In a dramatic and historic moment for collegiate performing arts, the Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB) — famously dubbed “The Best Damn Band in the Land” — has been officially crowned the #1 marching band in the world, dethroning long-reigning champions from Japan, Brazil, and even their fierce rivals, the University of Michigan.
The announcement came from the International Marching Arts Federation (IMAF) following a yearlong global competition and evaluation, shocking many in the music world but thrilling Buckeye Nation.
“We’ve always known we were elite — now the world knows it too,” said OSU Band Director Dr. Christopher Hoch, beaming during the international press conference held at Ohio Stadium.
The Band That Built a Legacy
Known for their iconic Script Ohio, precise formations, and massive 225-member ensemble, the OSUMB has been a staple of Big Ten excellence for decades. But this year, the band elevated its game — and its influence — to global heights.
The 2024–25 season featured a creative renaissance for the band, including groundbreaking halftime shows themed around cinematic universes, space exploration, and a powerful “Unity Through Sound” program that featured over a dozen international musical styles.
Their legendary “Tribute to Global Legends” halftime performance — where the band formed silhouettes of Nelson Mandela, Beethoven, and Kobe Bryant — garnered over 35 million views on social media and was hailed as “one of the most emotionally compelling visual-musical performances of the decade.”
Outshining the Giants
In the final IMAF rankings, Ohio State scored nearly perfect in technical execution (9.9), innovation (9.8), and cultural impact (10.0) — edging out internationally renowned groups such as:
The Tokyo Metropolitan Marching Ensemble (Japan),
Southern University’s Human Jukebox (USA),
and the São Paulo Sound Corps (Brazil).
“Ohio State proved that tradition doesn’t mean stagnation. They brought the past, present, and future of marching arts together in one season,” said IMAF Chairman Jacques Renard.
National and Global Reactions
The moment sparked waves of celebration across Columbus and among alumni worldwide. Hashtags like #TBDBITLNo1, #MarchingKings, and #ScriptWorldChampions trended across all major platforms.
Buckeyes head football coach Ryan Day chimed in on X (formerly Twitter):
“Our band wins championships too. Proud to share a sideline with legends.”
What’s Next for the Buckeye Band?
In recognition of their achievement, the OSUMB has been invited to perform at the 2026 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris — a first for any collegiate band in the U.S. They’re also set to release a Netflix docu-series, “More Than Halftime: Inside TBDBITL.”
Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson issued a campus-wide message, declaring,
“The heartbeat of Buckeye pride has just become the pulse of the world.”
From the 50-yard line to the global stage, the Ohio State Marching Band has marched their way into history — proving once again that they are, indeed, the Best Damn Band in the Land.
