Eric Boggs
For the third consecutive year, Ohio State’s spirit squad proved it stands at the top of college athletics, claiming the D1A Spirit Program Game Day National Championship and continuing a historic run that has become a point of pride for Buckeye fans everywhere. What was once a long wait for national recognition has turned into a dynasty, and this latest title only further cements Ohio State’s place as the gold standard in collegiate spirit programs.
The Buckeyes traveled to Orlando, Florida, for the annual UCA & UDA National Championships and once again delivered when the lights were brightest. Competing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, Ohio State’s spirit squad put together a near-flawless performance that energized the crowd and separated them from the rest of the field. Their final score of 188.5333 out of a possible 200 reflected not only technical excellence but the passion and precision that have come to define the program.
The dominance is even more remarkable when viewed in context. Prior to 2024, Ohio State’s spirit program had not won a national championship since 1993. In just three years, the Buckeyes have transformed that drought into an era of sustained excellence, winning three straight national titles and setting a new standard for consistency at the highest level of competition.
Ohio State held off strong challenges from Oklahoma and Washington to secure the championship. The Sooners finished with a score of 182.6333, while the Huskies posted a 180.2667, both trailing well behind the Buckeyes’ commanding performance. The margin underscored just how complete Ohio State’s routine was from start to finish, leaving little doubt about who deserved to stand atop the podium.
The celebration in Orlando did not stop with the spirit squad. Brutus Buckeye added to the Buckeyes’ championship haul by being crowned the UCA College Mascot Division IA National Champion on January 17, 2026, earning his first national title since 2019. Performing at the same ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Brutus once again reminded the college sports world why he is widely regarded as the best mascot in the nation, combining creativity, crowd interaction, and boundless enthusiasm in a performance that won over judges and fans alike.
UCA mascot judging focuses on creativity, prop usage, animation, enthusiasm, and crowd appeal, all areas where Brutus has long excelled. From his signature headstands that spell out O-H-I-O to push-ups and nonstop high-energy antics, Brutus delivered a routine that embodied the spirit of Ohio State. The victory was quickly celebrated across social media by the university and national sports outlets, with Buckeye fans proudly hailing the return of a national title to one of the most iconic figures in college athletics.
Brutus’ latest win adds to a legacy that includes a UCA national championship in 2019 and past success as a finalist and popular vote winner in the Capital One Mascot Challenge in the early 2000s. Together with the spirit squad’s third straight national championship, his triumph made the 2026 competition a memorable and complete celebration of Ohio State pride. As the UCA & UDA National Championship events continue throughout the weekend on Varsity TV and the FloSports App, Buckeye Nation can savor a weekend that showcased the Scarlet and Gray at its very best.
