Texas Tech currently publishes a two-stage selection process for its 2027–2028 Coed and All-Girl/Small Coed cheer squads: applicants submit an application and qualifying video, and invited finalists attend in-person selections May 14–16, 2027.[17][18]
Current-information note: This guide uses Texas Tech Spirit Program sources—not the University of Texas and not decades-old Texas Tech athletics releases.[16][17][18] Always follow the squad page and email instructions for your cycle if they change.[17][18]
Last verified: August 22, 2026.
Choose the correct Texas Tech squad
Texas Tech has separate current tryout pages for:
Female applicants must choose the route specified in the current instructions because tryouts occur at the same time.[18] Coaches retain discretion over squad composition and fit.[18]
The university lists 2026–2027 cheerleaders on its current roster page, confirming that the program operates both Coed and All-Girl/Small Coed structures.[19]
2027–2028 timeline
The current squad pages publish this timeline:[17][18]
- January 2027: Tryout application scheduled to become available.
- April 20, 2027, 5:00 p.m. Central: Preliminary qualifying video deadline.
- By April 30: Finalists and invitations scheduled to be sent.
- May 14–16, 2027: Invitation-only in-person selection rounds.
The selection process is closed to the public.[17][18] The official FAQ identifies the Sports Performance Complex by Jones AT&T Stadium as the tryout venue; detailed check-in instructions are sent to finalists.[23] Texas Tech notes that the in-person weekend overlaps university commencement and advises finalists to plan lodging early.[18]
Verify every date on your chosen squad page before booking travel.[17][18] The current squad pages concern 2027–2028, but one visible subsection is still mislabeled “2026–2027 Tryout Requirements.” The Coed page’s video-email link also retains a “2025–2026 Cheer Tryout Video” subject, while the not-yet-open application page truncates its instruction to “Submit Skills Video by April.” Do not resolve those anomalies by assumption; use the final January 2027 application or written Spirit Program confirmation.[17][18][24]
Current eligibility and documents
The current Coed and All-Girl/Small Coed pages state that:[17][18]
- current undergraduate Texas Tech students must be enrolled full time in 12 hours;
- current graduate students must be enrolled in nine hours;
- current students need both a current and cumulative GPA of at least 2.0;
- incoming first-year and transfer students must be accepted to Texas Tech for the 2027–2028 academic year;
- upper-level or graduate Texas Tech Health Sciences Center students are not eligible through this process, while undergraduate health-career students enrolled through Texas Tech University may participate;
- candidates need current health insurance; the Coed page says to present the card at final tryouts, while the All-Girl/Small Coed page says at tryout check-in; and
- the current application fee is $45, with payment instructions sent to the application email.
Applicants should confirm that the same details appear on the page for the squad they select.[17][18] Do not use the former 742-1195 number from an old athletics article; the current Spirit Program lists spirit@ttu.edu for questions and 806-742-5433 as its office number.[18][19]
Preliminary qualifying video
Texas Tech’s current process requires a personal-interview and skills video before the invitation-only in-person round.[16][17]
Use the official Cheer Tryouts skills and format page when the 2027 application opens. It organizes the preliminary video around:
- a newly filmed personal-interview section;
- three connected jumps;
- standing tumbling;
- two or three running tumbling passes showing variety; and
- squad- and position-specific stunts.[16]
No game-day material is required in the preliminary video; finalists learn and perform Texas Tech game-day material during the live final round.[16] A standing back tuck on dead mat, grass, or rubberized track is explicitly marked required. Standing fulls and other advanced standing/running passes are listed to include if possessed, not as universal minimums.[16] Texas Tech instructs applicants to use an unlisted YouTube link rather than attaching a video file and to send it through the current method.[16][17]
How candidates are evaluated
Texas Tech says final selections combine scoring, skill assessment, potential, character review, and the applicant’s purpose for joining the squad.[18] The head coach has final authority over squad composition, and score sheets are not released.[18]
That means preparation should extend beyond a checklist:
- answer the personal questions directly and specifically;
- present a clear collegiate image in the preliminary interview;
- use controlled skills you can repeat safely;
- follow video order and attire instructions exactly;
- show coachability during live rounds; and
- use an email address you check, including its junk folder.
