ORLANDO, FL – The world of competitive cheerleading has a new, undisputed monarch, and she hails from the heart of the Midwest: the Ohio State University Cheerleading Squad. In a monumental announcement that reverberated globally, ESPN has officially crowned the Buckeyes the #1 Cheer Team on the Planet following their truly jaw-dropping performance at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship. This wasn’t merely a victory; it was a conquest, a breathtaking display that not only dominated the competition but also inspired countless aspiring athletes and left the entire cheer community in awe. To the Queens of the Mat, the Soul of the Sideline—Ohio Cheerleaders! Shine, Shine on, sweet Buckeyes —because legends don’t follow waves… they create them.
The 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship, held at the prestigious ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is the pinnacle event for collegiate and all-star cheerleading. It brings together the most elite teams from across the globe, each vying for the coveted title of world champion. The atmosphere is electric, the stakes are incredibly high, and only the most flawless and innovative routines rise to the top.
Ohio State’s journey to this global coronation has been one of relentless dedication, groundbreaking innovation, and a fierce commitment to excellence. While the Ohio State Spirit Program (which includes cheer and dance) has had recent success, including winning the UCA/UDA College Nationals “Gameday Division” in both 2024 and 2025, this “International Cheer and Dance Championship” recognition from ESPN elevates their status to an entirely new, undisputed level of global supremacy. It signifies a performance that transcended traditional scoring and captured the imagination of experts and audiences worldwide.
While specific details of the Buckeyes’ championship routine have yet to be fully dissected by analysts, reports from those present at the event describe a performance that was nothing short of revolutionary. It wasn’t just about perfectly executed stunts or synchronized tumbling; it was about the artistry, the sheer power, and the emotional resonance that the Ohio State squad brought to the mat.
- Unrivaled Difficulty: The routine reportedly pushed the boundaries of cheerleading, incorporating never-before-seen sequences of intricate pyramids, gravity-defying basket tosses, and complex dismounts. Each element was executed with a precision that defied belief, demonstrating thousands of hours of tireless practice and a collective synergy that can only be forged through unwavering trust and dedication.
- Flawless Execution: In a sport where a single bobble or misstep can cost valuable points, Ohio State’s performance was reportedly seamless. Every stunt hit, every tumbling pass landed perfectly, and every transition flowed with liquid grace. The level of synchronization across the entire squad was so profound it bordered on telepathic, showcasing a mastery of their craft that left no room for doubt.
- Innovative Choreography: Beyond the technical difficulty, the Buckeyes’ routine was praised for its creative vision. It reportedly blended traditional cheerleading elements with fresh, dynamic choreography that captivated the judges and the audience from start to finish. It told a story, evoked emotion, and presented a spectacle that was both athletically astounding and artistically inspiring.
- Unmistakable Presence: Even through a screen, the Ohio State cheerleaders exuded an undeniable charisma and stage presence. Their energy was infectious, their smiles genuine, and their commitment to every single movement palpable. They didn’t just perform; they commanded the space, drawing every eye and captivating every heart in the arena.
ESPN’s declaration of Ohio State as the “#1 Cheer Team on the Planet” is not a fleeting recognition. It’s a testament to a program that has cultivated a culture of excellence, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in competitive cheerleading.
- Years of Dedication: This global coronation is the culmination of years of hard work by coaches, athletes, and support staff. It reflects the relentless pursuit of perfection in practice, the unwavering commitment to physical conditioning, and the mental fortitude required to perform under immense pressure.
- The “Soul of the Sideline”: Beyond the competition mat, the Ohio State cheerleaders are an integral part of the Buckeyes’ athletic identity. They are the “Soul of the Sideline,” embodying school spirit, galvanizing the crowd at football games in the Horseshoe, electrifying the atmosphere at basketball games in Value City Arena, and serving as tireless ambassadors for the university. Their presence and energy are synonymous with Ohio State’s athletic prowess, and this global honor further elevates their role.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: This achievement will undoubtedly inspire countless young cheerleaders across Ohio, the United States, and indeed, the world. It showcases that with dedication, talent, and teamwork, the highest levels of achievement are attainable in this incredibly demanding and athletic sport. It proves that cheerleading is a legitimate, high-performance athletic endeavor that deserves global recognition.
- Setting a New Standard: The Buckeyes didn’t just win; they conquered. They didn’t just perform; they inspired. They didn’t just compete; they shook the world. By delivering a performance of such unparalleled quality, they have effectively set a new global standard for competitive cheerleading. Future teams will now look to Ohio State as the benchmark, striving to emulate their technical mastery, artistic vision, and unwavering confidence.
“Legends don’t follow waves… they create them.” This mantra perfectly encapsulates the Ohio State Cheerleading Squad’s latest triumph. They haven’t simply ridden a trend; they have forged a new path, showcasing what is truly possible when skill, dedication, and passion converge. This global confirmation from ESPN ensures that the 2025 Ohio State Cheerleading Squad will forever be remembered as trailblazers, the “Global New Queens” who elevated their sport to unprecedented heights. The cheers from Columbus will now echo across the planet, celebrating a championship that is truly of the world. Shine on, sweet Buckeyes, indeed.
