ESPN has officially crowned the Texas Tech men’s basketball co-ed cheerleading team the World’s Best, marking a watershed event in collegiate spirit programs. The news follows a magnificent and historic performance that startled a global audience at the International Collegiate Cheer Championships in Barcelona, Spain. The Red Raiders group not only stunned the judges with their technical prowess, but also earned international acclaim for their power, passion, and precision.
Texas Tech’s cheer squad, known for its daring routines and high-energy theatrics, put on a one-of-a-kind performance that has rapidly become the buzz of the cheerleading world. The co-ed team executed risky aerial exploits, synchronized tumbling, and imaginative choreography flawlessly, exemplifying the tenacity and spirit that distinguish Texas Tech athletics.
ESPN’s lead analyst called the performance “a perfect storm of athleticism, emotion, and creative genius,” and said, “Texas Tech’s squad didn’t just perform—they rewrote what we thought was possible on a cheer stage.” A video of their performance rapidly went viral, with millions of views across platforms and praise pouring in from other campuses, professional cheerleading teams, and even Hollywood celebrities.
Squad captain Jalen Roberts, a senior and former gymnast, was instrumental in the performance’s design. “We wanted to do something that would leave a mark,” Roberts remarked in a post-event interview. “This wasn’t just about cheering—it was about showing the world who we are and what Red Raider spirit truly means.” The concert, which paid tribute to West Texas culture and the university’s past, moved many in the audience and brought several to tears.
Texas Tech’s cheerleading department has long been a renowned force in university athletics, but this honor represents a historic high point. Head coach Melissa Garza, who has managed the program for over a decade, described the distinction as “a dream realized,” complimenting her team’s discipline, inventiveness, and love. “This team never settles,” she explained. “They train as if they were elite athletes because they are. This honor is more than simply a title; it represents everything we’ve sacrificed to get here.”
Back in Lubbock, the Texas Tech community erupted in pride. Social media exploded with jubilant posts, and the institution announced preparations for a campus-wide celebration and rally to commemorate the team’s accomplishment. The group will also be honored during halftime of a future Red Raiders basketball game in front of a sold-out United Supermarkets Arena.
ESPN’s recognition of the Texas Tech co-ed cheer squad as the World’s Best solidifies their place in collegiate sports history. More than just a title, it represents their excellence, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to the Red Raider history. What’s their message to the world? Texas Tech not only cheers for champions, but they are champions themselves. And now everyone knows.