**ESPN REPORT: The World’s Top Cheerleaders Are the Auburn Tigers – Supporters Celebrate as the Auburn University Cheerleading Squad is Formally Awarded**
In the world of collegiate athletics, few honors carry the weight and prestige of being named the best. For decades, Auburn University has been synonymous with excellence, from its storied football program to its elite gymnastics team. But now, another Auburn squad has risen to the pinnacle of its craft, earning global recognition and sending the Auburn Family into a frenzy of celebration. The Auburn University Cheerleading Squad has officially been crowned the world’s top cheerleading team, a title that cements their legacy as one of the most dynamic, skilled, and spirited groups in the history of the sport.
The announcement, made earlier this week by ESPN in collaboration with international cheerleading organizations, sent shockwaves through the competitive cheer world. For years, Auburn’s cheerleaders have been a fixture at the highest levels of competition, dazzling audiences with their precision, athleticism, and showmanship. But this latest accolade—being named the undisputed best in the world—marks a new chapter for the program, one that validates years of relentless dedication, grueling practices, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.
Auburn’s cheerleading history is rich with success. The program has long been a powerhouse in the SEC, consistently ranking among the nation’s elite. Their performances at football games, basketball showdowns, and national cheerleading competitions have become the stuff of legend, blending high-flying stunts, intricate tumbling passes, and an infectious energy that electrifies crowds. But what truly sets Auburn apart is the program’s culture—a blend of tradition, innovation, and an unbreakable bond between teammates.
This year’s squad, led by a mix of veteran leaders and rising stars, has taken that legacy to new heights. Their routine at the recent World Cheerleading Championships was nothing short of breathtaking, featuring gravity-defying pyramids, flawless synchronization, and a level of difficulty that left judges and competitors in awe. When the final scores were announced, Auburn stood alone at the top, a moment that will forever be etched in the program’s history.
The journey to this championship was anything but easy. Behind the glittering uniforms and roaring crowds lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and an unrelenting work ethic. Auburn’s cheerleaders train year-round, pushing their bodies to the limit in pursuit of perfection. Early morning workouts, late-night practice sessions, and countless hours of film study are just part of the routine. Injuries are common, setbacks inevitable, but the team’s resilience has always shone through.
Head coach Jessica Matthews, a former Auburn cheerleader herself, has been instrumental in shaping this championship squad. Under her leadership, the program has embraced a philosophy of “next-play mentality”—a belief that no matter what happens, the focus must always be on what comes next. This mindset has helped the team navigate the pressures of high-stakes competition, allowing them to perform at their best when it matters most.
“This team has heart like no other,” Matthews said in an emotional post-announcement interview. “They don’t just cheer for themselves or for the judges—they cheer for each other, for Auburn, and for every person who has ever believed in this program. That’s what makes them special.”
As news of the championship spread, the Auburn community erupted in celebration. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from alumni, students, and fans, while campus landmarks like Toomer’s Corner were adorned with orange and blue in honor of the team’s achievement. Even Auburn’s athletic department and prominent figures within the university voiced their pride, with football coach Hugh Freeze calling the cheerleaders “the heartbeat of game day” and basketball coach Bruce Pearl praising their “unmatched spirit.”
For the cheerleaders themselves, the recognition is a dream realized. Senior flyer Emily Carter, a four-year veteran of the squad, fought back tears as she described what the title means to her. “We’ve poured everything into this,” she said. “There were days when we were exhausted, when we doubted ourselves, but we never stopped pushing. To hear ‘Auburn’ called as the best in the world… it’s surreal.”
With this championship, Auburn’s cheerleading program has solidified its place among the elite. But if history is any indication, this is just the beginning. The team’s success is expected to attract even more top-tier talent, ensuring that the Tigers remain a dominant force for years to come. Recruits from across the country are already taking notice, drawn not only by the program’s winning tradition but also by its family-like atmosphere and unwavering support from the university.
Beyond competition, the squad’s impact extends to the broader Auburn experience. Whether leading 87,000 fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium or rallying students at a basketball game, the cheerleaders are ambassadors of Auburn spirit. Their energy is contagious, their passion undeniable. And now, with a world championship to their name, they’ve proven that Auburn cheerleading isn’t just a tradition—it’s a standard of excellence.
In the end, this moment is about more than trophies or titles. It’s about the countless hours of hard work, the unbreakable bonds between teammates, and the pride of representing Auburn on the world stage. The Auburn University Cheerleading Squad has earned its place in history, and as the confetti settles and the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: the best cheerleaders in the world wear orange and blue.
War Eagle!
