OU at national championships

CGN Roundtable: Thoughts on Our 2025 Preseason Poll

Last week, we released our annual preseason poll, where 13 College Gym News contributors produced what they believe to be the top 36 teams for the 2025 season. Then we did some basic math and came out with our overall ranking. In this week’s roundtable, we’re talking about our decisions—why we put some teams where we did, didn’t include others, and any differences we think we may see from what we ranked in the real thing on Road to Nationals. To see each individual contributor’s top 36, click here.

Did you use any sort of methodology when ranking your top 36?

Illustrated headshot of Elizabeth GrimsleyElizabeth: I try not to overthink or use too much data when coming up with my top 36 because in my opinion, that can easily go south or not tell the whole story. Instead, I looked at last year’s final rankings, considered graduated routines and newcomers’ potential, then rearranged from there. Last year there were quite a number of postseason upsets, so my job was a bit more difficult than usual.

Julianna: I looked at a few different aspects when going through and selecting my top 36 for the 2024-25 season. Mainly, I used the top 36 from the end of the 2024 season and then made small adjustments along the way. I took into account major gains and losses for each team, as well as the teams that had the best projected incoming freshmen classes. 

Savanna Whitten illustrated headshotSavanna: I expanded and looked at the top 40 from 2024 and took into account what each team gained, lost, and maintained. Once I did that, I looked at the freshman classes and then used that to craft a top 36.

 

Illustrated headshot of Alyssa Van AukerAlyssa: I looked at both the end of regular season rankings and the final rankings from the 2024 season. I then took that list and moved teams up and down the rankings based on additions, coaching changes, injury returns, and retirements. 

Claire H: Like last year, I used our meet predictor to simulate scores for all teams and calculate a resulting NQS. This time however, I swapped a few teams around based on my own opinions despite what the data was telling me.

 

Tara Graeve Illustrated HeadshotTara: I looked at the final 2024 rankings from both regular season and postseason. From there, I considered each team’s losses, gains, and any known injuries and rearranged my rankings accordingly.

 

Mariah Dawson illustrated headshotMariah: I started with the regular season rankings from 2024 and grouped teams into what round of the postseason I thought they would make it to based on losses and gains. I then ranked the teams within each group

 

Rebecca Scally Illustrated HeadshotRebecca: I followed the routines in vs routines out philosophy in a slightly more structured way: I used our recruiting data to estimate available freshman routines and counted routines lost from the 2024 postseason, plus I factored in the injury updates we know.

Jenna King illustrated headshotJenna: I used data for all returning gymnasts–including transfers–and estimated scores for incoming freshmen and injured returners, ultimately coming up with top six expected scores on each event. Yes, only five scores are counted, but I prefer to count six for the preseason poll because high quality depth is extremely important in college gymnastics.

Annie: I checked last year’s end of season rankings and considered freshmen classes, as well as athletes who graduated. Looking at key teams’ MVP’s from last year, along with how many points they contributed to their team throughout the season, was an easy way to gauge how the team will do this year with or without those key people on each event. 

Illustrated headshot of Brandis HeffnerBrandis: There’s no perfect science to it, but I used a combination of final rankings, recruiting and freshman class rankings, looking at graduated and transferred routines, and most importantly—my gut. Gains and losses carry the most weight and can get teams into ranges, but it’s the eye test that shuffles schools to where I think they’ll ultimately finish should things go according to plan.

Emily Lockard illustrated headshotEmily L: I looked at the rankings from the end of last year’s regular season and also thought about who each team was losing and gaining. And after looking at the losses and gains, my gut helped me rearrange teams into their final ranking. 

Which team did you pick to win it all and why?

Elizabeth: Blah blah vault falls blah blah nationals blah blah other teams are strong too. Oklahoma with KJ Kindler at the helm and the rosters it crafts will always be at least one of the favorites to win the national title. And with last year’s disappointment adding motivation, I am more certain than ever the Sooners are lifting the trophy in 2025.

