Big Ten Announces 2025 Preseason Poll and Watch List

Michigan State has been chosen to win the 2025 Big Ten, according to a poll of the 12 head coaches released Tuesday. The Spartans enter the 2025 season as the defending Big Ten regular season and conference champions, claiming their first-ever Big Ten title in school history during the 2024 campaign.

UCLA, making its highly anticipated debut in the Big Ten, was selected to finish second. The Bruins bring a rich gymnastics tradition and national reputation into their first year in the conference. Third is Michigan, a perennial powerhouse aiming to challenge for the title.

Ohio State and Minnesota were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, to round out the top five.

2025 Big Ten Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Michigan State
2. UCLA
3. Michigan
4. Ohio State
5. Minnesota
6. Penn State
7. Nebraska
8. Illinois
9. Maryland
10. Iowa
11. Washington
12. Rutgers

All 12 Big Ten programs earned national recognition in the preseason WCGA preseason coaches poll, making it one of the most competitive conferences in the country. UCLA led the way at No. 10, with Michigan State close behind at No. 11. Michigan (13th), Ohio State (16th), and Minnesota (18th) also secured spots in the top 20. Penn State (21st), Illinois (22nd), Nebraska (23rd), Maryland (24th), and Washington (26th) added further depth while Iowa was ranked 29th and Rutgers received votes.

Gymnasts to Watch

The Big Ten also unveiled its 2025 Gymnasts to Watch List, recognizing 24 athletes poised to make significant contributions this season. Nearly half of those selected are returning All-Big Ten performers, including defending Freshman of the Year Kalea McElligott from Penn State.

Michigan State’s Skyla Schulte and Nikki Smith, two of the conference’s top gymnasts, will lead the Spartans’ title defense. UCLA’s Jordan Chiles and Emma Malabuyo, both established national and international competitors, are expected to make an immediate impact in their inaugural Big Ten season. Minnesota’s Mya Hooten also returns for her fifth year to anchor the Gophers.

2025 Gymnasts to Watch

• Illinois: Chloe Cho (Fr.), Arielle Ward (Jr.)
• Iowa: Adeline Kenlin (5th-Yr.), Karina Muñoz (Jr.)
• Maryland: Natalie Martin (So.), Alexa Rothenbuescher (Gr.)
• Michigan: Sophia Diaz (Fr.), Jahzara Ranger (Fr.)
• Michigan State: Skyla Schulte (Sr.), Nikki Smith (Jr.)
• Minnesota: Mya Hooten (Gr.), Lauren Pearl (Sr.)
• Nebraska: Sophia McClelland (Sr.), Whitney Jencks (So.)
• Ohio State: Tory Vetter (R-Jr.), Payton Harris (Jr.)
• Penn State: Kalea McElligott (So.), Elizabeth Leary (Fr.)
• Rutgers: Gabrielle Dildy (Jr.), Delaney Adrian (Fr.)
• UCLA: Jordan Chiles (Jr.), Emma Malabuyo (Sr.)
• Washington: Lana Navarro (Sr.), Emily Innes (Jr.)

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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley