The University of Nebraska is making waves by accelerating the launch of its women’s flag football program, previously set for 2028, to this spring. Spearheaded by coach Liz Sowers, this decision positions Nebraska as a pioneer in adopting this burgeoning sport among major universities.
Sowers shared with Nebraska Public Media News that the team plans to engage with a variety of opponents, including both Division I and NAIA schools. She emphasized, “Our goal is to play the best of the best,” highlighting the mix of elite programs and high-caliber NAIA teams they aim to face.
Currently, around 16 Division I institutions are slated to join the women’s flag football ranks. Sowers anticipates that over time, a clear distinction in talent levels between NAIA and NCAA programs will emerge.
Adding to the competitive excitement, a budding rivalry with Cal Poly is already on the horizon. Sowers and her sister, Katie, an assistant coach, initially planned to coach at Cal Poly before choosing Nebraska. “There [are] some national team players on Cal Poly, and so whether they know it or not — and I know they know it — there’s a rivalry there already,” Sowers noted.
Nebraska stands out as the sole Power Four conference school with a women’s flag football team, which Sowers describes as giving them a significant advantage. Despite the upcoming season not being officially sanctioned by the NCAA, the team aims to begin playing games as early as February, weather permitting.
Although the NCAA will not hold a flag football championship by 2027, Sowers believes in the importance of a championship-like competition this year to propel the sport forward. “Ideally, we’d like to get the varsity programs, NCAA Division I varsity programs, together and have some sort of championship or something to play for,” she explained.
Nebraska’s roster is set with 16 women, many of whom are former players from Ottawa University, where Sowers achieved five national championships. The coach expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for larger schools like Nebraska to take on the sport, offering better prospects for players’ education and reducing student debt burdens.
The university plans to increase athletic scholarships, aiming for 25 by spring 2029. This change comes in response to new eligibility guidelines starting the eligibility clock from a certain age, prompting the advancement of the program’s start date.
The Huskers are preparing for a dynamic season, with the possibility of playing up to 24 games. The 7-on-7 format, featured at Hibner Stadium in Lincoln, promises a thrilling, fast-paced experience combining elements of traditional football.
