In a groundbreaking moment that redefines the limits of collegiate spirit and global performance excellence, the Ohio State University cheerleading squad has been named the best cheerleading team in the world by ESPN. This distinction follows an astonishing, record-breaking display at an international cheer competition that left judges, spectators, and competitors around the globe in absolute awe. What had long been a regional powerhouse in collegiate cheer has now been globally recognized for a routine so precise, powerful, and emotionally charged that it transcended the confines of the sport itself. From jaw-dropping stunts to seamless coordination, the Ohio State cheerleaders delivered a performance that didn’t just win a title—it reimagined what greatness looks like on the world stage.
Their performance took place at the International Cheer Championship hosted in Tokyo, Japan, where top cheer squads from around the world converged for the most competitive and high-stakes event in the history of the sport. Representing the United States, the Ohio State team came in not just as competitors, but as ambassadors of American collegiate athleticism and spirit. As the lights dimmed and the Ohio State squad took the floor in their scarlet and gray, a hushed anticipation swept the arena. In mere moments, that silence was replaced with a thunderous roar, as the cheerleaders executed a routine filled with acrobatic daring, split-second timing, and an emotional energy that shook the very foundation of the venue.
What set this performance apart wasn’t just its technical difficulty, although that alone was unparalleled. It was the emotional cohesion of the squad, the confidence in every tumbling pass, every flyer tossed twenty feet into the air and caught with feather-like precision. Their routine was an artistic narrative set to music, blending elements of ballet, hip-hop, and martial arts with the foundational cheer movements of stunts, pyramids, and synchronized choreography. The squad pushed physical boundaries while maintaining the foundational elements of cheer—leading the crowd, expressing school pride, and uniting under a singular mission: to inspire and astonish.
Every movement was a symbol. When flyers soared through the air in basket tosses, they represented aspiration. When bases locked arms and formed intricate human sculptures, they represented unity and trust. And when the team came together for the final moment, arms raised, bodies aligned in a perfect tableau of scarlet and gray energy, they represented something even deeper—excellence born from relentless discipline. The performance wasn’t just about skill; it was about identity, storytelling, and courage under global scrutiny.
The cheerleading world had never seen anything like it. ESPN’s commentary team, seasoned experts who had covered hundreds of cheer events, struggled to find words sufficient to describe the magic they were witnessing. “This,” one commentator said, “is the kind of performance that changes the sport forever.” Within minutes, social media was ablaze. Clips of Ohio State’s routine spread like wildfire across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Professional athletes, celebrities, and cheerleading legends began reposting the footage, many of them tagging it with phrases like “unreal,” “history made,” and “perfection.”
The accolades didn’t stop with the championship trophy. ESPN, after reviewing every detail and consulting an international panel of judges and analysts, named Ohio State’s cheerleaders the best in the world. The network described their performance as “a display of strength and accuracy” that not only raised the bar but shattered all preconceived notions about what cheerleading can be. In the network’s official statement, they wrote, “The Ohio State University cheerleaders have reimagined greatness. This isn’t just cheer—it’s art, it’s athleticism, it’s inspiration.”
Back in Columbus, the response was euphoric. The Ohio State campus erupted in celebration as news broke of the global recognition. Students gathered at The Oval waving flags, alumni flooded online forums to express their pride, and the university’s administration issued a formal congratulation to the team, praising their embodiment of Buckeye values. “You have made us proud not just as a team, but as a symbol of what it means to be Buckeye strong,” the message read. The governor of Ohio even issued a statewide proclamation honoring the squad’s achievement, declaring the following day “Ohio State Cheerleading Day.”
What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is the journey the team took to get here. The squad is composed of 40 athletes from diverse backgrounds, united by discipline, vision, and an unbreakable work ethic. Their training regimen is as intense as that of any varsity sport: daily strength and conditioning, choreography sessions, stunt rehearsals, and mental training. Many of the cheerleaders are former gymnasts, dancers, and competitive athletes, who chose Ohio State because of its reputation for excellence and innovation in spirit performance.
Their coaching staff, led by Head Coach Lisa Thompkins, has been instrumental in building the culture of precision and performance. Thompkins, a former world champion cheerleader herself, took the reins of the program five years ago and immediately set her sights on the global stage. Her approach was both technical and philosophical—fostering not only physical excellence but mental clarity, emotional expression, and a sense of team identity. “We’re not just trying to win,” she said after the event. “We’re trying to create moments that people will never forget. That’s what Ohio State stands for.”
