Texas Tech selects its 2027–2028 cheerleaders in two stages. First comes an application with a qualifying skills video. Invited candidates then attend in-person semifinal and final tryouts on May 14–16, 2027. There are two squad routes: CoEd and All-Girl/Small CoEd. This guide uses the Texas Tech Spirit Program’s own Cheer Recruitment and Cheer pages.
Heads up: Texas Tech has moved its Spirit Program pages to a new address, and the old
/spiritsquads/links now go to an error page. Use the links in this guide. If a bookmark takes you to a “page not found” error, start from the new Cheer page.Last verified: September 29, 2026.
Texas Tech’s cheer squads
- CoEd Cheer combines stunting, tumbling, pyramids, baskets and traditional collegiate cheerleading. It supports Red Raider athletics and competes nationally.
- All-Girl & Small CoEd Cheer provides additional spots for highly skilled cheerleaders. Members take part in athletic events, Spirit Program activities and competition based on team assignments.
Texas Tech notes that team composition and competitive divisions “may change from year to year based on program needs and competition requirements.” Skill expectations also differ between the two squads, so check the requirements for the route you choose.
2027–2028 timeline
- January 2027: the tryout application becomes available.
- Tuesday, April 20, 2027, by 5 p.m. Central: the qualifying skills video and application materials are due.
- By Friday, April 30, 2027: invitations to the in-person selection are sent.
- May 14–16, 2027: invitation-only semifinal and final tryouts, in person.
The live selection process is closed to the public. Details such as the venue and check-in instructions go to invited candidates, so wait for your invitation before booking travel.
Eligibility and requirements
According to Texas Tech’s Cheer Recruitment page:
- You must complete the cheer tryout application once it opens.
- You must read and agree to the program’s expectations and policies.
- Incoming first-year and transfer students must be accepted to Texas Tech for the 2027–28 academic year.
- Current undergraduates must be enrolled full-time in at least 12 semester hours. Current graduate students need at least 9 hours.
- Current students must have a cumulative and current GPA of at least 2.0.
- You must have current health insurance.
- There’s a $45 tryout application fee. Payment information is sent after Texas Tech receives your application.
The qualifying video
Every applicant submits a qualifying skills video for the preliminary round:
- Submit it as a YouTube link, not an email attachment.
- Expectations differ between the CoEd and All-Girl/Small CoEd squads. Follow the instructions for your route in the January 2027 application.
- Video bypass: some athletes can earn a bypass at designated Texas Tech Cheer clinics. A bypass skips the video round but doesn’t guarantee a spot on a squad.
Film only skills you can repeat safely and consistently. Tumbling on a dead mat or similar hard surface shows judges what you’ll actually do at games. Build up the basics first: a consistent standing back tuck and clean partner or group stunts. See our guides on flying and basing.
What the program offers
Texas Tech lists these program benefits for Spirit Program members:
- Leadership scholarship opportunities.
- Coverage for out-of-state tuition.
- A meal plan.
- Travel expenses.
- Uniforms and accessories.
- Academic tutoring.
- A strength and conditioning program.
- An athletic trainer and team doctor.
- National competition opportunities.
Texas Tech calls it “a significant commitment throughout the academic year and summer.” Responsibilities include:
- Practices, strength and conditioning, and national competition preparation.
- Football, basketball, volleyball and other athletic events.
- Pep rallies and campus, community and alumni appearances.
- Summer practices, plus travel for games and competition.
Planning checklist
Before January 2027
- Decide which squad route fits your stunt role and goals.
- If you’re an incoming student, stay on top of your Texas Tech admission.
- Build safe, repeatable tumbling and stunt skills with qualified supervision.
- Watch for Texas Tech Cheer clinics, which may offer a video bypass.
When the application opens
- Complete the application for the correct squad.
- Use an email address you check regularly, including the junk folder.
- Pay the $45 fee only through the method Texas Tech sends you.
- Upload your video as a YouTube link before April 20 at 5 p.m. Central.
If you’re invited to the in-person tryouts
- Confirm your admission, enrollment, GPA and insurance status.
- Follow the attire and check-in instructions in your invitation.
- Book refundable travel and lodging where you can.
For broader preparation, see:
- Cheerleading Tryout Tips
- Cheer Stunts and Tumbling Hub
- Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Frequently asked questions
When are Texas Tech cheer tryouts?
For the 2027–2028 team, videos and applications are due April 20, 2027. Invited candidates attend in-person semifinals and finals on May 14–16, 2027.
What GPA is required?
Current students need a cumulative and current GPA of at least 2.0. Incoming first-year and transfer students must be accepted to Texas Tech for 2027–28.
How much does it cost to try out?
The application fee is $45.
Can I skip the video round?
Possibly. Some athletes receive a video bypass through designated Texas Tech Cheer clinics. A bypass doesn’t guarantee selection.
Are tryouts open to spectators?
No. The live selection process is closed to the public.
Who do I contact?
Texas Tech’s Spirit Program staff page lists Bruce Bills, Head Cheer & Mascot Coach (bruce.bills@ttu.edu), and the Spirit Program office at 806-742-5433.
Sources
Texas Tech Spirit Program: Cheer Recruitment (timeline, requirements, fee, video), Cheer (squads, commitment, benefits) and Spirit Program Staff (contacts). All pages checked September 29, 2026.
