The spirit of Buckeye Nation has never shined brighter. The Ohio State University Cheerleading Squad has been officially crowned the #1 Cheer Team on the Planet by ESPN after a dazzling, heart-stirring performance at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship in Orlando, Florida.
The competition brought together the best cheer programs from around the world, each striving for perfection and global recognition. Yet, when the Ohio State cheerleaders took the stage, they didn’t just perform—they inspired. Their routine, a seamless blend of breathtaking stunts, flawless synchronicity, and radiant smiles, captivated judges and audiences alike. It wasn’t simply athleticism on display—it was artistry, storytelling, and a heartfelt expression of team unity.
ESPN analysts praised the Buckeyes’ performance as “a gold standard in modern cheerleading,” noting the squad’s ability to combine high-level difficulty with effortless grace and infectious energy. “They are more than athletes,” one commentator shared. “They are dreamers, storytellers, and soul-lifters who bring the true spirit of Ohio State to life.”
For the team, the recognition was the culmination of tireless hours of training, sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond. Team captain Emily Johnson reflected on the honor with emotion: “This moment is bigger than all of us—it belongs to Ohio State, our families, our coaches, and everyone who believed in us. Being named the best in the world is humbling, but what means the most is knowing we touched hearts while doing what we love.”
Back home in Columbus, the celebration was immediate and electric. Students, alumni, and fans of Buckeye Nation flooded social media with messages of pride, calling the cheerleaders the Queens of the Mat, the Heart of the Spirit, and the Sweet Soul of Ohio Nation. The achievement further strengthens Ohio State’s legacy of excellence, proving that the Buckeye spirit extends far beyond the football field and basketball court.
This global crown is not just a title—it is a shining reminder of what passion, perseverance, and teamwork can achieve. The Ohio State Cheerleading Squad has carried the pride of their university onto the world stage and emerged as true champions.
As ESPN declared: “The Buckeyes didn’t just cheer—they conquered, they inspired, they won the world.”
