Cheer and Dance Advance to Finals at 2026 NationalsCheer and Dance Advance to Finals at 2026 Nationals

Cheer and Dance Advance to Finals at 2026 Nationals

by Ken Landis
Opens in a new window Tickets Opens in a new window Watch ($)

ORLANDO – Both the UCF cheer and dance team will be competing for a championship on Sunday, with each squad advancing through the semifinal round on Saturday.

UCF’s afternoon started with a third-place finish in the Cheer Division IA semifinals, earning a raw score of 90.9 that posted as an 88.4. The Knights were within striking distance of the two squads ahead of them, finishing behind fellow powerhouses Alabama and Kentucky who had scores of 92.2 and 89.3, respectively. The Knights along with nine other squads from the semifinals will compete in the Cheer Coed Finals for a national title tomorrow evening starting at 8:45 p.m. The Knights are slated to compete at 9:27 p.m.

UCF dance hit the floor for its first of two routines on the day, competing in the Division IA Jazz semifinals after advancing through its prelim on Friday. Unfortunately, the Knights did not qualify for Sunday’s final, missing the cut by less than a point. The Black and Gold finished in 16th with an 88.3 score; the final qualifying spot went to Penn State at 89.1833.

Unphased, the dance team took to the stage later in the evening for its Hip Hop routine, looking to return to the final just as they did last year, which led to the program’s best finish. Saturday’s performance saw the Knights place fourth in the semifinals, securing a spot in Sunday’s final. The Hip Hop final gets underway at 3:15 p.m. with UCF competing at 3:51 p.m.

The Knights cheer team is looking to add to its four national championships when it takes to the stage Sunday evening. UCF’s dance squad looks to match or improve upon its program-best finish of third it accomplished in last year’s final.

Sunday, Jan. 18

  • Dance Hip Hop Finals
    3:51 p.m. – AdventHealth Arena South (Red)
  • Cheer Coed Finals
    9:27 p.m. – AdventHealth Arena South (Red)

TICKETS
Fans planning to attend this weekend's action can purchase tickets here. Tickets are valid for a single day of admission, per person for the selected event date. Online sales will be available throughout the event. Park reservations are not required at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Visit the link for more information.

ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.