Marching bands are a staple in many colleges and universities in terms of culture, academic opportunity, and community across the country. Among the thousands of institutions with collegiate marching bands, there are a handful that consistently stand out on top. Discover more about these bands, from Ohio State to Florida A&M and beyond.
| No. | Institution | Band Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State University | Ohio State University Marching Band |
| 2 | Purdue University | Purdue All-American Marching Band |
| 3 | University of Southern California | USC Trojan Marching Band |
| 4 | University of Tennessee | Pride of the Southland Band |
| 5 | Ohio University | Ohio University Marching 110 |
| 6 | Penn State | Penn State Blue Band |
| 7 | North Carolina A&T | Blue and Gold Marching Machine |
| 8 | University of Michigan | University of Michigan Marching Band |
| 9 | University of Texas | The Longhorn Band |
| 10 | Texas A&M University | Fightin' Texas Aggie Band |
| 11 | Bowling Green State University | The Falcon Marching Band |
| 12 | Florida A&M University | The Marching 100 |
| 13 | University of Notre Dame | The Band of the Fighting Irish |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin - Madison | The Badger Band |
| 15 | University of Iowa | Hawkeye Marching Band |
| 16 | James Madison University | Marching Royal Dukes |
| 17 | Southern University | Human Jukebox |
| 18 | Jackson State University | Sonic Boom of the South |
| 19 | Texas Southern University | Ocean of Soul |
| 20 | Tennessee State University | Aristocrat of Bands |
How College Marching Bands Rank
There are many factors that go into ranking a college or university's marching band, and many of them are subjective. Objective factors like performing at prestigious competitions, combined with subjective factors like the band’s local popularity and presence as part of the school’s culture, must be taken into account.
The band’s effort, appreciation, and events like collegiate halftime shows, parades, and ceremonies are an important part of their ranking.
Overall, there are a handful of university marching bands that consistently rank as the best in the nation, and many others that shuffle positions depending on which factors you’re looking at.
The top aspects we weighed when ranking college bands were:
- Scores in competitions (if applicable)
- Popularity (at a school level, local level, and beyond)
- Performance (musical and visual)
Read on to discover the most popular marching bands at colleges and universities! Do you think any others should be added to the list?
1. Ohio State University
Not to be confused with the Ohio State University Athletic Band, which is a non-audition band for students and faculty, the OSUMB is a prestigious and famous organization in the Big Ten conference known for their exceptional performances year after year, especially since earning the Sudler Trophy in 1988.
They’ve been participants in seven presidential inaugural parades over the years and were featured in a handful of films, news highlights, and one episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
OSUMB is most well-known for their “animated” formations and incredible tributes that frequently go viral online, such as their 2012 tributes: one to video games, one to Michael Jackson in conjunction with the OSU Gospel Voices choir, and one to movies, including a Harry Potter Quidditch scene. They also have several unique traditions, such as The Script Ohio and Dotting the “i,” the latter of which is often used to honor a senior sousaphone player or guest celebrity.
Additionally, the band has performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2018) and played at the Rose Parade and at the Rose Bowl 25 times.
2. Purdue University
Originally composed of just 5 members, the Purdue marching band has grown to be one of the biggest college marching bands in the US! AAMB is perhaps the most prominent university band, with an international performance schedule and world-renowned reputation.
One of their claims to fame is that they were the first college band to break tradition; in 1907, the band broke out of military formation to create the now-iconic “block P.”
They’re also known for their five famous Featured Twirler positions: Golden Girl, the Silver Twins, the Girl in Black, and Miss Boilerette.
Other notable accomplishments from the group include being the first college band to perform at Radio City Hall in 1963, the first of the Big Ten schools to lead the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2010, and being the official band of the Indy 500 since 1919.
They also boast several major alumni, including Orville Redenbacher and Neil Armstrong.
3. University of Southern California (USC)
The world-famous band is known not only for their impeccable home and away routines, but also for being in numerous film and television appearances. They’ve been featured in TV series like How I Met Your Mother, movies like Forrest Gump, and events like the Grammy Awards and the Academy Awards, plus features on several songs by famous musicians.