Julianna: I do think the Sooners are in their redemption era this year and will come back even stronger than last season. Oklahoma came less than a tenth away from a 199 in the back half of the season, and I really believe we all thought we would see that in 2024. With the way its season ended this past year after such a dominant year up until that first semifinal rotation, this will only be motivation for it to come back even hungrier. Oklahoma also has one of the strongest incoming classes, which will add to the immense talent already on the team. 

Savanna: It’s hard to deny that Oklahoma gained a lot of talent, but so did LSU. I also think having Haleigh Bryant back for a fifth year as well as the motivation to go for back-to-back championships after having to wait so long for its first will make LSU the team to beat in 2025.

Sophie: Even if Oklahoma had ended last season the way they had hoped to, I would be predicting them to win this year. The fact that they’re coming back hungry for redemption makes me even more sure that they’re going to be on top. They have a stellar freshman class, so many returning stars, and the elusive 199 feels more likely than ever.

Alyssa: I am in lock step with many of the others in saying the Sooners will reclaim the title. As fun as it was to have a new team claim its first title, I don’t think this is the year for it to happen again. I would have gone with Florida before offseason injuries, and considered LSU, but the incoming class for Oklahoma just seems too strong.

Claire H: The numbers don’t lie here. Oklahoma has the returning scores and the strong freshman class to make it back to the top, and they’ll be hungry for redemption.

Tara: As exciting as last season’s LSU upset was, I went with Oklahoma. There’s too much talent on that team, and it took an absolute catastrophe for the Sooners to miss the national final. Revenge Sooners, activate. 

Mariah: I chose Oklahoma. There’s just no way the Sooners don’t show up and seek redemption after last season’s vault fiasco.

Rebecca: To me, Oklahoma has an 80-90% chance of winning every championship for the foreseeable future, maybe until K.J. Kindler retires. The fact that the coin landed on the other side last year doesn’t change that.

Jenna: Last year’s Oklahoma team set all-time records for scoring and dominance in the regular season, and recruiting has continued to be top-notch, so it’s hard to justify picking anyone else for the top spot in the foreseeable future.

Annie: Call me crazy, but I just HAD to put LSU as number one. Now that they have had a taste of a national title, combined with their killer freshmen class and fifth year veterans, I can only imagine the heights they will reach this year. Oklahoma will be tough to beat, but if anyone has a chance to do it, it’s LSU. 

Emily L: I also had to put LSU at number one. Not only will the Tigers have a newfound confidence after winning their first national championship, but they’re only losing Savannah Schoenherr and gaining so many outstanding freshmen. LSU will be fired up and ready to defend its title, and I’m ready to watch it happen!

Brandis: It was an incredibly tough choice between the defending champs and Oklahoma, as both teams are deep with talent, but in the end, I leaned LSU. While the Sooners will undoubtedly put up a remarkable season on their revenge tour, the Tigers are riding the wave of their first title, and that momentum will see them defend their championship. Just like how Oklahoma and Florida both won their second NCAA titles the year after claiming their first solo wins.

Looking at the top four, which will be the teams in the national final and why did you go with the teams you did?

Elizabeth: When first sitting down to do my rankings, I had about seven teams in mind for the team final, which obviously isn’t possible. Ultimately, I chose reigning champ LSU, perennial third-place finisher Utah, and star-studded Florida to join the Sooners at the final showdown.

Julianna: For my top four I have Oklahoma in the No. 1 spot, followed by reigning national champion LSU, who I think can still give the Sooners a run for the crown with the talent returning and coming in this season. In the third and fourth spots I have Florida and California, who I believe are both going to maintain the stride they hit at the end of last season. 

Savanna: Alongside LSU at No. 1, I have Oklahoma at No. 2, and Utah at No. 3. Florida rounded out my top four. Even with Kayla DiCello and Skye Blakely suffering Achilles injuries in the run up to the Olympics, adding Selena Harris-Miranda makes Florida likely to return to the national finals once again.

Sophie: I felt confident putting Oklahoma at No. 1 and returning champions LSU at No. 2, but I struggled with how to rank Utah, Florida, and Cal. I ended up putting Florida at No. 3 and Cal at No. 4, with Utah as a close fifth.

