2026 UCA Mascot Nationals: Full Results & Championship Recap

From the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex | Orlando, Florida

The spotlight was firmly on collegiate mascots this January as the 2026 UCA College Cheerleading Nationals returned to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. While cheer and dance programs delivered elite performances all weekend long, mascot competition once again proved why these performers are among the most dynamic and versatile athletes in college spirit.

From legendary veterans to rising stars, the 2026 mascot divisions showcased creativity, athleticism, character commitment, and crowd-driven storytelling on one of the biggest stages in college athletics.

Below are the complete and official finals results for both mascot divisions, along with highlights from an unforgettable championship weekend.

Division IA Mascot — 2026 Final Results

The Division IA Mascot category featured some of the most recognizable mascots in all of college sports. Performances were judged on character consistency, originality, audience engagement, timing, and overall execution.

🥇 National Champion

Ohio State University — Brutus Buckeye

Brutus Buckeye delivered a polished, confident, and crowd-energizing routine to claim the 2026 Division IA Mascot National Championship. The performance blended classic Brutus humor with sharp execution and strong floor awareness, earning top marks from judges and a huge response from the audience.

🥈 Runner-Up

University of Minnesota — Goldy Gopher

Goldy Gopher impressed with expressive character work and clean transitions, earning a strong second-place finish in one of the deepest IA mascot fields in recent years.

🥉 Third Place

University of Tennessee — Smokey

Smokey brought high energy and clear crowd connection, rounding out the podium with a well-received routine that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

📊 Division IA Mascot — Full Finals Placements

1. Ohio State University — Brutus Buckeye

2. University of Minnesota — Goldy Gopher

3. University of Tennessee — Smokey

4. University of Cincinnati — Cincy Bearcat

5. Auburn University — Aubie the Tiger

6. University of Wisconsin — Bucky Badger

7. University of Alabama — Big Al

8. Penn State University — Nittany Lion

9. University of Oklahoma — Boomer

10. University of Texas — Hook ’Em

Open Mascot Division — 2026 Final Results

The Open Mascot Division showcased a diverse mix of programs and styles, where creativity and personality often steal the spotlight. This division continues to grow each year, bringing fresh ideas and standout performances to the UCA stage.

🥇 National Champion

Grand Canyon University — Thunder

Thunder soared to the top of the Open division with a confident, crowd-focused routine that balanced humor, movement, and character storytelling. The performance earned Grand Canyon University the 2026 Open Mascot National Championship, marking a standout moment for the program.

🥈 Runner-Up

Stony Brook University — Wolfie Seawolf

Wolfie Seawolf delivered a fast-paced, entertaining routine packed with personality and strong audience interaction, securing second place.

🥉 Third Place

Villanova University — Will D. Cat

Will D. Cat rounded out the podium with expressive character work and a polished performance that resonated well with judges and fans alike.

📊 Open Mascot — Full Finals Placements

1. Grand Canyon University — Thunder

2. Stony Brook University — Wolfie Seawolf

3. Villanova University — Will D. Cat

4. Austin Peay State University — The Governor

5. University of North Alabama — Leo Lion

🏁 Final Thoughts

The 2026 UCA Mascot Nationals delivered memorable performances, legendary moments, and a powerful reminder of how much mascots contribute to college spirit culture. From Brutus Buckeye’s championship return to Thunder’s Open division victory, this year’s results highlighted the very best in mascot performance.

For fans, performers, and spirit programs alike, one thing is clear:

Mascots don’t just support the show — they ARE the show.