Minneapolis (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota Spirit Squad successfully defended two national championships this weekend at the 2026 UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships in Orlando. The Gophers finished first in both the Cheer (D1A Small Coed Game Day) and Dance (D1A Pom) categories.

Gophers’ strong performance in Orlando

What we know:

The Gophers took first place in the Cheer (D1A Small Coed Game Day) and Dance (D1A Pom) divisions. They also took third place in the D1A Jazz (Dance) Finals and the Small Coed D1A Finals. The event took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

With this victory, the Gophers cheer squad won the national championship for the first time in their history last year, making it their second consecutive championship. The dance team won its 24th title.

Goldy Gopher has been improved

Let’s dig deeper:

Goldy Gopher moved up from 4th place last year to 2nd place in the mascot category. Brutus Buckeye of Ohio State University took the top spot, and Smokey of Tennessee State University took third place.

Gophers 2026 UCA and UDA Results

In terms of numbers:

Here’s how the Gophers team finished the weekend.

support

D1A Small Coed Game Day: National Champion:

1. Minnesota
2. Memphis
3. James Madison

D1A Small scale co-educational support:

1. Memphis
2. Purdue
3. Minnesota

dance

D1A Pom:

1. Minnesota (4 consecutive national titles)
2. Texas Tech University
3. Ohio

D1A Jazz:

1. Ohio
2.LSU
3. Minnesota

D1A mascot

Mascot department

1. Ohio State University (Brutus Buckeye)
2. Minnesota (goldie gopher)
3. Tennessee (Smokey)