Big Ten Cheer Tryout Guides: Teams, Requirements, and Official Prep
The Big Ten includes some of the biggest stadiums and most tradition-rich programs in college sports. This hub collects our Big Ten cheer tryout guides so you can compare schools, understand what coaches are likely to evaluate, and prepare for one of the most competitive game-day environments in the country.
Big Ten Schools We Have Covered
The Big Ten has 18 members since Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington joined in August 2024. We have a tryout guide for each one:
| University | Guide |
|---|---|
| University of Illinois | Read the University of Illinois guide |
| Indiana University | Read the Indiana University guide |
| University of Iowa | Read the University of Iowa guide |
| University of Maryland | Read the University of Maryland guide |
| University of Michigan | Read the University of Michigan guide |
| Michigan State University | Read the Michigan State University guide |
| University of Minnesota | Read the University of Minnesota guide |
| University of Nebraska | Read the University of Nebraska guide |
| Northwestern University | Read the Northwestern University guide |
| Ohio State University | Read the Ohio State University guide |
| University of Oregon | Read the University of Oregon guide |
| Penn State University | Read the Penn State University guide |
| Purdue University | Read the Purdue University guide |
| Rutgers University | Read the Rutgers University guide |
| UCLA | Read the UCLA guide |
| USC | Read the USC guide |
| University of Washington | Read the University of Washington guide |
| University of Wisconsin | Read the University of Wisconsin guide |
Looking for Iowa State? It plays in the Big 12. See our Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides.
What Big Ten Cheer Programs Usually Look For
- Reliable tumbling under pressure
- Strong coed stunt fundamentals
- Crowd-leading presence for huge football environments
- Consistency, clean technique, and stamina
- Ability to represent tradition-heavy athletic programs
Best Prep Resources
Review our beginner guide, conditioning workout, base guide, and standing tuck guide before tryouts.
FAQ
Why are Big Ten cheer tryouts so demanding?
Because Big Ten programs often perform in front of very large football and basketball crowds, coaches need athletes who can stay sharp, loud, and composed in high-pressure environments.
Are coed stunt skills important in the Big Ten?
Yes. Many Big Ten programs value strong coed stunt technique, especially for athletes trying out for game-day and competitive roles.