Tryout attire
The current All-Girl/Small Coed page specifies black spandex shorts, a solid black fitted top or sports bra, cheer shoes, a white 2¼-inch grosgrain ribbon, and the requested hairstyle for that route.[18]
Coed attire differs by applicant role and is published on the Coed page.[17] Recheck attire before filming or attending; do not assume a prior-year image or another squad’s instructions apply.[17][18]
Planning checklist
Before January 2027
- [ ] Decide which squad route fits your role and goals.
- [ ] Review admissions status if you are an incoming student.
- [ ] Review any linked expectations document and verify its effective dates; the PDF currently linked from the tryout pages states an enforcement period of May 1, 2025 through May 10, 2026 and should not be treated as final 2027–2028 policy.[29]
- [ ] Build safe, repeatable game-day, tumbling, and stunt material with qualified supervision.
- [ ] Monitor the current program page and official social accounts for updates.
When the application opens
- [ ] Complete the correct squad application.
- [ ] Use an email address you control and check regularly.
- [ ] Pay only through the official method supplied by Texas Tech.
- [ ] Follow the current video order and unlisted-link instructions.
- [ ] Confirm the Central Time deadline.
If invited to finals
- [ ] Verify acceptance, enrollment, GPA, and insurance requirements.
- [ ] Reserve refundable travel or lodging where possible.
- [ ] Bring only documents and attire named in the finalist communication.
- [ ] Treat practices and interactions as part of the evaluation.
Safety
Texas Tech’s tryout material directs applicants to follow USA Cheer collegiate stunting safety guidance.[16] Newly filmed skills are preferred; dead mat is highly preferred for tumbling, and a spring-floor skill may be required on dead mat during live tryouts.[16] Train partner stunts and tumbling only with qualified supervision, appropriate spotters, and an appropriate surface.[16]
For broader preparation, use:
- Cheerleading Tryout Tips
- Cheer Stunts and Tumbling Hub
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
- Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum Texas Tech tumbling skills?
The current preliminary-video page explicitly requires a standing back tuck on dead mat, grass, or rubberized track and asks for three connected jumps.[16] It recommends additional standing/running passes and position-specific stunts, but those advanced lists are not all universal minimums. Selection also considers potential, character, squad needs, and other factors.[16][17][18]
What GPA is required?
The current Coed page states a current and cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for current Texas Tech students.[17] Incoming first-year and transfer candidates must be accepted to Texas Tech for 2027–2028.[17][18] Verify the rule on your selected squad page when the final application opens.
Are tryouts open to spectators?
No. Texas Tech states that the in-person selection process is closed to the public.[17][18]
Can Texas Tech Health Sciences Center students try out?
The current page says upper-level and graduate Health Sciences Center students cannot participate through this process, while undergraduate health-career students enrolled through Texas Tech University can.[17] Ask the program if your enrollment classification is unclear.
Where should questions go?
Use spirit@ttu.edu or the contact named on the current squad page.[17][18] The Spirit Program office lists 806-742-5433.[18][19]
Sources
[16] Texas Tech Spirit Program, current tryout video format and skill recommendations
[17] Texas Tech Spirit Program, 2027–2028 Coed Cheer Tryouts
[18] Texas Tech Spirit Program, 2027–2028 All-Girl/Small Coed Tryouts
[19] Texas Tech Spirit Program, current 2026–2027 Cheerleaders
[23] Texas Tech Spirit Program, Cheer Tryout FAQ
[24] Texas Tech Spirit Program, Cheer Tryout Application
[29] Texas Tech Spirit Program, dated 2025–2026 Policies and Expectations PDF
