OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND WOWS CROWDS WITH PRECISION, TRADITION, AND INNOVATION IN 2025 SEASON, CEMENTING ITS STATUS AS “THE BEST DAMN BAND IN THE LAND”
COLUMBUS, OHIO – With every beat of the drum and every crisp turn on the field, the Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB) has once again captured the attention of the college football world in the 2025 season. Widely revered as “The Best Damn Band in the Land” (TBDBITL), the OSUMB has thrilled crowds with a remarkable blend of precision, tradition, and forward-thinking creativity, affirming its elite status on the national stage.
From its signature Script Ohio formation to inventive halftime performances that merge artistry with athleticism, the 2025 season has been a testament to the band’s enduring excellence. Thousands of fans packed Ohio Stadium—known as the Horseshoe—each game day not only for the Buckeyes’ football prowess but also to witness one of the most captivating live musical spectacles in college sports.
“Every year, the bar is set higher, and every year this band meets and exceeds it,” said band director Dr. Christopher Hoch. “What makes the 2025 season so special is how we’ve managed to stay true to our tradition while pushing the boundaries of what a marching band can do.”
The OSUMB’s season opened with a tribute to the legacy of rock music, featuring a meticulously choreographed halftime show that included moving electric guitars, rotating drum sets, and dynamic animations all created through tightly synced marching formations. Videos of the performance quickly went viral, earning millions of views on social media platforms and drawing praise from both musical experts and Buckeye fans around the globe.
One of the season’s most talked-about shows was the “A Journey Through Video Games” performance, which used pixel-style formations and music from classics like Super Mario Bros., Legend of Zelda, and Tetris. The band’s ability to create moving characters and scenes on the field — all while playing complex musical arrangements — showcased the rare combination of athletic discipline, musical talent, and creative vision.
“We train just as hard as athletes,” said senior sousaphone player Mariah Johnson. “There are hours of practice, memorization, and teamwork involved. It’s not just about playing notes — it’s about telling a story and making the crowd feel something.”
The 2025 OSUMB roster features 228 members, all of whom undergo a rigorous selection process known as “tryout week,” a tradition that challenges each candidate to meet the band’s uncompromising standards. Unlike many collegiate bands, the OSUMB remains all-brass and percussion, giving it a distinct and powerful sound.
In addition to game day performances, the band also participated in several high-profile national events this year. These included a special appearance at the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Atlanta and a featured halftime show during an NFL game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. At each venue, the OSUMB drew standing ovations and widespread media coverage.
“Our mission is to represent the spirit of Ohio State University in everything we do,” said assistant director Dr. Russel Mikkelson. “Whether it’s at home in the Horseshoe or on a national stage, our band members understand the responsibility and the pride that comes with that Block O.”
The OSUMB’s continued success also lies in its deep-rooted traditions. The Script Ohio — a formation where band members spell out “Ohio” in elegant cursive — remains one of college football’s most cherished spectacles. This year, the honor of dotting the “i” in “Ohio” was given to several notable alumni and university contributors, adding an emotional and historic touch to each performance.
While the band is steeped in tradition, it also embraces technology. The 2025 season saw the use of drone cameras for live aerial shots during performances, along with the integration of a new digital music library system to enhance practice efficiency. These innovations allow the OSUMB to remain at the forefront of collegiate band performance while preserving its classical foundation.
As the Buckeyes push forward in the football season, the Ohio State University Marching Band continues to play an equally pivotal role in the game day experience. Its unmatched musicality, razor-sharp precision, and show-stopping innovation ensure that, win or lose, fans leave the stadium with lasting memories.
For many, the band is not just a part of Ohio State’s football tradition — it is the heartbeat of the university itself.
“This band is family, legacy, and pride all wrapped into one,” said Johnson. “And every time we step onto that field, we remember what it means to be a Buckeye.”
With a legacy stretching back over a century, the OSUMB’s 2025 season adds yet another chapter to its storied history — one defined by excellence, passion, and an unwavering commitment to being “The Best Damn Band in the Land.”
