Before the crown

Who is Miss USA 2025 Audrey Eckert? Introducing the Nebraska native who will represent the country at Miss Universe

From cheer captain to crown queen

OCTOBER 27, 2025 1:58 PM EDTOCT 27, 2025, 1:58 PM EDT

The gold confetti has barely settled, but one thing is clear: Audrey Eckert just flipped the Miss USA story. On Friday night, the 22-year-old from Nebraska was crowned Miss USA 2025 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, marking not only her personal triumph but a turning point for a pageant eager for a clean slate.

Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Audrey Eckert’s story feels straight out of a Midwest success playlist: small-town roots, big-league energy. She graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, specializing in marketing, while leading the Husker Cheer Squad as captain.

What sets Audrey apart is her ability to connect. She represents a new generation of titleholders who blend confidence with compassion, influence with authenticity.

Before the crown, Eckert was already blending brains and branding, working as a social media and marketing coordinator for the Thai handbag label Sapahn. And if her face looked familiar, it’s because she’s been around the pageant scene for a while. She won Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2020 and placed as third runner-up at Miss Teen USA the same year.

The Moment That Stole the Show

Fast forward to Reno. The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and the top five stood frozen. When the host called her name, Audrey crumbled in disbelief as gold streamers rained down.

Her next stop is Miss Universe 2025, where she’ll represent the United States on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Her reaction said it all; it was genuine shock. With that, Audrey Eckert became only the second woman from Nebraska to win the Miss USA crown, following Sarah Rose Summers in 2018.

This year’s Miss USA was a comeback story. The competition returned under new ownership, hoping to restore credibility after recent controversies and leadership exits. In many ways, Audrey’s win symbolizes a fresh start.

Her focus is on digital safety and empowerment. She’s not just posing for photos, but teaching athletes and students how to stay safe online, turning her pageant platform into a real-world impact project.

During the final question round, she spoke confidently about adaptability in the digital age, explaining how her work helps others protect themselves online.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Her

What sets Audrey apart is her ability to connect. She represents a new generation of titleholders who blend confidence with compassion, influence with authenticity. She’s relatable. She’s grounded. She’s that girl who could cheer you on at a game one day and lead a national initiative the next.

From her preliminary Best in Swimsuit award to her thoughtful interviews, Audrey proved that you can be strong, stylish, and socially conscious all at once.

Audrey proved that you can be strong, stylish, and socially conscious all at once.

What’s Next for Audrey

Her next stop is Miss Universe 2025, where she’ll represent the United States on one of the biggest stages in the world. The competition will take place in Thailand, bringing her journey full circle from Nebraska’s heartland to an international arena.

The competition will take place in Thailand, bringing her journey full circle from Nebraska’s heartland to an international arena.

Expect her to use that platform to push her advocacy for digital well-being, especially for young women navigating the pressure-cooker world of social media.