Alyssa: I went with Oklahoma, Florida, LSU, and California. This is a very similar top four to last season, but I needed to include Oklahoma so I chose to leave Utah out. The loss of Maile O’Keefe and Abby Paulson can be mitigated by the freshmen, but I am not as confident in the beam lineup carrying the team to the finals as I have been in the past. 

Claire H: After Oklahoma, I have Florida, LSU, and Utah. The data originally had California in the top four over LSU, but the Tigers are too strong to leave out and I’ve found that having too much depth can sometimes hurt you in our simulator because the lineups are more unpredictable. I also debated keeping California in and bumping Utah out, but I believe that the addition of the No. 1 recruit Avery Neff will keep the Utes in the top four.

Tara: Rounding out my final four were LSU, Florida, and Utah. LSU has a strong team yet again, and coming off the heels of a national title, the Tigers will be hungry for more. Florida has loads of talent and the Gators got even better with the transfer of Selena Harris-Miranda. The final spot was hard, but I went with Utah. The Utes have a strong incoming class, with Avery Neff being the No. 1 recruit in the nation, plus the bonus of transfer Ana Padurariu. 

Mariah: My top 4 were pretty similar to my fellow editors, so no surprises here. I had LSU as most likely to upset Oklahoma for the title at No. 2, followed by perennial national finalists Florida and Utah.

Jenna: My top four are the same as Alyssa’s. I was a little surprised to see Florida come out just ahead of LSU in the data considering the injuries to DiCello and Blakely, but the addition of Selena Harris-Miranda’s scores were a huge boost.

Annie: Rounding out my final four is Oklahoma, Florida, and Utah. Selena Harris-Miranda is going to be a huge asset for Florida this year, and I just can’t imagine a Final Four without Utah there. Especially considering Avery Neff is starting her freshman year. I can’t wait to see how she fares in the NCAA after dominating DP the last few years. 

Emily L: I have LSU, Oklahoma, California, and Florida making it to the final. There’s no doubt in my mind that LSU and Oklahoma will advance to the final just like (almost) every year, plus Florida will be looking good with the addition of Selena Harris-Miranda and the return of Kayla DiCello. It was difficult to leave Utah out, but not everyone can make it and that’s why it’s exciting! 

Brandis: For me, LSU and Oklahoma are near locks for the final, along with Florida—thanks to their depth allowing them to overcome the injuries—so the final spot came down to former Pac-12 foes Utah and California. The Utes feature one of the nation’s top rookie classes, but even with Neff, I chose the defending runner-ups to return to the top four, as the Golden Bears’ seniority will be a defining factor in the postseason.

Let’s expand it one more time and look at the top eight. Which teams made yours and why?

Elizabeth: Again, so so difficult, especially because a number of typical nationals qualifiers missed out due to poor regionals performances or classic upsets in 2024. I have Michigan returning to the show, alongside Alabama, a Jordan Chiles-led UCLA, and last year’s runner-up California.

Julianna: For these next four, I have Utah, Stanford, UCLA, and Missouri. Utah was the team I was most hesitant on, even though I do think it is strong enough to be in these top spots. Coming off the season Stanford had, I really don’t think it will have a problem getting back to nationals in 2025. As for UCLA, it may also be on its redemption tour to prove it can be back near the top of the rankings with the help of Jordan Chiles. Missouri is my sleeper pick for the season; its incoming talent from transfers, freshmen, and the returning Helen Hu give it a stacked roster that can challenge even the top teams.

Savanna: My top eight ended with California, Missouri, UCLA, and Alabama respectively. California had a fantastic run as the runner-up last season and I don’t see a reason as to why it wouldn’t make it back to nationals. Missouri is going to be a completely different team compared to last season and it makes me very excited to see how it all comes together. UCLA is getting Jordan Chiles back alongside a solid freshman class, while Alabama has consistently made it to nationals and I don’t see that changing this year.

Alyssa: Filling out my top eight is Utah, UCLA, Michigan State, and Denver. This is where the real changeup happens for me. It seems like this group of teams tends to be different almost every season so I went with almost a new slate. While I think Utah will miss the final, I do think the Utes will still make it to Fort Worth. With the new additions and the return of Jordan Chiles I have UCLA making it back. Michigan State and Denver are two teams that have been really close the past two years and with some big roster shake ups in a school like Alabama, I think this is the year for both Denver and Michigan State.