Part of what propelled this team to global greatness is the support system behind them. From university athletic resources to alumni funding and cutting-edge training facilities, Ohio State has made a strong investment in its spirit program. While cheerleading is often overlooked compared to traditional sports, the university has embraced its power to unify and inspire. This investment has paid dividends—not just in trophies but in national and now international prestige.
The ripple effects of this historic moment are already being felt. Cheerleading organizations around the world are reassessing their training techniques, choreography styles, and scoring rubrics in light of what Ohio State accomplished. Aspiring cheerleaders, some as young as six and seven, are now citing the Ohio State squad as their inspiration. A new generation of athletes is being shaped by what this team proved: that cheerleading is not ancillary to sports—it is a sport, and one with the power to move audiences to tears and joy.
The ESPN honor comes at a pivotal moment for cheerleading as a sport. With its recognition by the International Olympic Committee and increasing visibility across media platforms, cheerleading is poised to take a larger role on the world’s athletic stage. Ohio State’s performance and subsequent recognition may well accelerate the sport’s global evolution, opening doors for new competitions, sponsorships, and institutional support.
As the team returned home to Columbus, a parade awaited them, complete with confetti, marching bands, and a presentation at halftime during the next Buckeye football game. University President Kristina M. Johnson addressed the crowd, calling the cheerleaders “our ambassadors of excellence” and promising further support for their global ambitions. “You’ve shown the world that Ohio State doesn’t just play to win—we perform to inspire,” she said.
Each cheerleader will likely have their own story to tell about this moment. For many, it will be a career pinnacle. For others, a launchpad into further athletic, coaching, or media endeavors. But for all of them, it will be a memory etched in history: the moment they proved to the world that greatness isn’t measured by trophies alone, but by the hearts you move and the standards you redefine.
In naming them the best cheerleaders in the world, ESPN has done more than hand out an award—it has validated a movement. Ohio State’s cheerleading squad didn’t just show up. They showed out. They lifted spirits, defied gravity, and became icons. And in doing so, they reminded us all of what is possible when talent meets purpose and spirit is elevated to an art form.
leading squad has been named the best cheerleading team in the world by ESPN. This distinction follows an astonishing, record-breaking display at an international cheer competition that left judges, spectators, and competitors around the globe in absolute awe. What had long been a regional powerhouse in collegiate cheer has now been globally recognized for a routine so precise, powerful, and emotionally charged that it transcended the confines of the sport itself. From jaw-dropping stunts to seamless coordination, the Ohio State cheerleaders delivered a performance that didn’t just win a title—it reimagined what greatness looks like on the world stage.
Their performance took place at the International Cheer Championship hosted in Tokyo, Japan, where top cheer squads from around the world converged for the most competitive and high-stakes event in the history of the sport. Representing the United States, the Ohio State team came in not just as competitors, but as ambassadors of American collegiate athleticism and spirit. As the lights dimmed and the Ohio State squad took the floor in their scarlet and gray, a hushed anticipation swept the arena. In mere moments, that silence was replaced with a thunderous roar, as the cheerleaders executed a routine filled with acrobatic daring, split-second timing, and an emotional energy that shook the very foundation of the venue.
What set this performance apart wasn’t just its technical difficulty, although that alone was unparalleled. It was the emotional cohesion of the squad, the confidence in every tumbling pass, every flyer tossed twenty feet into the air and caught with feather-like precision. Their routine was an artistic narrative set to music, blending elements of ballet, hip-hop, and martial arts with the foundational cheer movements of stunts, pyramids, and synchronized choreography. The squad pushed physical boundaries while maintaining the foundational elements of cheer—leading the crowd, expressing school pride, and uniting under a singular mission: to inspire and astonish.
Every movement was a symbol. When flyers soared through the air in basket tosses, they represented aspiration. When bases locked arms and formed intricate human sculptures, they represented unity and trust. And when the team came together for the final moment, arms raised, bodies aligned in a perfect tableau of scarlet and gray energy, they represented something even deeper—excellence born from relentless discipline. The performance wasn’t just about skill; it was about identity, storytelling, and courage under global scrutiny.
