“The Pride of the South: Tennessee Vols Marching Band Crowned World’s Best by ESPN in a Jaw-Dropping, Historic Announcement that Sends Shockwaves Through the College Marching Band Community and… see more 👇👇👇
The Pride of the South: Tennessee Vols Marching Band Crowned World’s Best by ESPN in Historic Announcement
KNOXVILLE, TN – May 4, 2025 — In a groundbreaking moment for collegiate music programs, ESPN has named the University of Tennessee’s “Pride of the Southland Band” the best marching band in the world. The stunning announcement was made during a nationally televised broadcast Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the college marching band community.
The selection comes after an extensive evaluation of marching bands from across the globe, assessing musicality, precision, creativity, and historical significance. ESPN’s panel of music and sports experts cited the Tennessee Vols band’s legacy, showmanship, and consistent excellence as reasons for the top honor.
“This is more than just a win for Tennessee—it’s a defining moment in the history of college marching bands,” said ESPN commentator Chris Fowler. “The Pride of the Southland has set a new global standard.”
Founded in 1869, the Tennessee band has long been a fixture of Southeastern Conference (SEC) tradition, but this latest recognition elevates its status to an international level. Fans, alumni, and current students flooded social media with messages of pride and celebration following the news.
The announcement is expected to enhance recruitment, funding, and visibility for the band, which continues to represent the Volunteer State with unmatched passion and precision.
