Devon Miles (NICK CANNON) is a talented snare drummer who's received a full scholarship to Atlanta A&T to play with the marching band under the direction of Dr. James Lee (ORLANDO JONES). Joining other bandmates including Jayson (GQ), Charles (EARL C. POITIER), Ernest (JASON WEAVER) and Diedre (CANDACE CAREY), Devon learns that playing in college is vastly different from high school.
For starters, the competition with rival schools such as Morris Brown College, under the direction of Mr. Wade (J. ANTHONY BROWN), is far more intense, which also holds true for the boot camp style training. Devon doesn't get along with his upper class drill instructor, Sean Taylor (LEONARD ROBERTS), who recognizes Devon's talents, but hates his bad attitude.
When not practicing, Devon spends his time trying to get to know Laila (ZOË SALDANA), a pretty cheerleader and philosophy major who soon falls for him. Yet, Devon's brash attitude on the field eventually puts a strain on their relationship and gets him in trouble with Dr. Lee who tries to teach him that he needs to be a team player rather than an individual star.
Even so, Lee is under pressure from university president Mr. Wagner (AFEMO OMILAMI) to play more audience friendly numbers in his program and to win the upcoming BET marching band competition. To do so, it appears he'll need Devon in his band. From that point on, Devon must make various important decisions regarding his attitude, participation and future as the competition nears.