The Big 12 is one of the most visible college athletics conferences in the country, and cheerleading programs in this conference often expect strong game-day presence, clean motions, crowd leadership, tumbling confidence, and reliable stunt technique. This hub collects our Big 12 cheer tryout resources in one place so athletes can compare programs, prepare smarter, and move quickly to official school pages.
Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides
The Big 12 has 16 members since Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah joined in August 2024. We have a tryout guide for each one:
| University | Guide |
|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Read the University of Arizona guide |
| Arizona State University | Read the Arizona State University guide |
| Baylor University | Read the Baylor University guide |
| BYU | Read the BYU guide |
| University of Cincinnati | Read the University of Cincinnati guide |
| University of Colorado | Read the University of Colorado guide |
| University of Houston | Read the University of Houston guide |
| Iowa State University | Read the Iowa State University guide |
| University of Kansas | Read the University of Kansas guide |
| Kansas State University | Read the Kansas State University guide |
| Oklahoma State University | Read the Oklahoma State University guide |
| TCU | Read the TCU guide |
| Texas Tech University | Read the Texas Tech University guide |
| UCF | Read the UCF guide |
| University of Utah | Read the University of Utah guide |
| West Virginia University | Read the West Virginia University guide |
Looking for Texas or Oklahoma? Both moved to the SEC in July 2024. See our SEC Cheer Tryout Guides.
What Big 12 Cheer Programs Usually Look For
Big 12 programs typically value athletes who can perform under pressure in loud football and basketball environments. Candidates should prepare polished motions, sharp jumps, strong sideline energy, clean dance execution, and safe stunt technique. Tumbling expectations vary by school, but strong basics and confident execution matter more than throwing skills inconsistently.
How to Prepare for a Big 12 Cheer Tryout
- Review the official spirit squad or athletics page for each school before applying.
- Prepare a clean tryout video if the program requests one.
- Practice game-day chants, fight song energy, and crowd-leading posture.
- Train jumps, flexibility, core strength, and stunt timing weekly.
- Use our cheerleading tryout tips guide and jump height guide as prep resources.
Related Big 12 Prep Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Big 12 cheer teams require tumbling?
Some teams strongly prefer tumbling, while others evaluate overall game-day performance, stunting, jumps, motions, and crowd energy. Always check the official school page because requirements can change each season.
Should I contact the program before tryouts?
Yes. If the official page lists a coach or spirit squad contact, use it for current forms, deadlines, clinics, video requirements, and eligibility details.
How early should I start preparing?
Start at least three to six months before tryouts. Athletes with strong conditioning, flexibility, and consistent basics usually perform better than athletes who rush preparation in the final weeks.