ESPN 🆕: Texas, AL — Longhorn Band Crowned #2 in the World in Historic Ranking

ESPN 🆕: Texas, AL — Longhorn Band Crowned #2 in the World in Historic Ranking.

In a moment that will go down in music and collegiate athletics history, the Texas Longhorn Marching Band has officially been crowned the #2 marching band in the world, earning global recognition and admiration. The announcement came following Series A of a rigorous national and international ranking process involving hundreds of top-tier collegiate and independent ensembles from across the globe.

 

The ranking, conducted by the Global Band Coalition (GBC), is part of an annual international assessment that evaluates bands based on musical precision, visual performance, innovation in show design, audience engagement, and overall execution. This year, the competition was more intense than ever, with top programs from Japan, Brazil, Germany, and the United States battling for elite placement.

 

The Longhorn Band, affectionately known as “The Showband of the Southwest,” dazzled judges with their 2024-2025 field show titled “Echos of Texas: A Lone Star Legacy.” The show, which included bold brass harmonies, precise military-style marching, and cutting-edge drill design, received near-perfect scores across all categories. Critics and fans alike have praised the performance for its seamless blend of tradition and innovation, capturing both the spirit of Texas and the future of marching arts.

 

Dr. Cliff Croomes, Director of the Longhorn Band, expressed overwhelming pride and gratitude. “To be named the #2 marching band in the world is an incredible honor and a testament to the relentless work, passion, and dedication of our students and staff,” he said. “This recognition goes beyond music—it represents our culture, our pride, and the power of what a united team can achieve.”

 

The recognition also holds deep significance for the University of Texas at Austin and the broader community. The Longhorn Band has long been a cultural ambassador for the state, performing at nationally televised sporting events, presidential inaugurations, and major parades. This latest honor only solidifies their standing as not just a collegiate ensemble, but as a global powerhouse in the marching arts.

 

Series A of the ranking process involved preliminary evaluations through video submissions, live performances at international showcases, and adjudicated reviews by a panel of experts in music education and drill design. After narrowing the field from over 300 groups, the final results were tallied and verified through a meticulous scoring system.

 

While the #1 spot went to Japan’s Tokyo Kosei Wind Ensemble Marching Division, the Longhorns’ performance was widely considered the most emotionally resonant and visually stunning of the year. Many insiders believe that with continued momentum, Texas could easily claim the top spot in next year’s rankings.

 

Fans and alumni around the world have taken to social media to celebrate the Longhorn Band’s achievement, with hashtags like #LonghornPride and #ShowbandGlobal trending just hours after the news broke.

 

For now, Texas stands tall—not just in football, but in the global arena of marching excellence.

 

More coverage, exclusive footage, and expert breakdowns coming soon on ESPN+. Stay tuned.

 

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