2025 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships recap

The 2025 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships delivered an exciting finale to the season, bringing elite competition, unforgettable moments, and championship energy to Texas. In partnership with Rice University and the Houston Texans, the NIRSA Championship Series proudly welcomed 34 teams from across the country. Competing across four divisions, teams battled all week for the opportunity to be crowned NIRSA Flag Football National Champions.

From highlight-reel plays to hard-fought matchups, the tournament showcased the very best of collegiate flag football—athleticism, strategy, and sportsmanship on full display.

CoRec Division

The University of Georgia – High School Has Beens returned to the national stage with a familiar goal: defend their dynasty. After capturing national titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Georgia entered the 2025 playoffs as the fifth seed, facing a tougher road than years past. Princeton University, the second seed, stood on the opposite side of the bracket, setting the stage for a dramatic postseason.

Both teams made early statements in the first round, with Princeton defeating Northwestern State 27–6 and Georgia taking down High Point University 19–6. In the semifinals, Georgia earned a decisive victory over the University of Maryland, while Princeton powered past Angelo State, sending both teams to the championship game.

The title matchup lived up to the hype. In a tightly contested battle from start to finish, the University of Georgia and Princeton traded big plays and momentum swings. Georgia’s Jacob Jackson delivered a standout performance with two touchdown receptions, while Princeton’s offensive attack was led by a dynamic showing from Cameron Crow and Matthew Avallone. In the end, Georgia held on for a thrilling 14–12 victory, securing its fourth consecutive CoRec National Championship.

Unified Division

The Unified Division once again embodied the spirit of competition, participation for all, and joy that defines NIRSA Unified sport. Every game brought high energy, enthusiastic support from sidelines, and meaningful moments throughout the week.

In the semifinals, the top-seeded University of Nebraska defeated Colorado State University 39–20 to advance to the championship game. On the other side of the bracket, second-seeded Mississippi State overpowered Angelo State with a 40–18 victory to punch their ticket to the final.

The Unified Championship game featured an electric atmosphere, with both teams playing with confidence and cohesion. Nebraska quarterback Garrett Stipke delivered an exceptional performance, throwing six touchdown passes while spreading the ball across multiple receivers. Mississippi State countered Nebraska’s dynamism with strong connections from Trace Cockrel and Cooper Haynes, forming a dynamic duo that kept the game competitive. Ultimately, Nebraska’s balanced attack proved too much, as the Cornhuskers claimed a 41–12 victory and the Unified National Championship.

Women’s Division

Championship Sunday in the Women’s Division featured a familiar rivalry, as the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida met once again with a national title on the line.

Florida showcased dominant defense throughout the bracket, shutting out the University of Maryland 27–0 in the quarterfinals and then defeating the University of Georgia in the semifinals. UCF followed a similar path, earning wins over Georgia College (19–6) and Florida Atlantic (13–7) to reach the championship game.

Florida set the tone early and never looked back. Despite an impressive defensive effort from UCF standouts Lahela Cornett, Emma Dolan, Natalia Mateo, and Eliana Higbie-Long—who combined for several clutch flag pulls—the Gators’ offense proved too explosive. Quarterback Meike Row connected with Maci Joncich, Taylor Marie Brockman, and Manasvi Vijayaraghavan for key touchdowns, leading Florida to a 20–7 victory.

The win marked yet another Women’s National Championship for the University of Florida and further solidified the Sunshine State’s dominance. Notably, no school outside of Florida has claimed a Women’s National Championship since 2006.

Men’s Division

The Men’s Division championship featured a matchup between fourth-seeded NC State and third-seeded Georgia College. NC State advanced after defeating the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (33–6) and edging past Grambling University, a previous championship finalist, with a 26–21 semifinal win. Georgia College earned their spot by defeating Union University (34–15) and the University of Maryland (47–13).

The championship game was a grind. Battling both tough defenses and off-and-on downpours, neither team gave an inch. After a hard-fought contest marked by physical play and resilience, Georgia College emerged victorious, claiming the Men’s National Championship.

Positive Sporting Behavior Awards

The following institutions were recognized for exemplifying the core values of sportsmanship and respect throughout the tournament:

• CoRec Division: High Point University
• Unified Division: Colorado State University
• Women’s Division: University of Georgia
• Men’s Division: South Texas College

These teams demonstrated that positive sporting behavior remains a cornerstone of intercollegiate competition.

Thank you to our officials and volunteers

A special thank you goes out to our outstanding student officials, whose dedication and professionalism were essential to the success of the tournament. Congratulations to all, and especially to our All-American Officials:

• Griffin Bittel – Auburn University
• Isaiah Denis – Auburn University
• Travis Emory – University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Aidan Haglund – University of Missouri–Columbia
• Amari Harrington – University of Maryland
• McKenna Riddle – University of Missouri–Columbia
• Ashley Sanders – Missouri State University
• Dawson Sanders – Georgia Southern University
• John Smith – University of Missouri–Columbia

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers and staff who made this championship possible. NIRSA relies on passionate professionals from across the country to deliver exceptional tournament experiences.

Committees

• NIRSA Tournament Committee: Lauren Carlson and Josh Hale
• Tournament Experience Committee: Alex Bruman, Ethan Cobb, AJ Henderson, Jerrell Kelly, Phoebe Kurniawan, Adam Minnick, DeJonTae Roberson, Aaron Rodriguez, Tylar Tidwell, Sam Wary, and Johnathan Wood
• Competition Committee: Austin Hebert and Emily Schneider
• Officials Committee:  Fauz Adeyinka, Stephanie Calhoun, Dianna Choque, Isaac Estrada, Aaron Dueker, Nathan Ha, Emilee Howard, Danny Kandell, Britton Lyon, Clifford Richardson,    Chris Spencer, Joe Wise,
• Media Committee: Katelyn Gill and Connor Haines
• Operations Committee: Connor VanOverberghe, Regan Shaffer, and Eric Vaughn
• Unified Committee: Jordan German and Rachel Vermeltfoort

A final thank you to Rice University and the Houston Texans for their outstanding partnership and support, as well as our presenting sponsor NFL FLAG for their continued involvement at both Regional and National Championship events.

Congratulations to all teams, officials, and staff for making the 2025 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 2026 NIRSA National Flag Football Championships! Watch some of the action on BallerTV.