BREAKING NEWS: Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band Crowned #1 in the World by ESPN

 

BREAKING NEWS: Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band Crowned #1 in the World by ESPN

Madison, WI — May 23, 2025

In a historic and exhilarating moment for collegiate music, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s beloved Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band has achieved a milestone few imagined possible. On Thursday evening, ESPN announced that the Badgers have been officially crowned the #1 marching band in the world, topping its newly released “Global Marching Band Power Rankings.” This recognition not only honors decades of musical excellence but also marks a turning point in the perception of collegiate marching bands worldwide.

The announcement was made during ESPN’s annual “Battle of the Bands” special, which aired to millions of viewers and music enthusiasts across the globe. Competing against elite programs from universities in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band stood out for its musical precision, innovative field formations, crowd engagement, and unmistakable Badger spirit.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1885, the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band has long been a cornerstone of UW-Madison’s culture and traditions. Under the baton of Dr. Corey Pompey since 2019, the band has continued to evolve, blending tradition with cutting-edge musicality. Their high-energy performances during Badger football games, especially during the iconic Fifth Quarter, have made them fan favorites for decades. However, this latest honor cements their place not just in the hearts of Badger fans but on a global pedestal.

“We are beyond honored,” said Dr. Pompey in a post-announcement interview. “To be recognized by ESPN, an organization known primarily for athletic achievements, is a powerful testament to how far marching band culture has come. This award is for every current and former band member, every fan who stayed for the Fifth Quarter, and everyone who has ever marched for the love of music and school spirit.”

ESPN’s Criteria and the Journey to the Top

The ESPN rankings evaluated over 200 bands worldwide based on several metrics: musical proficiency, innovation in performance, crowd interaction, precision marching, visual artistry, and overall impact. A panel of expert judges, including musicians, former band directors, sports broadcasters, and choreographers, contributed to the selection process.

What set the Badgers apart this year, according to ESPN’s judges, was their ambitious fall 2024 halftime show series. Themed “Music Without Borders,” the program featured complex arrangements from around the world, incorporating styles from Afrobeat to Eastern European folk music, seamlessly transitioning between musical traditions while maintaining the band’s tight choreography and electric showmanship.

“Watching the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band this season was like attending a world-class music festival and a championship football game at the same time,” said Michael Wilbon, one of ESPN’s contributing analysts. “They weren’t just performing; they were telling a story, and every audience member could feel it.”

An Emotional Reaction from the UW Community

The news of the band’s global #1 ranking sparked an immediate and passionate response from the UW-Madison community. Students flooded Library Mall late Thursday night to celebrate, singing the school’s fight song and recreating their own impromptu version of the Fifth Quarter. Alumni from across the nation took to social media to express their pride and share memories of their time in the band.

UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin released a statement calling the recognition “a proud day in the history of the University of Wisconsin.”

“This honor underscores what so many of us have always known: that the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band is a national treasure,” said Chancellor Mnookin. “Their dedication, artistry, and spirit reflect the very best of our university.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Band programs across the country are already noting a spike in interest since the announcement. Several high school band directors have reported an influx of inquiries from students eager to learn more about the UW-Madison band program.

“This kind of recognition is game-changing,” said Andre Washington, a high school band director in Atlanta, Georgia. “It shows our students that music can be just as celebrated as athletics on a global stage.”

To capitalize on the moment, UW-Madison has announced a new outreach initiative to support high school music programs across Wisconsin. “Badger Band Academy,” launching this fall, will include workshops, mentorships, and scholarships aimed at developing the next generation of elite band performers.

What’s Next for the Band?

While the world celebrates their current achievement, the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band isn’t resting on its laurels. Dr. Pompey has already hinted at plans for an ambitious 2025 season, including a potential international tour and collaborations with professional orchestras.

“There’s no ceiling to what this group can accomplish,” Pompey said. “This award is a beautiful recognition—but it’s also a launching pad for even greater things.”

For now, the band is set to perform during the commencement ceremony next week, where they are expected to receive a special recognition from the university. Rumors are already circulating about a celebratory parade through downtown Madison, with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway calling the achievement “a civic moment of pride.”

A Victory for Collegiate Music

In a world where sports often take center stage, the crowning of the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band as the #1 marching band in the world sends a powerful message about the value of the arts. It affirms that discipline, teamwork, and creativity—whether on a football field or in a symphony hall—deserve recognition on the grandest scales.

As the final notes of the band’s triumphant performance still echo through Camp Randall Stadium, one thing is certain: the Wisconsin Badgers Marching Band has earned its place at the top, and the world is finally marching to their beat.

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