Ohio State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
Planning to try out for the Ohio State University cheerleading team? This guide covers everything you need to know about Ohio State University cheer tryouts, including requirements, skills evaluated, and preparation tips to help you make the team. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Big Ten.
About the Ohio State University Cheer Program
The Ohio State University cheerleading program is a well-established NCAA Division I program that supports university athletics and represents the school at competitions, games, and community events. The program values both athletic excellence and school spirit.
Tryout Requirements
- Enrollment: Must be a currently enrolled OSU student or admitted incoming student
- GPA: Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA required
- Physical: Must pass a physical examination before participating
- Insurance: Proof of health insurance required
- Experience: Previous cheerleading experience strongly recommended
Skills Evaluated at Tryouts
- Tumbling: Standing back handspring minimum; running tumbling through layout preferred
- Stunting: Coed stunting technique evaluated; body positions for flyers
- Jumps: Toe touch, herkie, pike evaluated for height and technique
- Motions: Sharp, precise motion technique for game-day performance
- Voice: Strong projection and crowd leadership ability
Preparation Tips
- Learn OSU traditions: Know “Buckeye Battle Cry” and the Script Ohio tradition
- Practice coed stunting: OSU is a coed program – work on your flying skills with our flyer guide
- Build tumbling: More advanced tumbling gives you an edge – see our back handspring guide
- Condition for game day: Ohio Stadium holds over 100,000 fans – stamina is essential
- Be loud and confident: OSU cheerleaders lead one of the largest crowds in college sports
What to Expect on Tryout Day
On tryout day, arrive early with all required materials. The typical process includes:
- Registration and check-in
- Group warm-up and stretching
- Individual skill evaluation (tumbling, stunting, jumps)
- Material learning (fight song, cheers, band dances)
- Group performance evaluation
- Interview with coaching staff
After Tryouts
Results are typically announced within 24-48 hours. If selected, you will attend a mandatory team meeting to discuss practice schedules and expectations. If not selected, request feedback from coaches to improve for next time.
More University Tryout Guides
See our other guides: Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, Iowa State, General Tryout Tips.