In the 1984 Summer Olympics, 125 out of the 800 band members playing at the event were from the Trojans.
As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also performed at Coachella multiple times, played several significant international events, and appeared at the Rose more than 30 times.
To top it off, the band hasn’t missed a home or away game since 1987.
4. University of Tennessee
Originally a military-style band, the outfit dubbed themselves "Pride of the Southland" in 1949, just before being introduced at a football match in Alabama.
The band is well-known for being the usual representative of the state of Tennessee in presidential inaugurations, having appeared in 13 of them. They’ve also performed internationally, such as at the 2007 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, and appeared at numerous Bowls, such as the Rose and Cotton, to name a few.
The Pride is known for their tradition of the pregame show, which was introduced in the 1960s and is largely the same today.
5. Ohio University
Also dubbed The Most Exciting Band In The Land (you can see how rival college bands have fun poking at each other), the 110 is known for many prominent performances, including several Macy’s parades, NFL shows, Clinton’s presidential inauguration, and European tours.
The band is known for their “high step” marching style, where the leg is raised so the thigh is parallel with the ground, with an added “swagger” of the upper body. They also have a tradition of performing the “Diamond Ohio” formation and doing dance breaks during their shows.
6. Penn State University
Originally a small cadet band for a small land-grant college in rural Pennsylvania, the band grew as the university expanded, eventually becoming a world-renowned research institution. In 1923, the band started outfitting its best 50-or-so musicians with blue uniforms instead of the standard khaki and brown; thus, the Blue Band was born.
Performing alongside twirlers, majorettes, and silks, the band has appeared at many Bowl shows. They were awarded the John Phillip Sousa Foundation Sudler Trophy in 2005 for their excellence. They are also known for being featured in a handful of movies, including the famed football film Rudy.
7. North Carolina A&T State University
The Marching Machine gained nationwide recognition in the 70s when they played at several major events, including the Macy’s Parade and at the Silverdome in Michigan. In 2009, they first appeared in the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, and have put on shows with Macy’s and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, among others.
In 2017, the BGMM made waves online by performing a tribute to Bruno Mars show that was commented on by Mars himself, commending the band for their excellent showmanship and musicianship!
8. University of Michigan
Upon their formation in 1896, MMB quickly became a popular feature on campus, appearing at many different sporting events and boosting school spirit.
After many more years of struggling to raise enough funds to continue, the band finally took hold and became incredibly popular and renowned.
Over the years, they’ve been featured in several albums, recorded a few of their own, and have made appearances in several documentaries and movie soundtracks.
9. University of Texas
Originally founded by Dr. Schoch, the chemistry professor, the band started growing and finding its personality in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. In this era, many traditions and band rituals were born, such as the western-style uniforms, use of cowbells, and addition of majorettes.
The band is known for their persistent pep all throughout every game. They also attend most every state game with a sizeable formation, and attend every out-of-state meet with a dedicated travel band. LHB has also performed at the Super Bowl and several presidential inaugurations.
10. Texas A&M University
Prestigiously known for their precision military marching formations, the Fightin’ Aggie Band received the Sudler Trophy in 2001.
The Aggie Band features one of the most rigorous memberships a marching band member can have; members practice together 40 hours per week in addition to their college academic schedule.
All that rehearsal pays off, and the band is able to execute drills and formations that other bands can only imagine. They’ve performed at many important local and federal government events while playing their traditional military marching band songs.
11. Bowling Green State University
The Falcon Marching Band is a symphonic-style band in the Big Ten. In pregame shows, the band is known to march chair-step, but during their halftime shows, they use the traditional glide step. Any student at Bowling Green can audition to join the band, which includes woodwind, brass, and percussion sections as well as color guard and twirlers. It’s the biggest student organization on campus!
Being part of a group, like marching band, teaches responsibility, discipline, and dedication. Band members often form long-lasting and life-changing friendships, helping them get through the harsh demands of college coursework and band practice. Musicians also get exclusive opportunities, such as performing at football games. Plus, many university marching band programs entitle students to scholarships.
