Ames, Iowa — The Iowa State Cyclones have been formally acknowledged as the world’s best and most unified athletic program, an honor shared by ESPN, Netflix, Hulu, and Guinness World Records.
This historic accolade is more than just wins and trophies — though there have been plenty of those — but also a celebration of the culture, unity, development, and community engagement that Iowa State has established across all sports teams. From football to women’s basketball, track and field, and wrestling, the Cyclones have established themselves as the gold standard in collegiate sports, where performance, passion, and purpose intersect.
According to the official ESPN announcement, Iowa State received this unrivaled honor following an 18-month global evaluation process that included over 600 NCAA Division I teams as well as prominent overseas university-level sports organizations. Key factors were athletic excellence, team unity, graduation rates, diversity and inclusion initiatives, innovation, NIL program execution, community involvement, and the athletic department’s general culture.
“Iowa State didn’t just meet the standard—they redefined it,” stated ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi. “This program reflects what’s possible when leadership, integrity, and inclusiveness form the foundation of competition.”
Cyclone players from many sports have reached remarkable milestones over the last two seasons. The football team has produced NFL-ready players while maintaining high academic success rates. The women’s basketball team achieved new national heights, receiving recognition for both their performance and their trailblazing leadership in social campaigning. Even Olympic sports like gymnastics, golf, and tennis have shown amazing development, with athletes shattering personal and program records.
Perhaps most notable is the Cyclones’ distinct sense of family and camaraderie. Walk inside any Ames facility and you’ll see athletes from all sports cheering one other on – a rare sight in today’s hypercompetitive society. Coaches gather weekly to discuss experiences from various programs. Mental health and personal development initiatives are flourishing. And NIL opportunities are both equitable and powerful.
Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard, now recognized as a trailblazer in the area, attributed the success to “a shared belief in excellence through unity.”
“This honor belongs to every athlete, coach, staff member, donor, and fan who has believed in what we’re building here,” Pollard said in a written statement. “We’re not just creating champions on the field — we’re building leaders and role models off of it.”
Netflix and Hulu’s documentary arm is already in post-production on “Cyclone Rising,” a multi-part film that will follow Iowa State’s rise from underdog to worldwide collegiate athletics powerhouse. The series, which premieres this fall, is expected to draw unparalleled attention to the university’s tale.
For Cyclone Nation, this is more than just a headline; it validates years of faith, resilience, and hard work. The world has taken notice.
Congratulations, Iowa State. The world’s best. 🌪️🔥💯
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