In a moment that will be remembered as a pinnacle of collegiate pageantry, the Ohio State Buckeyes Marching Band—affectionately dubbed “The Best Damn Band in the Land” (TBDBITL)—has been officially named the World’s Best Marching Band by ESPN. The declaration came following a show-stopping, internationally televised performance that left millions in awe, cementing the band’s legacy and reigniting global interest in the tradition of marching excellence.
The historic performance, held during the halftime show of the College Football Global Series in London, England, was unlike anything previously witnessed on such a stage. Blending precision, innovation, musical excellence, and cultural resonance, the Ohio State band captivated a global audience with a tribute to world unity and artistic collaboration.
ESPN’s declaration came hours after the performance, marking the first time in its history that the sports network has officially bestowed the “World’s Best” title to a collegiate marching band.
Setting the Stage: A Global Opportunity
The rare opportunity for a college marching band to perform at an international sporting event was born from Ohio State’s inclusion in the inaugural College Football Global Series, a new initiative aiming to showcase NCAA football on a worldwide stage. When the Buckeyes were selected to play in London’s iconic Wembley Stadium against SEC powerhouse Georgia, fans were immediately excited. But what no one anticipated was that the band would steal the entire show.
Weeks before the game, reports emerged that TBDBITL was preparing something “monumental.” Band Director Dr. Christopher Hoch, a revered figure within music and academia, had hinted at “something the world has never seen before.”
What unfolded on that historic night exceeded even the most optimistic predictions.
A Performance That Transcended Borders
The show, entitled “Harmony Across Hemispheres,” opened with the band’s traditional ramp entrance, flawlessly adapted for the curved tunnels of Wembley Stadium. From the first resounding boom of the percussion section, the crowd was spellbound. The band’s drill featured a seamless, 12-minute journey through iconic global symbols: the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer, and even the Big Ben clock tower—all depicted through breathtaking precision in the field formations.
A moment of collective awe swept over the stadium as the band formed a spinning globe, perfectly synchronized to the band’s rendition of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” Then, in a moment hailed as “transcendent” by ESPN commentator Rece Davis, the band spelled out “PEACE” in over 50 languages, while drones above illuminated the formations with vibrant, choreographed lights.
“It was more than a halftime show,” said Davis. “It was a cultural event. An artistic statement. And above all, a masterclass in what human coordination, creativity, and heart can accomplish.”
Reaction from Around the Globe
Social media platforms exploded in real-time with praise. Hashtags like #TBDBITL, #OhioStateBand, and #MarchingBandOfTheWorld trended for over 48 hours on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and celebrities alike sharing clips and messages of awe.
Chris Hemsworth tweeted, “I’ve seen symphonies and Cirque du Soleil—but what Ohio State’s band just did in Wembley was unreal.”
World-renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel called the performance “a defining moment for music and movement.”
Even the Vatican chimed in, with the Pope’s official X account posting: “Art, unity, and peace portrayed through music. Bravo to the Ohio State Buckeyes Marching Band.”
The cultural magnitude of the event drew the attention of ESPN’s global editorial board, who immediately convened after the performance. The next morning, a breaking news segment aired on SportsCenter International, naming the band the “World’s Best.”
What It Means to Be “The Best Damn Band in the Land”
Founded in 1878, the Ohio State Marching Band has long been synonymous with musical and visual excellence. From its signature Script Ohio formation to its renowned halftime tributes—ranging from Michael Jackson to cinematic masterpieces—the band has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with brass, percussion, and human movement.
Known for their military-style precision and all-brass instrumentation, TBDBITL operates with a rigor and standard befitting elite athletic programs. Each performance is treated as an opportunity to innovate, to stun, and to honor the traditions of the university and the art form.
Director Dr. Hoch, who took the reins in 2016, has led a transformation that has turned TBDBITL into a multimedia powerhouse. Under his guidance, the band has invested in drone technology, lighting integration, and collaborative programming with artists around the world.
“Excellence has always been our goal,” Hoch said in a post-performance press conference. “But tonight was about sharing that excellence with the world—and showing what American collegiate bands are capable of on a global stage.”
Inside the Preparation: 6 Months in the Making
The London performance was no impromptu exhibition. Planning began nearly six months prior, with TBDBITL staff secretly collaborating with cultural consultants, lighting engineers, and drone operators from four different countries. All while continuing their full performance schedule in Columbus, Ohio.
Band members rehearsed up to 20 hours a week, mastering new marching techniques and formations specifically designed for the dimensions and surface of Wembley’s pitch.
“It was exhausting, but we knew we were part of something historic,” said drum major Mason Espinosa, whose flawless high toss and one-handed catch in the finale earned a standing ovation. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
Buckeye Nation Swells with Pride
Back in Columbus, thousands gathered on The Oval and High Street to watch a live simulcast of the performance. When ESPN’s announcement came, Ohio State’s campus erupted in celebration. University President Dr. Kristina Johnson released a statement praising the band for “showcasing not only Buckeye pride, but the highest ideals of global unity through music and movement.”
Football head coach Ryan Day also joined the chorus of praise. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: our band is the best in the world. This proves it.”
Current and former Buckeyes athletes, alumni, and fans flooded social media with videos of Script Ohio tributes, flash mobs of impromptu brass performances, and celebratory gatherings.
ESPN’s Historic Acknowledgment
While ESPN has covered halftime shows and marching band competitions for decades, never before had it formally declared a global #1. The editorial board stated in its release:
“What we witnessed from Ohio State’s band transcends sport. It elevated an entire cultural tradition to a global stage and set a new gold standard. We are proud to recognize them as the World’s Best.”
This unprecedented declaration also includes plans for a featured ESPN documentary, “TBDBITL: The Rhythm of the World,” to debut in fall 2025, chronicling the band’s preparation, performance, and impact.
Marching Forward: What’s Next for TBDBITL?
With their place atop the global stage now cemented, the Ohio State Marching Band is already looking ahead. Dr. Hoch confirmed that the band has received invitations to perform at events in Tokyo, Berlin, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in North America.
More importantly, the band hopes its accomplishment inspires other college and high school bands to pursue bold new artistic directions.
“Our performance wasn’t just about us,” said assistant director Dr. Russel Mikkelson. “It was about showing the world what marching bands can be in the 21st century—ambassadors of art, culture, and human potential.”
Legacy Sealed in Brass and Passion
The Ohio State Marching Band’s crowning as the World’s Best is more than a title—it’s a legacy solidified through dedication, brilliance, and heart. From the sweat of summer rehearsals to the glittering lights of Wembley, every step of their journey has embodied the values of innovation, discipline, and unity.
For generations of Buckeyes, this moment is a testament to what can be achieved when tradition meets ambition. For the world, it’s a reminder of the universal power of music—and that sometimes, the most unforgettable performances don’t come from athletes on the field, but from the artists marching across it.