Claire H: My top eight include California, Michigan State, Alabama, and UCLA. Michigan State and Alabama landed in the six and seven spots based on the data and I left those alone. I believe the Spartans will be hungry to make nationals after making it to the regional finals several years in a row. The data had Kentucky in my final nationals spot, but instead I bumped UCLA up one rank because of Jordan Chiles’ return. She isn’t on the roster yet since she is joining the team in January, so the simulation didn’t include her potential scores.

Tara: The nationals bubble is hard for me every year, but after some debate, California, Michigan, Alabama, and Denver complete my top eight. After making the final four in 2024, California should be a team in the mix and contending for the finals again. Michigan will be hungry for redemption after an early exit at its home regional; it will be hard to replace the graduated routines, but if any class can do it, it’s Michigan’s. Alabama is poised to have a strong team again this year, and Denver loses just four routines from a team that finished the 2024 regular season at No. 6. Replacing Jessica Hutchinson won’t be easy, but from what I’ve seen, I believe the Pioneers can do it. 

Mariah: I rounded out my nationals field with California, Kentucky, Alabama, and Michigan. I went back and forth between Utah and California for the final spot in the national final, and although I decided to go with the Utes, I would not be surprised to see the Bears ranked higher. Kentucky always seems to be lurking on the nationals bubble and I think it’ll make it in this year. Similar to Alabama, it has some top scoring routines to replace, but I think the talent is there to do it. I put the Wolverines at No. 8 despite their consistent slide down the rankings in recent years because their roster is stellar and I am desperate to see them reach their full potential.

Annie: These next four picks are the ones I struggled with the most; there are so many talented teams I would love to see rise to Nationals this year. I ended up picking Cal, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Alabama. My head picked Utah to go to the Final Four, but my heart picks Cal after the incredible year they had. Both Kentucky and Alabama have lost huge contributors with Raena Worley and Luisa Blanco, but I believe the current teams and incoming freshmen can do enough to maintain their rankings from last year. I can’t wait to watch Arkansas this year, especially with Olympic alternate Joseclyn Roberson joining the team. 

Emily L: Advancing to nationals but missing the national final I have Kentucky, Missouri, Utah, and Michigan State. Michigan State was likely disappointed after falling short at last year’s regionals and will be coming back with even better routines this year. Utah always makes it to nationals and I don’t see a way this year could be any different. As for Kentucky and Missouri, their freshmen and transfers should elevate them into a nationals berth, but maybe not high enough for the final. 

Brandis: Building a top eight was tough, as I see a baker’s dozen teams that I wouldn’t be surprised to see in Fort Worth in April. I think the Olympic flair will help keep UCLA and Arkansas in the hunt all season long as Chiles and Roberson, respectively, are more than ready to be the faces of their programs. In addition to the Red Rocks’ notorious newcomers, I also project the Crimson Tide to finish top eight once again as Ashley Priess-Johnston settles into head coaching in her second year at the helm of her alma mater.

Now we’re going all the way down to the regionals bubble teams where the most variety tends to occur across our ballots. Why did you include the teams you did?

Elizabeth: I find the bubble teams to be the most difficult group to rank because you’re always going to leave out deserving teams. In fact, I had San Jose State in one of my final spots until almost the last minute. However, despite former five-star Madison Gustitus’ strengths, I decided that ultimately the Spartans lost too much and will be just outside. Instead, I awarded postseason berths to what should be a healthy and more consistent Utah State, and sent Iowa back into the fold after its offseason leadership change.

Julianna: I had a lot of teams in mind for these bubble spots, including Towson, Ball State, Boise State, Kent State, and Clemson, but one of the most notable ones I included is Iowa. Coming from just missing out last season, as well as a head coaching chance, I do think it can get back to this spot–or higher. Most of my bubble teams were the same from the previous year, but if we learned anything from 2024, we know how quickly things can change in the last few weeks of the regular season!

