Flag football is coming to the Big Ten.
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Nebraska announced that its new women's flag football program will begin competition in spring 2027, one year earlier than originally planned.
The Cornhuskers announced the addition of women's flag football as their 25th varsity sport in January, initially targeting a 2028 debut.
Instead, Nebraska says the program is ready to go.
"Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and we are excited that our student-athletes will get to participate in this fast-paced sport one year earlier than previously planned," Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen said.
Five-time national champion coach Liz Sowers was hired in February to become the program's first head coach. Her twin sister, Katie Sowers, serves as associate head coach.
Katie Sowers is already well known in football circles. She previously became the first woman to coach in a Super Bowl while serving as an offensive assistant with the San Francisco 49ers.
Nebraska has assembled a 16-player roster for its inaugural season, featuring 11 transfers and five freshmen from seven states.
The Cornhuskers will play their home games at Barbara Hibner Stadium, which also hosts Nebraska's women's soccer program.
A complete 2027 schedule is expected to be announced later this fall.
Women's flag football was approved as an NCAA emerging sport in January, with the organization expected to hold its first national championship in 2028.
The sport will also make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
