Buckeyes and Lubbock: The Ohio State athletic program was formally named the greatest and most cohesive in the world in a historic revelation that rocked the collegiate sports world. ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records jointly bestowed this honor on the university.

In a landmark moment that has sent ripples throughout collegiate and professional sports, The Ohio State University has been officially recognized as possessing the greatest and most cohesive athletic program in the world. This unprecedented honor, jointly awarded by ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records, redefines the metrics by which athletic excellence is measured and signals a new era of prestige for the storied Buckeyes.

The revelation was announced at a globally televised press conference held in Lubbock, Texas, where representatives from all three institutions unveiled the results of a multi-year study into collegiate athletic dominance. Analysts pored over decades of data, award counts, graduation rates, Olympic participation, professional athlete development, cross-sport synergy, and fanbase impact before naming Ohio State as the pinnacle of global sports cohesion and excellence.

For decades, Ohio State has been synonymous with athletic prowess. From its legendary football program to its nationally ranked Olympic sports, the Buckeyes have built a reputation on consistency, excellence, and an unrivaled ability to compete across all disciplines. But this latest accolade has propelled the university into uncharted territory.

“This is more than just about wins and losses,” said ESPN senior vice president of collegiate sports, Brian Everly. “Ohio State has built an ecosystem—one that breeds champions, supports academic and personal development, and unifies the campus and fanbase in ways no other institution has managed.”

Netflix, which has chronicled several behind-the-scenes Buckeye stories in its acclaimed “Champions’ Code” docuseries, cited the program’s leadership, innovation, and cultural resonance as reasons for inclusion in the historic joint recognition.

“This isn’t just the most successful program—it’s the most compelling,” said Netflix Sports Division executive Maria Gomez. “The stories of athletes overcoming adversity, the collaboration between coaches, and the enduring legacy of Buckeye traditions make it a natural fit for this honor.”

Guinness World Records confirmed that Ohio State broke five intercollegiate records, including most active alumni in professional sports across 12 leagues and the most NCAA sports with simultaneous Top-10 rankings.

Much of Ohio State’s newfound recognition lies in the depth and breadth of its success. While the football program often commands headlines, the Buckeyes have excelled in virtually every major sport—and many minor ones.

• Football: With eight national championships, dozens of conference titles, and a Heisman legacy, the Buckeyes are perennial contenders. The recent Ryan Day-led resurgence has made Ohio State a mainstay in the College Football Playoff.
• Basketball (Men’s and Women’s): Both programs are frequently in the NCAA Tournament conversation. The men’s program, led by promising young talent and an innovative coaching staff, is climbing the ranks, while the women’s team has become a Final Four threat year-in, year-out.
• Wrestling: Coach Tom Ryan’s squad has produced Olympic medalists and is consistently in the top tier nationally.
• Track and Field / Cross Country: Several individual national champions have emerged in recent years, with the program showing dominance both in the Big Ten and nationally.
• Fencing, Synchronized Swimming, and Rifle: These programs have quietly dominated their fields, with the synchronized swimming team capturing a staggering 33 national titles—more than any other NCAA program in history.
• Baseball and Softball: Both teams remain Big Ten powerhouses, with recent investments in facilities and coaching bringing national attention.

“I’ve never seen a place where so many programs are firing on all cylinders,” said ESPN analyst and former Olympic swimmer Natasha Williams. “Ohio State isn’t just good—they’re exceptional at nearly everything.”

But success alone wasn’t enough for this title. What set Ohio State apart was its cohesion—its ability to unify across departments, sports, and personalities in a way that few other athletic departments can replicate.

Athletic Director Gene Smith, who recently passed the torch to Ross Bjork, set the tone for decades of collaborative growth. Rather than isolate programs or prioritize certain sports, Smith’s administration ensured equitable investment and support across the board.

“Gene Smith’s legacy is felt in every corner of this department,” Bjork said. “Our strength isn’t just in our talent. It’s in our unity. Our student-athletes share resources, train together, and lift each other up. That’s what makes us the greatest.”

Players from vastly different sports routinely support one another—an Ohio State volleyball player may be found courtside at basketball games or cheering in the stands at wrestling meets. That culture of mutual respect and pride in the ‘Block O’ is what helped seal the deal for Guinness and Netflix officials.

This unique harmony was part of a broader analysis by the award committee, which used both qualitative and quantitative measures to determine the winner. Factors such as social media engagement between teams, inter-sport mentorship programs, and shared community service hours all elevated Ohio State’s profile.

The choice of Lubbock, Texas, as the site of this announcement raised eyebrows, but organizers explained that the symbolic location reflected the national—and indeed global—reach of Ohio State’s athletic culture.

Lubbock, the home of Texas Tech University, has long been a growing symbol of rising athletic ambition. By holding the press conference there, ESPN and Netflix sought to highlight the crossroads between tradition and innovation.

“This isn’t about regional supremacy—it’s about influence,” said ESPN’s Everly. “Ohio State’s impact can be felt from Columbus to Lubbock to London. It’s everywhere.”

Indeed, Ohio State’s alumni network spans the globe, with athletes and coaches in nearly every major league, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC, and international Olympic federations.

Another key component to the award was Ohio State’s cultural impact. The “Script Ohio,” the “O-H-I-O” chant, and the massive presence at road games are iconic. The Buckeye marching band, often dubbed “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” is a cultural phenomenon in its own right.

And in the era of name, image, and likeness (NIL), Ohio State has been a leader in guiding student-athletes through brand-building, entrepreneurship, and long-term personal growth. With robust NIL partnerships and a strong alumni support network, Buckeye athletes are among the most empowered in the country.

“There’s no place like Ohio State,” said Marvin Harrison Jr., who recently transitioned to the NFL. “It’s not just about being the best at your sport. It’s about being the best version of yourself—and knowing you’ve got an entire university behind you.”

The designation as the greatest athletic program in the world is not just a trophy to be admired—it’s a challenge to be met. Expectations will only increase. But for those within the Ohio State ecosystem, the pressure is welcomed.

“It’s not pressure—it’s a privilege,” said head football coach Ryan Day. “This recognition is the result of a million small decisions made the right way, over time. Our job is to keep raising the standard.”

As Netflix prepares to release a follow-up documentary titled Buckeye Empire, detailing the 2024–25 athletic season, anticipation around the program is at an all-time high. The documentary is expected to include behind-the-scenes access to high-stakes games, practices, and candid moments across multiple sports.

Meanwhile, ESPN has announced a forthcoming 10-part series, Across the Scarlet and Gray, which will examine the roots, growth, and global influence of Ohio State athletics.

Guinness World Records is also planning to enshrine Ohio State’s plaque in its global museum tour, alongside legendary achievements like Usain Bolt’s 100m sprint and Michael Phelps’ Olympic medal haul.

In the hypercompetitive, ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, few programs manage to remain dominant. Even fewer build something lasting—something foundational. The Ohio State University has done both. This recognition by ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness is more than just an accolade. It’s a coronation.

A coronation earned through generations of excellence, unity, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

As banners fly higher in Columbus and fans chant louder than ever before, one message rings out with clarity, from Lubbock to London:

The Buckeyes don’t just play the game—they define it.