIA's RPI from April 20, and I don't know how the selection committee will view the NCAA-heavy schedule. Personally, I would put Milligan over St. Thomas, but I can see the argument for St. Thomas.

I don't think any other teams have a strong enough resume, especially after this weekend. La Sierra (CA) from the GSAC has strong RPI numbers, but has 6 losses to Arizona Christian (1), Hope International (3), and Nevada State (2). Midland (NE) from the KCAC would have needed to beat Ottawa in the semifinals to have a chance, but lost to Graceland (IA) 24-6 in the quarterfinals.

Webber International (FL) from the Sun was rated higher than St. Thomas in the last ARC ratings; however, Webber lost to St. Thomas H2H in the Sun quarterfinals. Webber now has 6 losses to Life (13-12), Sun runners-up Keiser (20-12), NAIA East AQ Saint Francis (21-12), St. Thomas (19-13), Thomas (45-6), and Sun winners Warner (46-6). Webber owns wins over NCAA D-I Alabama State (19-0), GSAC winners Hope International (38-0), and St. Thomas (13-7). Unfortunately, they are very likely to be behind St. Thomas in the pecking order, which probably won't be enough to make the NAIA invitational.

JUCOs and Other Governing Bodies

The NJCAA's lone spring conference had its conference championship this week, while the 3C2A/CCCAA played its first set of games.

FCSAA

The Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) had its championship game on Friday, April 24, between Florida Gateway and Daytona State. It was a defensive matchup, and each team threw multiple interceptions. In the end, it was Katelyn Jewell's precision pass and Layla West's perfect route that gave Florida Gateway the 7-0 win. Jewell was named the MVP, and FGC captured its fourth straight FCSAA title.

Orange Empire

The 3C2A/CCCAA Orange Empire Conference played the semifinals last week at campus sites. Top-seeded Irvine Valley (CA) defeated Golden West (CA) 34-26 on Thursday. Second-seeded Cypress (CA) hosted Saddleback (CA), took a 12-0 lead, and gave up a late score in the 12-6 win. Irvine Valley will host Cypress in the OEC title game on Friday, May 1.

The Weeks Ahead

While the majority of conference tournaments are completed, some will be completed this upcoming weekend. On Friday, the Orange Empire Conference will have its Championship Game between Cypress and Irvine Valley. On Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, the multi-divisional Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) will host its tournament, as will the National Collegiate Flag Football League (NC-FFL).

From Wednesday, May 6, through Saturday, May 9, the NAIA, NJCAA, and Women's College Flag Finals will be held. The NAIA's Invitational, along with the College Flag Finals, will be held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The NJCAA Invitational will be held at the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Although not confirmed yet, it appears the six NJCAA teams that will compete are:

Group 1: Bryant & Stratton College (WI), Florida Gateway College, and Harford Community College (MD).

Group 2: College of DuPage (IL), Daytona State College (FL), and Roxbury Community College (MA).