Kean University has announced the addition of women’s flag football to its varsity sports lineup, bringing the total number of varsity sports to 24 for the 2025-26 season. The program will begin at a recreational level this spring and transition to varsity status by Spring 2026.
“We are committed to creating more athletic opportunities for our female students while enhancing our programs overall,” stated Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. He highlighted the rising popularity of flag football and expressed excitement about students being pioneers in this emerging sport.
The university joins other institutions across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels in adopting women’s flag football. The sport is anticipated to gain recognition as an Emerging Sport for Women by the NCAA soon.
The NFL supports women’s flag football at both collegiate and high school levels, contributing to its growing momentum nationwide. Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations, welcomed Kean University Cougars into what he described as “the extraordinary flag movement.”
This development marks the tenth sport added under President Repollet’s leadership, joining other sports such as cross country, track and field, golf, wrestling, and eSports.
Kelly Williams, Kean University’s athletic director, expressed enthusiasm about introducing women’s flag football due to its rapid growth in popularity and strong student interest.
Flag football is also expanding at the interscholastic level. According to NFHS data from the 2023-24 school year, nearly 43,000 girls participated—more than double from the previous year.
B.J. Johnson from Kean University remarked on this new chapter in their athletic program: “We are proud to support the expansion of women’s sports and provide new opportunities for our student-athletes.”
In collaboration with the New York Jets, Kean will host this year’s New Jersey Girls High School Flag Football Championship at their Alumni Stadium later this year. Students interested in joining can contact B.J. Johnson via email for more information.