12. Florida A&M University
Known as The Marching 100, the innovative band is credited with popularizing 30 techniques that are now commonly performed among collegiate and high school marching bands.
This HBCU band is especially known for its musical and choreographic precision and dance routines. They’re so popular that they have appeared at many notable events internationally, including the Super Bowl, several presidential inaugurations, the Summer Olympics, the 1989 Bicentennial Celebration of the French Revolution in Paris as the official United States representative, and at the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week show at the Louvre.
13. University of Notre Dame
The Band of the Fighting Irish is the oldest university marching band in the world, founded in 1845. It is made up of 380+ students from the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College from any major who pass tryouts.
The full-section band is sometimes accompanied by the Irish Guard. They’ve been present throughout American history as a rallying force, from the time when young men were leaving to fight in the Civil War, to providing a benefit concert for the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, to many Bowl appearances, and performing at Carnegie Hall.
14. University of Wisconsin - Madison
The Badger Band is known for several unique features, including their athletic high-kneed “stop at the top” marching style and lack of flutes and piccolos. Before each home match, the band performs a tailgate concert at Union South, called the Badger Bash.
They’ve traveled the world, performing at events like NFL games, the Rose Bowl, and domestic and international concerts.
15. University of Iowa
This full band consists of brass, woodwind, and percussion sections, plus auxiliary instruments, a featured baton twirler known as the Golden Girl, and, like many other bands, a pivotal drum major role. The Hawkeye Band earned the Sudler Trophy in 1990 and has remained a crucial part of the university’s culture. They’re known for several traditions, like The Boom, playing the Hawkeye Victory Polka after every victory and on special occasions, and a “Bones and Tones” opening act.
16. James Madison University
The Marching Royal Dukes is one of the newer marching bands in the collegiate scene, having been formed in 1972. Nevertheless, the band was also granted the Sudler Trophy in 1994. They are known for their many event performances, including presidential inaugurations, Macy’s Parades, and international displays like the New Year’s Day Parade at the Vatican. The Dukettes, the official dance team of JMU, performs alongside the band at home football games.
17. Southern University
Known as the Human Jukebox, this HBCU band is known for its fresh takes on marching band routines. They frequently play pop and hip hop songs and dance moves, in addition to traditional precision drill steps. The band has performed for three presidential inaugurations, four Sugar Bowl shows, and five Super Bowls, plus plenty of other appearances, including TV and film. Plus, they even played the Bermuda Day parade in Bermuda.
18. Jackson State University
Known for their iconic “Get Ready” entrance tradition, the Sonic Boom of the South is known for their high chair step style. They were the first and only collegiate marching band to be featured by Great Big Story, a micro-documentary company.
The band used to be made up of students from Jackson College and Lanier High School when it was founded in the 1940s.
Colleges and universities started having marching bands as a way to build school spirit and community, and give students a chance at music education and scholarship. Originally, marching bands were associated with the military, and the instrumentation fit naturally with the pacing of football games, cheerleading, and pep. The integration of music with sporting events and energizing a crowd meant the activity took off, turning into the large college bands we see today.
19. Texas Southern University
The Ocean of Soul is known for their heavy beat and intricate dance routines, in addition to their precision in their routines. This HBCU band has been featured in many prominent events, including the Super Bowl show, the Honda Battle of the Bands, the Houston Astros World Series Champions parade, and as an opening act for a Megan Thee Stallion show. Additionally, the group was nominated for an Emmy for their halftime show with Beyoncé at NRG Stadium in 2024.
20. Tennessee State University
The “Aristocrat of Bands” is the only college marching band to have ever won a Grammy Award, for their album The Urban Hymnal, in 2023. They’re the first HBCU to win a Grammy, were the first HBCU to perform a presidential inauguration, in 1961 for JFK, and were the first HBCU to appear on television, in 1955. Their many historical firsts have cemented them as one of the best collegiate marching bands.
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