In Ohio, girls flag football has rapidly grown from just five teams in 2021 to becoming an officially recognized varsity sport. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) voted unanimously in June 2026 to give it full varsity status. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, it will be the 29th sanctioned sport in the state and the 15th for female athletes. This change allows more girls to participate in high school sports, as many had never played a varsity sport before. Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, offers an accessible way to get involved.
This development was supported by professional football teams in Ohio, including the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns helped start the sport by organizing events and providing uniforms and equipment. The number of participating schools increased significantly, doubling each year between 2025 and 2026. To gain official recognition, at least 150 high schools needed to have teams, and Ohio surpassed this with 162 programs. The Bengals also supported the sport in the southern part of the state.
To meet OHSAA requirements, a structured coaches association was formed, with leaders like Hannah Lee and Jenner Tekancic from the Browns playing key roles. Ohio uses a five-on-five format, which matches international standards and professional leagues. This is important as flag football will be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Many other states also offer girls' football programs. In May 2026, Macedonia Nordonia won the first state championship. Now, thousands of girls will compete as official varsity athletes, with the potential to reach even higher levels, like the Olympics.