Savanna: Welcome back to the postseason, Iowa. Or at least that’s how I ranked the Hawkeyes. I think Jen Llewellyn being at the helm and the surprise return of Jerquavia Henderson alongside a stellar freshman class will see Iowa back into regionals. I also added Clemson, Boise State, and my sleeper pick for spot No. 36 is Central Michigan.

Alyssa: Bubble teams are challenging to pick because the race is often close. Iowa is back in for me, but I consider last season an anomaly rankings wise so I don’t count Iowa as a bubble team. My last three teams in are North Carolina, Washington, and San Jose State. The addition here is North Carolina which I added due to seeing some gymnasts getting healthier.

Claire H: My final four to make the postseason included one personal opinion swap as well. The data had N.C. State, San Jose State, and Central Michigan in spots 33-35, but I chose to move Illinois up one rank into No. 36 over North Carolina. This was largely due to the addition of elite gymnast Chloe Cho, who I believe will help carry Illinois into the postseason.

Tara: The bubble teams are my least favorite to predict every year—it’s just so hard with the margins becoming increasingly slim! My No. 33 to 36 are Boise State, San Jose State, Central Michigan, and Towson. Central Michigan’s freshman class is a bit under the radar and I think they’ll be difference makers for the Chippewas, while Madison Gustitus will help continue San Jose State’s trajectory. Towson edged out the likes of North Carolina, Utah State, and George Washington for the final spot, but it’s anyone’s game. 

Mariah: My last four in were Washington, Southern Utah, Boise State, and North Carolina. This is a lower ranking than I would typically expect for the Huskies, but they’re losing some important routines and have a small class coming in along with a coaching change, so I think this will be a rebuilding year. Similar to ranking Michigan at No. 8, my inclusion of the Tar Heels is an attempt to manifest a season in which they reach their full potential. On paper, they have a better roster than their historical results would suggest. I would not be at all surprised if San Jose State, or maybe Central Michigan, made it through to regionals instead, however.

Rebecca: I snuck Utah State in in the No. 36 spot. I’ve been high on the Aggies’ recruiting for a while and their development through the 2024 season was really promising, so I’m hopeful for a breakthrough.

Annie: Can’t we just send every team to regionals?! There are so many teams to pick from for these bubble spotst that I can’t help but use my heart a little. Ball State, George Washington, San Jose State, and Arizona are my last four spots thanks to their incoming classes. How exciting that these bubble teams are so good that it could literally be anyone. 

Are there any other surprises—whether it’s a big drop or big leap—featured elsewhere in your top 36?

Elizabeth: I dropped Washington pretty significantly because of former head coach Jen Llewellyn’s departure. Maybe I have too much confidence in her (I also included Iowa in my top 36 after it missed out in 2024), but I think Washington is in slightly worse shape with a less proven head coach and the loss of fifth-year Skylar Killough-Willhelm to the transfer portal.

Julianna: Three of the biggest jumps for me would be Georgia, UCLA, and Michigan. Michigan has the No. 1-ranked freshman class and still has so much talent returning. Since its 2021 win, it’s been looking for a way to move back up in the national rankings, and I really believe 2025 is the year. I moved Georgia up significantly as well, taking into account the No. 1 freshman class from 2024 having gained a year of collegiate experience, another great class of newcomers, as well as three big transfers and a head coaching shift. This year is bound to be a real turning point for the program.

Savanna: Similar to some of my fellow editors, I dropped Washington a bit further down in my rankings. I also moved Georgia up to just on the verge of qualifying to nationals, but I would not be surprised to see it unseat one of my top 8 teams. Some would probably consider me ranking Iowa State in the top 25 surprising, but I think the Cyclones made a statement last season and will succeed in their goal of qualifying directly to day two this season.

Sophie: I moved Clemson up quite a few spots from where they finished last season. I think it had such a strong opening season and will be hungry to build on that, and it has some strong freshmen joining its roster.

Alyssa: I did not drop or raise up many teams in a way that would not really align with either the regular season or post season. I did raise Iowa a lot and also dropped Washington quite a bit due to the coaching and roster changes.

