ESPN REPORT: The world’s top cheerleaders are the Auburn Tigers. Supporters are celebrating.
The Auburn University Cheerleading Squad was formally awarded the 1 Cheerleading Team in the World by ESPN in a moment that will go down in sports history.

In a stunning moment that will resonate across the world of collegiate athletics, Auburn University’s cheerleading program has earned the ultimate crown. ESPN has formally awarded the Auburn Tigers Cheerleading Squad the title of #1 Cheerleading Team in the World. It’s a triumph built on grit, passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—now validated on the global stage.

This monumental recognition marks a defining chapter in the program’s storied history and is a source of pride not just for Auburn University but for Tiger fans around the globe. As the blue and orange confetti metaphorically rains down, Auburn’s supporters, students, alumni, and athletes are rejoicing in one voice: War Eagle.

The ESPN announcement came during a primetime feature segment on the Worldwide Leader in Sports, where the Auburn Tigers outshone international competition in what many are calling a definitive and historic proclamation. While Auburn’s cheer squad has consistently performed at a high level across national and international competitions, this new recognition cements their place at the top of the cheerleading world.

“This is more than just a win. It’s a statement,” said head coach Meg McKenzie, who has led the squad for over a decade. “Our athletes have given everything they have to this program—early mornings, late nights, physical pain, emotional stress, and relentless training. To be recognized on this level by ESPN is beyond anything we could have dreamed.”

The Auburn Cheerleading Squad is known not just for its elite stunts and perfectly synchronized routines but for embodying the Auburn spirit in every performance. With a mix of co-ed and all-girl groups, the team showcases an athleticism that rivals many varsity sports.

From tumbling passes that seem to defy gravity to pyramids that push the limits of physics, Auburn’s routines blend creativity with complexity in ways that mesmerize both judges and fans. But the real magic lies in the team’s synergy—the unspoken trust and timing that comes only through exhaustive repetition and shared sacrifice.

“The strength of this team comes from our unity,” said senior cheerleader and team captain Madison Taylor. “We’re more than teammates—we’re family. And when we perform, we do it for each other and for every person who believes in Auburn.”

While Auburn has always had a strong cheerleading tradition, the road to this global acknowledgment wasn’t paved overnight. It has been a multi-year climb, involving intense national competition, improvements in training infrastructure, and a holistic focus on athlete health and performance.

The Tigers began turning heads at UCA and NCA national competitions in the late 2010s, regularly placing in the top 5. In the past three years, they’ve surged into dominance, claiming top spots and earning praise from judges for innovation, precision, and emotional performance.

In 2024, Auburn’s co-ed squad captured the national championship in dramatic fashion, narrowly edging out rival programs from the SEC and powerhouse squads from California and Texas. That victory, combined with their strong showings at the International Cheer Union (ICU) events, laid the foundation for this year’s crowning achievement.

ESPN analysts noted that Auburn’s performance over the past two years showed “a level of consistency, artistry, and difficulty that no other team matched,” making them the obvious choice for the world’s top spot.

The moment the ESPN announcement aired, Auburn’s campus erupted in celebration. Tumors Corner saw students and fans roll the famous oak trees in a spontaneous show of spirit. Downtown Auburn lit up in orange and blue. Social media exploded with praise, alumni memories, and heartfelt congratulations.

Auburn’s President, Christopher B. Roberts, issued a statement shortly after the announcement:

“This is a proud moment for Auburn University. Our cheerleaders have long embodied the values of excellence, character, and leadership that define our institution. To see their talent and work ethic recognized on this scale is truly special.”

Athletic Director John Cohen echoed that sentiment:

“We often talk about championships in football, basketball, and other sports. But our cheerleading squad has quietly built a dynasty that reflects everything great about Auburn. They’ve set the gold standard.”

To the uninitiated, cheerleading might seem confined to gameday sidelines and halftime shows. But those in the know understand it as a sport of incredible difficulty, demanding a blend of strength, flexibility, choreography, timing, and trust.

Auburn’s program approaches the craft with a seriousness that matches the rigor of any varsity team. Team members endure strength training, tumbling sessions, acrobatics rehearsals, and choreography meetings that stretch into the night. Injuries are common. Perfection is expected.

But cheerleading at Auburn is also about service and spirit. The squad leads community outreach, supports various campus initiatives, and represents Auburn at events across the Southeast and beyond. It’s not just about championships—it’s about character.

“We want to be champions on the mat and in life,” said junior flyer Skylar Greene. “We go into classrooms, hospitals, fundraisers. We cheer not just for touchdowns but for causes. That’s the Auburn way.”

For all the athletic achievement, it’s the personal stories behind the pom-poms that touch hearts.

One such story is that of senior base Will Adams, who nearly quit cheerleading after a severe wrist injury in 2023. With support from coaches, teammates, and medical staff, he made a comeback that culminated in the flawless routine that helped secure Auburn’s world #1 title.

“I was broken—physically and emotionally,” Adams recalled. “But this team didn’t let me go. They believed in me. And tonight, I’m standing on top of the world with them.”

Another emotional highlight came when former head coach Sarah Fields, who led the program for 15 years before retiring in 2020, was invited to speak during the ESPN broadcast. With tears in her eyes, she praised the evolution of the team.

“I always knew Auburn had something special,” she said. “But to see it recognized this way—it fills my heart.”

What happens next for a team that has reached the mountaintop?

For Auburn Cheerleading, the answer is clear: keep climbing. Coach McKenzie and her staff are already looking at ways to stay ahead of the curve—incorporating new technology into training, emphasizing mental wellness, and deepening the program’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The hope is that this ESPN recognition will serve not as a culmination, but as a launchpad.

“We want to continue being role models,” said Coach McKenzie. “Not just in routines, but in how we carry ourselves, how we treat others, and how we represent Auburn.”

The ripple effect of Auburn’s rise will be felt across the cheerleading world. Already, young athletes across the country are citing the Tigers as their dream program. Social media is flooded with tribute routines and congratulatory messages from cheerleaders as far away as Japan and Brazil.

“To every little girl or boy who thinks they’re too small or too scared to fly, look at us,” said senior flyer Emma Hollins. “We’re proof that courage and teamwork can lift you higher than you ever imagined.”

As ESPN’s recognition echoes through the sports world, one thing is certain: the Auburn Tigers Cheerleading Squad has made history. But more importantly, they’ve inspired it. Their journey from determined competitors to world champions is one that will be studied, celebrated, and remembered.

From Tumors Corner to Tokyo, from campus to the cosmos of social media, the cheer heard round the world is resounding loud and proud: