The energy was electric at the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre this past Saturday, March 7, as the Indianapolis Colts officially selected their cheerleading squad for the 2026 season. After a rigorous audition process that began in early February with virtual preliminaries, 47 elite finalists took the stage to compete in the Final Audition Showcase. Representing 17 different states, these athletes performed high-energy group routines and technical solo sets, demonstrating the precision, athleticism, and “star power” required to represent the longest-running tenured cheer program in the NFL.

➡️  Showcase photos

Following an afternoon of intense competition before a panel of expert judges, the organization officially announced the 26-member squad that will grace the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium this fall. The new roster features a mix of veteran leadership and fresh talent, including local favorites from across Indiana. The event culminated in a tearful and celebratory reveal, which was livestreamed to fans worldwide, marking the beginning of the squad’s 43rd season in Indianapolis.

Beyond their game-day performances for over 63,000 fans, these 26 women will now step into their roles as community ambassadors. In the coming year, the 2026 squad is expected to surpass the 1,200 hours of community service logged by their predecessors, participating in military appreciation tours and mentoring nearly 400 aspiring dancers through the Colts Junior Cheer program. With the final roster now set, the team will begin intensive rehearsals this May to prepare for the 2026 NFL season.