In a moment that left the world in astonishment, the Ohio State Marching Band has achieved a milestone that cements its legacy in music and cultural history — officially crowned the number one marching band globally. This isn’t just a win for the Buckeyes or the state of Ohio; it’s a triumph that echoes far beyond the Horseshoe and into the annals of worldwide performance art.
A Global Recognition Decades in the Making
The Ohio State Marching Band (OSUMB), affectionately known as “The Best Damn Band in the Land” (TBDBITL), has long been regarded as a titan in collegiate and competitive marching music circles. With their hyper-precise formations, spine-tingling brass power, and innovative halftime shows that blend technology with traditional pageantry, OSUMB has set a gold standard for what a marching band can achieve.
Now, that legacy has culminated in a formal recognition that places Ohio State above all its peers: the World Marching Alliance (WMA), an international governing body that oversees performance evaluations across all continents, announced the OSUMB as the #1 marching band in the world for 2025.
The selection process was rigorous, with bands from Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia competing in various performance categories — including technical accuracy, musicality, innovation, crowd impact, and cultural influence. OSUMB led in nearly every measurable metric.
The Artistry Behind the Power
OSUMB’s rise to global supremacy is not merely the result of patriotic pageantry or collegiate enthusiasm. What makes Ohio State’s band the best is a commitment to excellence rooted in relentless rehearsal, historic discipline, and fearless creativity.
One need only look at their iconic “Script Ohio” to understand how tightly OSUMB marries tradition with performance art. Each game day, tens of thousands hold their breath as the band spells out “Ohio” in elegant, flowing cursive across the field — culminating in the legendary “dotting of the i,” performed by a senior sousaphone player. It’s not just a formation; it’s ritual, culture, and collective euphoria.
Under the leadership of Dr. Christopher Hoch, who has served as director since 2015, the band has broadened its scope while staying loyal to its roots. Hoch introduced a suite of modern programming techniques, digital field mapping, and even partnered with music composition software companies to craft groundbreaking halftime arrangements.
“We’re always looking forward,” said Hoch. “We respect our traditions, but we also strive to show people something they’ve never seen before. That’s the spirit of TBDBITL — always innovating.”
Halftime Goes Viral
The Ohio State Marching Band hasn’t just captured hearts in Ohio or the Big Ten — they’ve captivated a global digital audience. In the past decade alone, their performances have gone viral repeatedly, reaching millions on YouTube and social media.
From their Michael Jackson moonwalk tribute to The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and Video Game Medley, the band’s ability to transform the gridiron into a living canvas has stunned even the most skeptical viewers.
In 2014, their “Hollywood Blockbusters” halftime show amassed over 15 million views within weeks. The band formed intricate moving shapes — from Harry Potter’s broomstick to the Titanic sinking — all with pinpoint precision.
This commitment to visual storytelling has helped OSUMB transcend the football field and enter the global zeitgeist, turning college football halftime into appointment viewing around the world.
Uniting Cultures Through Sound
Though born from a distinctly American collegiate tradition, the band’s global accolade is a testament to the universality of music. Marching bands from Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Germany, and South Africa brought unique styles to the WMA evaluations. Yet, OSUMB stood out not by mimicking others, but by confidently presenting their identity — fusing militaristic precision, Midwestern grit, and a cinematic sense of narrative.
The WMA praised Ohio State’s ability to “blend classical and contemporary forms into performances that feel both timeless and timely.” The panel lauded OSUMB’s use of traditional brass instrumentation with modern arrangement strategies, calling them “a masterclass in musical storytelling.”
Perhaps most impressively, OSUMB collaborated with indigenous and folk music experts during their 2024 “Global Rhythms” halftime series, incorporating African polyrhythms and Latin-American folk dances into a celebration of world cultures — earning them additional cultural impact points in WMA scoring.
Logistics of Greatness: How the Machine Operates
Behind the stirring melodies and viral visuals is a machine built on discipline and tireless logistics.
The OSUMB is an all-brass and percussion ensemble — a rarity among collegiate bands — comprising 228 members. Unlike many programs, OSUMB does not feature woodwinds, which allows for a sharper, more robust sound that can command stadiums of over 100,000 fans.
The band holds daily practices during the season, often rehearsing in the early morning hours or late at night under the lights of the stadium. Each member must pass a grueling tryout known as “summer sessions,” and once selected, must learn every step, turn, and mark with the precision of a championship gymnast.
Every pregame and halftime show is meticulously charted — often to the inch — and members must memorize not only the music but hundreds of marching coordinates. Every movement is counted. Every beat is timed. No one floats. Everyone contributes.
Pride of a State, Legacy of a Nation
For generations of Buckeye alumni and Ohio residents, OSUMB has been a symbol of state pride. But their crowning as world champions speaks to a broader cultural resonance. They are no longer just a part of Ohio State football’s gameday magic; they are cultural ambassadors of the American musical arts.
Governor Mike DeWine issued a state-wide proclamation celebrating the band’s accomplishment, declaring the week of the announcement “TBDBITL Week” across Ohio. The proclamation read, in part: “Let it be known that the spirit of excellence, artistry, and unrelenting dedication exemplified by The Ohio State University Marching Band shall stand as an emblem of our state’s commitment to greatness in every field.”
The band has received congratulations from U.S. Senators, musicians, and even professional marching ensembles around the world.
From Horseshoe to World Stage
So what’s next for the newly crowned kings of marching music?
Plans are already underway for a global tour, set to begin in summer 2026, where OSUMB will perform at international venues including the Tokyo Dome, Wembley Stadium in London, Berlin’s Olympiastadion, and Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. The tour aims to showcase not only OSUMB’s talents but to foster cultural exchange with local marching ensembles.
Director Hoch confirmed that the tour would include joint performances with top-ranked bands from each continent.
“It’s not about just showcasing who we are,” Hoch explained. “It’s about creating conversations through music. We want to learn, share, and inspire.”
Voices from the Band
For the student members of OSUMB, this moment is not just the culmination of hard work — it’s a dream realized.
“Being in this band changed my life,” said senior squad leader Marcus Lewis. “We’re not just playing instruments — we’re telling stories, building friendships, and now… representing our country on the world stage. I still can’t believe it.”
Trumpet player Jessica Ruiz echoed the sentiment: “We didn’t do this for recognition. We did it for the love of the art, for the thrill of game day. But to be named the best in the world? That’s humbling beyond words.”
A Living Legacy
Ohio State’s band now joins an elite list of American performance ensembles that have achieved global recognition. But unlike orchestras or ballet companies, OSUMB’s magic happens in 8-minute bursts, on a football field, in front of screaming fans.
That juxtaposition — tradition and innovation, spectacle and sound — is what makes them so special.
As they continue to inspire younger generations, reshape expectations, and redefine what a marching band can be, one thing is certain: the world will be watching TBDBITL with even more awe, curiosity, and admiration.