Claire H: Iowa landed at 26 in my data and that’s not accounting for the coaching change. If Jen Llewellyn can do as much as people are hoping for this program, it’s possible we see them even higher. Georgia also falls into a similar boat with new co-head coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi. The data placed the Bulldogs in 15th but we will see if the new leadership can pull it higher as well.

Tara: I’m high on Iowa, too, as the Hawkeyes landed at No. 23 in my poll thanks to the returns of JerQuavia Henderson and Adeline Kenlin in addition to a strong freshman class. After finishing the 2024 regular season at No. 26, Penn State vaulted to a No. 16 final ranking with a strong regionals performance; I see that continuing with the help of a great freshman class, ultimately ranking it No. 14. In terms of drops, N.C. State landed at No. 28 since it graduated many of its impact routines.

Mariah: I’ve addressed Washington, Michigan, and North Carolina already which accounts for most of my notable ranking jumps, but similar to many other editors, I also bumped Iowa up in my rankings to No. 26 after it missed out on regionals last season. I also ranked Clemson at No. 25 after its stellar first season, and conservatively raised Georgia up to No. 13, although I think there’s potential for an even bigger jump up the rankings if all goes well with the coaching change.

Rebecca: I dropped Denver quite a bit: The loss of Jessica Hutchinson without a clear succession plan is something that my methodology didn’t appreciate at all. I also expect a jump from Penn State, as this already rising team adds one of the best freshman classes in the country. The last time I was this excited about the Nittany Lions was the year that Lauren Bridgens and Alissa Bonsall were freshmen, and this might be even better.

Annie: Please don’t hate me, but I had Michigan drop a few spots in the ranking, despite its incoming class. The loss of Sierra Brooks and Gabby Wilson is just too great, and I think it will be building for one more year before it begins rising back to the top eight. On the other hand, I have Georgia rising back up a few spots thanks to the new coaching staff. With a healthy team (knock on wood), it can improve its ranking significantly from the last few years. 

Emily L: Penn State made a huge leap in my rankings this year, landing at number 15. Freshmen like Allison Kaempfer, Dani Latronica, and Elizabeth Leary are bringing some big routines and I’m super excited to see how the Nittany Lions do this season. 

Brandis: As an Iowa athletics alum, I must defend myself for ranking the Hawkeyes the highest of any editor. After undergoing a massive change in leadership as the previous coach had been at the helm for decades, Jen Llewellyn notched a major win immediately by re-recruiting Hawkeye namesakes Kenlin and Henderson back to the program. A culture shift accompanied by gymternet favorites and underrated returnee Karina Muñoz means missing regionals again is unacceptable for Iowa.

Finally, we know things change quickly in the gym world. How would you change your ranking now based on anything you’ve seen from teams since you submitted your poll?

Elizabeth: Honestly, not much has changed since I submitted my poll a couple weeks ago. The only thing I might change now is having a different team at No. 36. I think Utah State will definitely be a bubble team this year, but there are so many good teams sitting in regionals contention that it will be a true dog fight for the final few spots.

Alyssa: I haven’t seen anything from teams that would make me change my rankings, but I am sure it won’t be long before I do.

Mariah: As of right now, I feel pretty good about my ranking but I’m sure that will change once intrasquad season is in full swing.

Julianna: As of now, nothing for me personally has changed, but, if I have learned anything just from the last year, nothing is guaranteed and these rankings are always changing. 

Tara: There haven’t been many groundbreaking changes since I submitted my poll a couple weeks ago. I could probably tweak my final rankings all day based on small, day-to-day changes, but I don’t think anything significantly moves the needle. 

Annie: Although I’m sure I will look back at this poll at the end of the year and laugh, right now I have no regrets. 

Brandis: In hindsight, I was too harsh on the Sun Devils. Hannah Scharf and other key routines have departed, but I expect  Arizona State to be still vying for the top 20 rather than sitting outside the top 25 where I ranked it.

READ THIS NEXT: College Gym News 2025 Preseason Poll: How Our Editors Ranked Their Top 36


Article by the editors of College Gym News

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