Kansas State University Cheerleading Squad Ranked #1 in the World by ESPN
Manhattan, KS — In a monumental achievement for collegiate athletics, the Kansas State University (K-State) Cheerleading Squad has been officially ranked #1 in the world by ESPN. The announcement, which stunned and thrilled fans across the globe, came after a series of rigorous international competitions and evaluations that tested the limits of athleticism, synchronization, and spirit.
The recognition follows K-State Cheer’s standout performances in the 2025 International Collegiate Spirit Championship, where they competed against top-tier university squads from across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. According to ESPN, the Wildcats demonstrated an unparalleled level of precision, innovation, and athletic excellence, setting a new benchmark for collegiate cheer.
“This is a historic moment for our program,” said Head Coach Taylor Morgan, who has led the squad for the past six years. “Our athletes have trained relentlessly, often practicing six days a week, to perfect their stunts, tumbling passes, and routines. This ranking is a reflection of their hard work, discipline, and passion for the sport.”
The ranking process involved an international panel of judges, performance analytics, and audience engagement metrics. Each squad was evaluated across multiple categories, including difficulty, creativity, execution, and overall crowd impact. K-State consistently scored in the top percentile across all metrics.
Social media erupted with celebration following ESPN’s announcement. Fans, alumni, and students flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram with messages of pride and congratulations. “We’re not just known for football anymore — our cheer squad just put us on the global stage,” tweeted one K-State alum.
University President Dr. Richard Linton praised the squad’s accomplishment, stating, “This recognition reflects not only the talent of our cheerleaders but the enduring spirit of Kansas State University. We are so proud of what they’ve achieved and the way they’ve represented our community to the world.”
In addition to the global ranking, the team has been invited to perform at the World Cheerleading Gala in Paris later this year, a prestigious event featuring the best squads from around the globe. They will also be featured in an upcoming ESPN documentary exploring the rise of collegiate cheerleading as a globally competitive sport.
With this landmark ranking, Kansas State University has not only elevated its cheer program but has also further solidified its place on the map of world-class collegiate athletics. As Coach Morgan put it, “We’re just getting started.”
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