In a moment that will be remembered in cheerleading and collegiate sports history forever, the Ohio State University Cheerleading Squad has officially been crowned the “World’s Best” by ESPN following an electrifying, technically flawless, and emotionally charged performance at the 2025 International Cheerleading World Championships in Orlando, Florida.
From jaw-dropping tumbling passes to impossibly synchronized stunts and the raw emotion that ignited an arena packed with over 25,000 fans—and millions more watching globally—Ohio State’s performance was nothing short of revolutionary.
This victory not only marks a historic milestone for the Buckeyes cheer program but also redefines the boundaries of competitive cheer as a global sport.
The Championship That Changed Everything
Held annually, the International Cheerleading World Championships bring together elite university teams from across six continents to compete in the ultimate test of athleticism, creativity, and unity. This year’s championship featured over 80 universities from 30+ countries, including perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Kentucky, Japan’s Keio University, and Canada’s McGill University.
Ohio State, ranked No. 3 going into the finals, was considered an underdog behind top-seeded Oklahoma and defending champion Texas Tech. However, what happened on the final day defied every projection.
Anatomy of a Champion: Inside Ohio State’s Record-Breaking Routine
Ohio State’s championship routine was a 2-minute and 30-second masterclass in choreography, stunt innovation, and synchronization. Here are the standout elements that had judges—and the world—on their feet:
- Stunt Pyramids at Level 6: A never-before-attempted triple-transition pyramid was executed with zero bobbles, showcasing the team’s elite strength and timing.
- Tumbling Precision: OSU featured a synchronized quad-back handspring layout that was timed to the beat of a remix of “Unstoppable” by Sia, sending chills through the arena.
- Co-ed Lifts and Tosses: The co-ed squad performed full-twist basket tosses that reached over 20 feet in the air, each caught with flawless form.
- Choreography and Musicality: Every motion was in harmony with a high-energy soundtrack that combined classic Buckeye fight songs with modern tracks, blending school spirit with global appeal.
The performance earned the first-ever perfect 10.0 for execution in the championship’s 25-year history.
Emotional Reactions: Tears, Cheers, and Global Applause
As the final stunt landed and the music hit its last note, the arena erupted. The team collapsed in joyful tears, and even rival squads from other nations joined in the standing ovation.
Head Coach Vanessa Romero, now in her 9th season with the program, was seen crying as she hugged her captains, later calling it “the proudest moment of my coaching career—maybe my life.”
“This wasn’t just a routine. It was a story. A statement. A message to every young cheerleader watching: you can be powerful, precise, artistic—and unstoppable,” Romero said post-performance.
Social media exploded within minutes:
- #BuckeyeCheerGoesGlobal trended #1 in the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
- ESPN’s SportsCenter declared it the “Top Play of the Week”—a rare honor for a cheerleading routine.
- Even LeBron James, a noted Ohio sports supporter, tweeted:
“That OSU cheer squad just dropped the on the world. Legendary.”
Behind the Scenes: Months of Grueling Preparation
What the world saw in 2.5 minutes took 10 months of relentless work.
Ohio State’s cheer program began preparing their world championship routine last August. Between early-morning practices, sports science-enhanced training, and mental conditioning, this was the most exhaustive preparation in the program’s history.
Strength coach Maya Colson integrated Olympic-level training plans focused on core control, balance, and explosive strength. Meanwhile, artistic director Jordan Nguyen, a former Broadway choreographer, designed the musical transitions and formations to align with the squad’s theme of “Resilience Through Rhythm.”
“Every toe-point, every flip, every smile was intentional,” said Nguyen. “We didn’t just want to win. We wanted to move the world.”
Global Impact: The Buckeyes Spark a Cheerleading Revolution
This victory does more than give Ohio State bragging rights—it transforms the global perception of collegiate cheerleading.
- ESPN has committed to airing an hour-long documentary, “Rise of the Buckeyes: How Ohio State Took the World Stage”, set for a Fall 2025 premiere.
- Cheer associations in Brazil, Ghana, and Australia have already announced new training programs inspired by the Buckeyes’ approach.
- Applications to OSU’s cheer program have tripled in just 48 hours since the win.
“We’ve had inquiries from over 60 countries about scholarships, collaborations, and training opportunities,” said OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith. “This is no longer a team. It’s a global brand.”
Key Athletes Who Redefined the Sport
Several standout performers from the Buckeye squad are being hailed as pioneers:
- Jada Thompson (Captain, Senior Flyer): Called “the Simone Biles of cheer,” she nailed two double full-twisting layouts mid-routine.
- Trevor Scott (Base, Junior): A 6’3” kinesiology major who anchored multiple Level 6 stunts with unshakable precision.
- Emily Ko (Backspot, Sophomore): Her vision and vocal command made her the unsung hero of the formation strategy.
Each athlete will be profiled in ESPN’s upcoming feature, and several have already landed NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) sponsorship deals with brands like Nike Cheer, Red Bull, and Fabletics.
What’s Next for the Buckeyes?
After returning to Columbus to a hero’s welcome complete with a parade, Ohio State Cheer is already planning its Fall 2025 Tour, which will feature exhibition performances across Europe and Asia. Stops include:
- London’s O2 Arena
- The Tokyo Dome
- Accor Arena in Paris
- Olympic Training Center in Lausanne, Switzerland
The goal? To continue global cheer education while cementing Ohio State as the center of excellence in the sport.
“We want to build bridges,” said Coach Romero. “Cheer is a global language now, and we’re proud to speak it with power, heart, and Buckeye pride.”
Legacy Sealed: The Final Verdict
The phrase “World Champions” is often thrown around in American sports. But for Ohio State Cheer, the title is real, earned, and now, eternal.
By combining power, artistry, athleticism, and soul, the Buckeyes have not only lifted a trophy but elevated an entire sport. In doing so, they’ve united fans across the globe, inspired the next generation, and proved that greatness isn’t limited to the field or the court—but can soar above it, with pom-poms, purpose, and pride.
Congratulations to the 2025 Ohio State Cheerleading Squad: World Champions, Global Icons, and True Buckeyes Forever.
