Do You Need Good Grades to Play College Flag Football?

If you’re a flag football athlete who wants to play in college — or a parent helping your athlete navigate the recruiting process — one of the first questions you might ask is:

"What kind of grades or test scores do they need?"

We pulled admissions data from over 100 colleges with women’s flag football programs across the country — including average SAT and ACT scores, as well as acceptance rates. Here’s what we found.

Most Schools Are Academically Attainable

The average admission rate across these schools is 77%.

In plain terms: the majority of flag football programs are at schools that are academically accessible. If an athlete is putting in the effort in the classroom — even if they’re not taking APs or chasing a perfect GPA — they’re likely in range.

This matters because it widens the pool of opportunities. It’s not just for straight-A students or high-test-score athletes. Flag football has opened doors at schools where character, consistency, and effort matter just as much as scores.

SAT and ACT Scores: The Real Numbers

Let’s get specific.

Of the schools that report test scores:

• Average SAT: ~1089
• Most fall between: 950 and 1170
• Average ACT: ~22
• Most fall between: 19 and 25

Yes — there are a few outliers with scores in the 1200s and upper 20s. Schools like Beloit College, SUNY Geneseo, and University of Redlands trend more academic. But those are the exception.

So if your athlete’s SAT is around 1000 or their ACT is in the low 20s — they’re in range for the majority of programs.

And it’s worth noting that several schools don’t require test scores at all, especially as more colleges continue to go test-optional.

Coaches Look at More Than Your Transcript

Here’s what else matters:

• Are you eligible? (Check with your guidance counselor or state high school association.)
• Are you coachable?
• Do you respond to messages?
• Do you show up consistently — in the classroom and on the field?

That’s what coaches are watching for. It’s not just your 40 time or your test score. It’s how you carry yourself when nobody’s watching.

And the athletes who are getting recruited are usually the ones who give coaches a clear, easy way to find them.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re serious about playing college flag football, here are a few simple steps to take:

1. Create a profile that includes your film, experience, and basic info
2. Keep your grades steady — you don’t need to be perfect, but eligibility matters
3. Know where you stand academically — and look at schools that match
4. Upgrade your profile when you're ready to stand out to coaches and get featured

We built Flag Football Finder to make this whole process easier — for athletes, families, and coaches. And stories like Ansleigh Virden (who got a college offer just weeks after upgrading her profile) are proof that it’s working.

You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to take the next step.

Start building your profile →

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