The cheerleading world had never seen anything like it. ESPN’s commentary team, seasoned experts who had covered hundreds of cheer events, struggled to find words sufficient to describe the magic they were witnessing. “This,” one commentator said, “is the kind of performance that changes the sport forever.” Within minutes, social media was ablaze. Clips of Ohio State’s routine spread like wildfire across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Professional athletes, celebrities, and cheerleading legends began reposting the footage, many of them tagging it with phrases like “unreal,” “history made,” and “perfection.”
The accolades didn’t stop with the championship trophy. ESPN, after reviewing every detail and consulting an international panel of judges and analysts, named Ohio State’s cheerleaders the best in the world. The network described their performance as “a display of strength and accuracy” that not only raised the bar but shattered all preconceived notions about what cheerleading can be. In the network’s official statement, they wrote, “The Ohio State University cheerleaders have reimagined greatness. This isn’t just cheer—it’s art, it’s athleticism, it’s inspiration.”
Back in Columbus, the response was euphoric. The Ohio State campus erupted in celebration as news broke of the global recognition. Students gathered at The Oval waving flags, alumni flooded online forums to express their pride, and the university’s administration issued a formal congratulation to the team, praising their embodiment of Buckeye values. “You have made us proud not just as a team, but as a symbol of what it means to be Buckeye strong,” the message read. The governor of Ohio even issued a statewide proclamation honoring the squad’s achievement, declaring the following day “Ohio State Cheerleading Day.”
What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is the journey the team took to get here. The squad is composed of 40 athletes from diverse backgrounds, united by discipline, vision, and an unbreakable work ethic. Their training regimen is as intense as that of any varsity sport: daily strength and conditioning, choreography sessions, stunt rehearsals, and mental training. Many of the cheerleaders are former gymnasts, dancers, and competitive athletes, who chose Ohio State because of its reputation for excellence and innovation in spirit performance.
Their coaching staff, led by Head Coach Lisa Thompkins, has been instrumental in building the culture of precision and performance. Thompkins, a former world champion cheerleader herself, took the reins of the program five years ago and immediately set her sights on the global stage. Her approach was both technical and philosophical—fostering not only physical excellence but mental clarity, emotional expression, and a sense of team identity. “We’re not just trying to win,” she said after the event. “We’re trying to create moments that people will never forget. That’s what Ohio State stands for.”
Part of what propelled this team to global greatness is the support system behind them. From university athletic resources to alumni funding and cutting-edge training facilities, Ohio State has made a strong investment in its spirit program. While cheerleading is often overlooked compared to traditional sports, the university has embraced its power to unify and inspire. This investment has paid dividends—not just in trophies but in national and now international prestige.
The ripple effects of this historic moment are already being felt. Cheerleading organizations around the world are reassessing their training techniques, choreography styles, and scoring rubrics in light of what Ohio State accomplished. Aspiring cheerleaders, some as young as six and seven, are now citing the Ohio State squad as their inspiration. A new generation of athletes is being shaped by what this team proved: that cheerleading is not ancillary to sports—it is a sport, and one with the power to move audiences to tears and joy.
The ESPN honor comes at a pivotal moment for cheerleading as a sport. With its recognition by the International Olympic Committee and increasing visibility across media platforms, cheerleading is poised to take a larger role on the world’s athletic stage. Ohio State’s performance and subsequent recognition may well accelerate the sport’s global evolution, opening doors for new competitions, sponsorships, and institutional support.
As the team returned home to Columbus, a parade awaited them, complete with confetti, marching bands, and a presentation at halftime during the next Buckeye football game. University President Kristina M. Johnson addressed the crowd, calling the cheerleaders “our ambassadors of excellence” and promising further support for their global ambitions. “You’ve shown the world that Ohio State doesn’t just play to win—we perform to inspire,” she said.
Each cheerleader will likely have their own story to tell about this moment. For many, it will be a career pinnacle. For others, a launchpad into further athletic, coaching, or media endeavors. But for all of them, it will be a memory etched in history: the moment they proved to the world that greatness isn’t measured by trophies alone, but by the hearts you move and the standards you redefine.
In naming them the best cheerleaders in the world, ESPN has done more than hand out an award—it has validated a movement. Ohio State’s cheerleading squad didn’t just show up. They showed out. They lifted spirits, defied gravity, and became icons. And in doing so, they reminded us all of what is possible when talent meets purpose and spirit is elevated to an art form.
