NCAA Gymnastics Power Rankings, Week 2: Bruins Bounce Back, Sooners Shine in Primetime

While the numerical rankings two weeks into the NCAA season don’t yet tell a great story about how teams realistically stack up, thanks to scoring discrepancies and one-off meets, week two scheduling provided some clarity. Much of the top 10 faced off in various quad meets, allowing for a more natural sorting of the teams. The top-six showdown in Oklahoma City lived up to the hype, with a tight meet cementing several championship contenders. UCLA’s Olympian-laden roster, driven by extra motivation, also showcased its full potential in a meet to remember.

1. Oklahoma

Last Week: No. 1

The Sooners seem unaware that scores are supposed to be less flashy early in the season. Their mid-197 and near-198 performances to open 2025 are exactly what we’ve come to expect from this dynasty. “Hosting” the second edition of the Collegiate Quad, Oklahoma led a top-six clash in what very well may be a nationals preview, solidifying its status as the early favorite for the NCAA title. Jordan Bowers, Audrey Davis, and Faith Torrez are already in midseason form. On paper, the Sooners have plenty of depth, though coach KJ Kinder has only shown eight gymnasts so far, making that the only potential question heading into week three. With quad meets now behind them and a month until back-to-back matchups with LSU and Florida, expect Oklahoma to showcase some new routines over the next few weekends. Fantasy players, take note: It’s time to snag Ava Siegfeldt’s vault and beam 9.9s.

2. LSU

Last Week: No. 2

While finishing as runner-up in the Collegiate Quad’s second session is respectable, the most significant takeaway for LSU is the return of Haleigh Bryant to the lineup. Freshman Kailin Chio was the top rookie all-arounder and tied teammate Aleah Finnegan for second overall behind Bowers, keeping LSU close to Oklahoma all afternoon. Even without Bryant, the Tigers are legitimate championship contenders, and Bryant’s routines will be key to their title hopes. She scored 9.750 on beam and warmed up her tumbling on floor, so expect more from the defending all-around champ in the coming weeks.

3. California

Last Week: No. 3

The Golden Bears, known for their consistency, are off to another strong start, echoing their historic 2024 season. In week two, California improved by a point from its fall-free week one performance, staying within striking distance of Oklahoma. Vault difficulty remains a concern, as the Bears currently have just four 10.0 start values, and Jayden Silvers’ Yurchenko one and a half has been absent so far. However, late-lineup substitutions like Casey Brown on bars and CJ Keuneke on floor have earned 9.8-plus scores, suggesting the team’s depth is strong. Testing those routines in a championship environment could pay off in the future.

4. Michigan State

Last Week: No. 4

Michigan State came within a minor deduction of toppling Florida on its home turf, proving the Spartans are true championship contenders. Olivia Zsarmani’s development into a reliable all-arounder has raised the team’s ceiling, positioning the Spartans as the favorites among preseason bubble teams to reach nationals in Fort Worth. With matchups against Michigan, Ohio State, and UCLA in the next three weeks, Michigan State’s quest for a Big Ten regular season title three-peat will be tested. A 3-0 record in that stretch could provide significant momentum.

5. Alabama

Last Week: Not Ranked

Alabama joined LSU and Oklahoma as the only teams to open 2025 with a 197. The Crimson Tide secured a no-nonsense dual meet win at home against North Carolina despite a slow start on vault, where six 10.0 start values didn’t lead to the expected scores. Gabby Gladieux and Lily Hudson both scored 39.500 or better in the all-around to lead the way. Alabama’s third-ranked freshman class contributed significantly, with Paityn Walker, a former four-star recruit, standing out by earning the first 9.9 of her class with a Maloney-Gienger combination on bars. Alabama looks to be a strong contender in both the SEC and national races.

6. Florida

Last Week: No. 6

The Gators’ home opener went smoothly until late falls on floor made the meet tighter than expected. With the defending champion up next and Utah following in early February, Florida’s schedule will only get tougher. The floor lineup’s depth remains a question, as the mistakes came from expected depth routines. Leanne Wong looked sharp and currently holds the No. 1 all-around ranking. Newcomers Selena Harris-Miranda, Taylor Clark, Ly Bui, and Skye Blakely all debuted in the quad meet win. Next week’s critical SEC dual meet, airing on ESPN2, will give a clearer picture of Florida’s postseason potential.

7. Utah

Last Week: No. 5

For the second year in a row, Utah finished fourth at the Collegiate Quad, with head coach Carly Dockendorf openly expressing frustration over the scoring. Despite a solid performance, the Red Rocks struggled to maintain momentum as beam wobbles, Ella Zirbes losing her breath on floor, and missed landings hurt their total. However, Amelie Morgan nailed a Yurchenko one and a half as a last-second sub, Grace McCallum posted a near-perfect bars set, and Avery Neff rebounded with a 9.9 on floor after a fall last week, keeping Utah firmly in the championship conversation.

8. UCLA

Last Week: Not Ranked

With a two-point swing between its week one and week two scores, UCLA has already shown both its floor and ceiling for the season. The Bruins impressed in their Collegiate Quad session, posting the nation’s top score on floor thanks to Jordan Chiles’ 9.975. While they couldn’t top Oklahoma, UCLA’s third-best event score with contributions from Chiles and Katelyn Rosen—who have yet to make their all-around debuts—was noteworthy. Though week one’s low-195 still looms, another strong showing in week three would build the Bruins’ case as contenders.

Next Up: Kentucky, Missouri, Denver, Ohio State, Auburn

READ THIS NEXT: Data Deep Dive: Does Lineup Order Matter?

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Article by Brandis Heffner