The countdown is on! 2026 NCA High School Nationals is set to bring together the nation’s top high school cheer programs for one of the most anticipated weekends of the season. With months of preparation behind them and everything on the line, teams will take the mat ready to chase history, defend legacies, and make statements on one of cheerleading’s biggest stages!

As the championship approaches, here are the top divisions and storylines to watch heading into the weekend.

Friday Night Lights

Who doesn't love a little Friday Night Lights? Friday, January 23, 2026 kicks off the weekend with divisions like Game Day Rally and Mascot, accompanied by incredible recognition opportunities, only offered at NCA High School Nationals. You don't want to miss this!

• NCA Scholarship Nominee Introductions
• GO BE GREAT Nominee Introductions
• NCA Scholarship Winner Announcements
• GO BE GREAT Winner Announcements
• Performance by Special Olympics Texas

Clean Execution Will Be The Difference

At the national level, difficulty is a given. What separates finalists from champions is cleanliness. Sharp motions, secure stunts, stuck tumbling, and controlled baskets will be under the microscope all weekend. Need an example of strong execution? Watch 2025 Advanced Varsity Crowd Leading Small Champions, Moore High School:

Pressure Will Test Every Athlete

NCA High School Nationals is as much a mental test as it is a physical one. Bright lights, packed arenas, and championship stakes demand composure—especially for athletes competing on this stage for the first time.

Veteran leaders and senior-heavy squads will be crucial, setting the tone and helping teams navigate the pressure that defines Nationals weekend. Let's take a walk down memory lane with the Top 10 Most-Watched Routines in 2025!

Innovation Meets Tradition

Fans can expect routines that reflect both the evolution of the sport and the classic NCA style. Creative choreography, dynamic pacing, and elevated transitions will play a major role, while clean execution and crowd engagement remain essential.

This balance of innovation and tradition continues to push high school cheer forward—and 2026 is shaping up to showcase that growth on a national scale.

Watch Every Moment LIVE

2026 NCA High School Nationals will stream LIVE on Varsity TV. Catch these incredible programs—and so much more—January 23-25!

2026 Results: NCA High School Nationals

Results for 2026 NCA High School Nationals can be found here once they become available.

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