We’re now roughly at the halfway point of the regular season, and the top teams are starting to settle into their positions. While the top eight teams remain the same, there was some internal shuffling this week, as upsets and standout scores brought some movement after last week’s stagnation. Except for Florida, momentum is trending upward across the board, with these programs starting to separate themselves as the championship contenders of 2025.
1. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 1
With their biggest challenger faltering, the Sooners took care of business with a 197.825 home win, mirroring their week five performance. While Jordan Bowers was expected to be the star after a strong 2024, it’s been Faith Torrez who has elevated Oklahoma this season, ranking second in the NCAA all-around standings, just ahead of Bowers at third. Their leadership will be crucial as Oklahoma faces a tough road test against LSU, followed by a home meet against Florida with the SEC regular-season title on the line. Both LSU and Florida have hit 198 this year, a benchmark the Sooners have yet to reach in 2025.
2. LSU
Last Week: No. 3
After a road upset loss to Arkansas, LSU redeemed themselves with a tricky road win at Alabama, proving they can compete outside their home turf. The biggest takeaway from the weekend was the return of Haleigh Bryant on vault and the addition of Kaliya Lincoln’s floor routine. Both routines would be essential in a championship lineup, and the Tigers will need all hands on deck next week in a high-stakes matchup against Oklahoma.
3. Florida
Last Week: No. 2
A beam meltdown resulted in a season-low score and an upset loss to Arkansas, the lowest-ranked team in the SEC. Despite this, there’s no need for panic. The Gators were ranked No. 1 on beam heading into week five, so the struggles appear to be a fluke for now. The second SEC loss hurts, as the regular-season title may be out of reach, but with upcoming meets against Auburn and Oklahoma, there’s still plenty to prove. Expect to see championship-caliber lineups when Florida faces Oklahoma in what could be a defining meet for both teams.
4. UCLA
Last Week: No. 5
The Bruins are the hottest team right now, steadily climbing the rankings after a rocky week one start. Jordan Chiles’ return has undoubtedly helped, but the consistent rise of Emma Malabuyo and Brooklyn Moors, along with freshman Macy McGowan’s seamless transition into collegiate competition, has elevated UCLA into title contention. After teetering on the edge of nationals qualification at the start of the season, the Bruins are now firmly in the conversation.
5. Michigan State
Last Week: No. 4
Michigan State rebounded from a close loss to UCLA with a dominant win over Minnesota, narrowly missing their season-best score. While the loss hurts in the race for the Big Ten regular-season title, Michigan State’s remaining schedule is more favorable than UCLA’s, leaving the door open for a three-peat with some help. Beam remains the weak spot, but improvement there could put two Big Ten teams in the running for a nationals spot.
6. Utah
Last Week: No. 6
The return of Avery Neff, albeit only on bars, was the big story out of Salt Lake City this week. Even one routine from the former top recruit improves Utah’s chances as they eye a championship run. Meanwhile, Makenna Smith and Grace McCallum continue to shine as top-10 all-arounders, keeping Utah in the conversation for a national title. The next big test will come in a rivalry dual against UCLA, where a signature win could bolster the Red Rocks’ standing.
7. California
Last Week: No. 7
A season-best performance in a thrilling rivalry meet win over Stanford reminded everyone why California was the NCAA runner-up last season. Mya Lauzon finally hit her stride, earning a 39.750 all-around score, highlighted by a perfect 10.0 on floor. The Bears will need eMjae Frazier to return to her consistent 9.9 form from last season if they want to make up ground on the top five.
8. Missouri
Last Week: No. 8
Missouri held steady in the rankings with a win over Illinois, despite a shaky vault rotation. The Tigers have battled adversity all season, losing key gymnasts Lauren Macpherson and Grace Anne Davis to injury before the season even started. That resilience is what keeps Missouri in the nationals conversation, and with more depth on this year’s roster, the Tigers are well-positioned for a strong second half of the season.
Up Next: Oregon State, Kentucky, Stanford, Auburn, Georgia
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Article by Brandis Heffner
