The roar of the crowd was deafening, the energy in the arena electrifying, and the performance unforgettable. On a global stage, under dazzling lights and the scrutiny of millions, one team rose above the rest with unmatched precision, charisma, and heart. That team was none other than the Ohio State University Cheerleading Squad. And now, following their breathtaking performance at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship, ESPN has officially proclaimed them the #1 Cheer Team on the Planet. A title so bold, so prestigious, and so globally respected that it instantly transformed them from collegiate favorites into worldwide icons of the cheerleading world. The announcement didn’t just acknowledge a single event—it confirmed a legacy in motion, one that had been carefully built, tirelessly trained for, and fiercely protected through years of evolution, ambition, and unity.
The journey to this monumental recognition was no accident. It was the result of intense discipline, daily sacrifice, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of pride in representing not only their university but also the entire American collegiate cheer system. In a field where creativity, athleticism, and team chemistry intersect, Ohio State’s squad didn’t just meet the standards—they redefined them. They didn’t come to simply compete. They came to set a new benchmark. And when the judges’ final scores were tallied and ESPN’s panel gave their verdict, there was no ambiguity left: Ohio State had earned their crown. From their high-flying stunts to the flawlessly synchronized tumbling passes and pitch-perfect spirit calls, the team displayed every element of elite cheerleading at a world-class level. Their routine was not only technically sound but emotionally resonant—an inspiring blend of passion, precision, and performance art that moved even seasoned critics and veteran coaches alike.
The International Cheer and Dance Championship, held in Tokyo this year, welcomed teams from over 30 countries. It was a showcase of talent, culture, and athletic excellence from around the globe. Teams from countries like Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and Brazil brought their very best, raising the competition to unprecedented levels. The event itself has grown massively in prestige and coverage, with ESPN providing live broadcasts, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and in-depth interviews. Every team that stepped onto the floor brought their culture, traditions, and interpretations of cheerleading into one massive melting pot of athleticism and artistry. And yet, in the midst of that brilliance, it was Ohio State that delivered the moment that will be remembered for generations.
Their routine was nothing short of a visual spectacle and an emotional rollercoaster. From the opening beat, when the music dropped and their first pyramid soared skyward, the entire audience was hooked. Every jump, flip, and toss was executed with surgical precision, but more importantly, with joy and confidence that radiated far beyond the confines of the stage. They made the impossible look effortless and the challenging look exhilarating. There’s a fine line between choreography and chemistry, and Ohio State blurred that line perfectly. Their transitions flowed like water, their stunts rose like fire, and their presence hit like thunder. Even seasoned analysts at ESPN noted that what Ohio State brought wasn’t just technique—it was storytelling through movement. Their performance told a tale of resilience, power, and unity, and the judges saw it clearly.
But beyond the sparkle and roar of the championship win, lies a deeper story. The Ohio State Cheerleading program has been steadily building toward this global breakthrough for years. Under the leadership of Head Coach Lauren Mills, now widely regarded as a visionary in the sport, the team developed a training program that fused the traditions of American collegiate cheer with cutting-edge techniques, mental conditioning, and a global competitive awareness. Mills had long preached that the future of cheerleading was international, and she prepared her team to not just compete in that future—but to lead it. From strength training to mindfulness practices, the squad’s preparation left no stone unturned. Each athlete was treated not just as a performer, but as an ambassador of excellence.
The training facility at Ohio State became a crucible of excellence, with long hours, grueling routines, and an uncompromising focus on the fundamentals. But within that intensity grew a powerful bond—a sisterhood and brotherhood that fueled every lift, every flip, and every yell. The team didn’t simply train together; they built trust, challenged each other to grow, and learned how to shine as one unit. That chemistry is not something that can be faked. It’s forged through adversity, late-night practices, shared meals, and mutual respect. And it’s precisely what allowed them to thrive under the bright lights of Tokyo, performing not just for themselves, but for every Buckeye watching back home and every young cheerleader dreaming of greatness.
Their global recognition also comes at a significant time for the sport itself. Cheerleading has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. What was once seen primarily as a sideline support activity has now evolved into a full-blown athletic discipline with international governing bodies, Olympic aspirations, and a deeply committed fan base. Teams are judged on far more than just enthusiasm—they are evaluated on difficulty, execution, creativity, and overall impact. And with ESPN’s expanded coverage and formal endorsement, cheerleading is finally receiving the global respect it has long deserved. Ohio State’s title as the #1 Cheer Team on the Planet isn’t just a trophy—it’s a cultural milestone.
Social media exploded in the aftermath of the announcement. Clips of their routine went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, garnering millions of views in just hours. Former alumni, celebrities, and athletes from across disciplines flooded comment sections with praise. The Buckeye community, already one of the most passionate in collegiate sports, united in celebration. “Global Queens” and “Planet Buckeyes” became trending hashtags, as fans across continents tipped their hats to the red-and-gray powerhouse. ESPN even dedicated a full segment titled *“Royalty Rises: How Ohio State Took the Global Crown”*, where analysts broke down every section of their championship-winning routine and offered insights into their meteoric rise.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond the trophy room. Already, high schools across the U.S. have reported a spike in cheerleading interest, with many citing Ohio State’s performance as the moment that lit their competitive fire. Recruiting for the university has surged, with prospects from across the country and even international hopefuls expressing interest in joining the program. More importantly, young athletes are beginning to understand that cheerleading is not just a path to school spirit—it’s a pathway to international acclaim, a demanding but rewarding athletic journey that pushes both body and soul to new limits.
And while the celebration continues, the work has already begun again. Coach Mills and her team are not resting on their laurels. In interviews following their win, she emphasized that while the crown is sweet, defending it will require even more innovation, discipline, and heart. “Being named the best in the world is a tremendous honor,” she said, “but it also comes with responsibility. We’re not just representing Ohio State anymore—we’re representing the standard. And that means pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve.”
For the athletes themselves, the experience is life-changing. Many of them are already receiving endorsement opportunities, being invited to international clinics, and featured in documentaries and sports specials. For a group that often operates in the shadow of other collegiate sports, this newfound spotlight is both exhilarating and humbling. “We’re just so proud,” said team captain Morgan Hale in a post-win interview. “Proud of our team, proud of our school, and proud to show the world what cheerleading really is. We’re athletes, we’re artists, and now—we’re world champions.”
This historic moment marks a shift not only in Ohio State’s narrative but in the global trajectory of cheerleading. It confirms that American collegiate programs still lead the way in innovation, training, and execution, but it also signals that the future of cheer is undeniably international. Ohio State’s 2025 triumph will be studied, emulated, and remembered as the performance that lit the next stage of evolution for the sport.
So, as the confetti settles and the crown sits proudly in Columbus, one thing is clear—there’s a new queen in town. The Ohio State Cheerleading Squad has taken the world by storm and earned their title as the number one cheer team on the planet. And with every toss, twist, and triumphant yell, they’ve reminded us all why cheerleading is not just a sport—it’s a phenomenon.
