In an awe-inspiring display that fused precision, passion, and pageantry, the University of Tennessee cheerleading squad etched its name in history with a once-in-a-generation performance that left a global audience breathless. Following their electrifying routine at the UCA College Nationals and their record-breaking international exhibition tour, ESPN officially named the Tennessee cheerleaders the No. 1 Collegiate Spirit Program in the Nation, a distinction that marks a pinnacle moment in the program’s storied tradition.
For those who witnessed it live, either in the arena or through worldwide broadcasts, the performance transcended the bounds of typical cheerleading displays. It was more than stunts, tumbling, and choreography—it was an artistic and athletic showcase of power, pride, and perfection.
A Performance for the Ages
The defining moment came during the 2025 UCA College Nationals, where Tennessee’s cheerleading team unveiled a routine that was immediately hailed as revolutionary. The performance featured an unprecedented combination of technical stunts and storytelling, weaving in Tennessee’s rich sports culture, Volunteer pride, and elements of Tennessee’s music heritage, all set to an original orchestral remix of “Rocky Top.”
Fans and judges alike were left stunned as the squad executed three consecutive elite pyramids without a single bobble, seamlessly blending group tumbling passes, aerial basket tosses, and jaw-dropping partner stunts. The climax of the routine—a triple-tier, double-full twisting dismount that has never before been attempted in collegiate competition—brought the entire arena to its feet.
“When they stuck that last dismount, I knew we were witnessing history,” said UCA head judge Rhonda McAllister. “It wasn’t just clean—it was cinematic. There was risk, innovation, synchronicity, and heart. That’s what championship cheerleading looks like.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to ESPN’s analytics team, Tennessee’s routine received the highest combined score in UCA history, including perfect marks in execution, difficulty, and creativity. The performance was viewed over 10 million times in its first 48 hours on YouTube, with millions more across TikTok, Instagram, and ESPN’s digital platforms.
ESPN’s decision to name Tennessee the No. 1 Collegiate Spirit Program came after a months-long evaluation of all major programs across the NCAA, factoring in performance, community engagement, innovation, and global reach.
“No cheer team captured the world’s attention in 2025 like Tennessee,” said ESPN’s Senior Director of Collegiate Rankings, Blake Morgan. “They aren’t just leaders on the mat. They are ambassadors for what collegiate spirit represents in the modern era—energy, inclusivity, and excellence.”
Global Tour Amplifies Impact
Adding to their stateside accomplishments, Tennessee’s cheerleading squad made history in May by becoming the first collegiate spirit team to headline an international goodwill tour, performing in seven countries across Europe and Asia. Stops included London, Paris, Munich, Tokyo, Seoul, and Rome, where they performed at halftime shows for professional basketball and football teams, held youth cheer clinics, and participated in cultural exchange events.
Their Tokyo Dome performance, in front of 55,000 fans, was streamed live and watched by millions across Asia. Their high-flying, orange-and-white spectacle was met with standing ovations and instantly trended across Japanese social media platforms.
“We were proud to represent not just the University of Tennessee, but the spirit of American collegiate sportsmanship,” said Head Coach Chelsea Wright, a UT alum and former All-American cheerleader herself. “Everywhere we went, we were greeted with love and awe. It reminded us that sport—and spirit—are universal languages.”
The tour not only raised the global profile of Tennessee’s cheerleaders, but also generated over $1.2 million in donations for various charities, including youth sports development programs and earthquake relief in Japan. ESPN highlighted the tour as one of its “Top 10 Global Sports Moments of 2025.”
The Evolution of Tennessee Cheer
While 2025 marked the peak of international recognition, Tennessee cheerleading has long been considered a powerhouse in the spirit world. The program has seven national championships, dozens of All-American honorees, and is a fixture at every major athletic event in Knoxville, from Neyland Stadium in the fall to Thompson-Boling Arena in the winter.
But what makes Tennessee unique is its holistic approach to spirit leadership. The program is deeply embedded in community service, academic success, and personal development.
Athletes on the cheer team maintain high GPAs, are frequently involved in student government, and routinely volunteer in local schools and hospitals. Their mantra—“Vols Lead Loudly”—goes beyond game day.
Senior captain Avery Daniels, who plans to attend medical school after graduation, said the honor from ESPN is a reflection of years of sacrifice and pride.
“This team is my family,” Daniels said. “We’ve trained in the heat, we’ve practiced until midnight, we’ve supported every other Tennessee team through thick and thin. To now have the world see what we’re capable of—it means everything.”
Social Media Explosion
In a digital age where attention is the currency of success, Tennessee cheer has proven itself elite. Their combined social media platforms grew by over 300% in 2025 alone, with standout viral moments including a choreographed routine to Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” and a heartfelt “Day in the Life” series filmed by team members.
Star flyer Maya Harper, a junior journalism major, has emerged as a breakout media personality, with over 1.4 million TikTok followers and a NIL deal with a major athletic apparel brand. Her series of behind-the-scenes videos during the global tour helped humanize the squad and endear them to fans worldwide.
“We’re proud to represent UT,” Harper said. “But it’s also about showing young girls everywhere that you can be smart, strong, stylish, and fearless all at once.”
ESPN’s Recognition and What Comes Next
The official announcement of the No. 1 ranking aired during ESPN’s annual “Collegiate Spirit Night” and was accompanied by a special feature documentary titled “Rocky Top Royalty: The Rise of Tennessee Cheer”, narrated by Peyton Manning. The piece detailed the evolution of the program, the preparation leading to Nationals, and exclusive footage from their international tour.
During the broadcast, ESPN unveiled a brand-new award: The Spirit Excellence Trophy, which was presented live to the Tennessee squad at Neyland Stadium in front of 100,000 cheering fans during the Volunteers’ Orange and White Spring Game.
“This isn’t just about winning,” said ESPN anchor Elle Duncan. “It’s about redefining what collegiate spirit can be. Tennessee’s cheerleaders are leading the charge.”
Looking ahead, Coach Wright has confirmed that the squad will return to UCA Nationals in 2026 with a “fresh, fearless, and even more ambitious” routine. Rumors are already swirling that Tennessee may debut a mixed-gender elite partner stunt division for the first time in program history, potentially breaking another barrier.
In the meantime, the squad is preparing for a high-profile appearance at the 2025 ESPY Awards, where they’ve been nominated in a brand-new category: Best Collegiate Spirit Performance.
A Legacy Bigger Than the Mat
In a time when collegiate programs across the nation are grappling with shifting priorities, NIL changes, and heightened media scrutiny, Tennessee cheer stands as a beacon of consistency, unity, and purpose.
More than just athletes, these Volunteers are role models, trendsetters, and trailblazers. Their historic 2025 season has not only earned them the top spot in collegiate cheer—it has changed the way the world sees spirit.
From Neyland to Naples, from Knoxville to Kyoto, the echoes of their cheers continue to ripple across continents. And as they look toward the future, one thing is clear: The Pride of Tennessee isn’t just on the field—it soars high in the sky, built atop the shoulders of the nation’s best cheer squad.
