For the second week in a row, there’s movement among the top four teams. This shake-up was inevitable, given the season’s marquee matchup between the last two NCAA champions, and LSU’s upset win sealed the deal. Several other powerhouses also had close calls, highlighting just how competitive things are as we head into the second half of the season.
1. LSU
Last Week: No. 2
In what could go down as the meet of the year, LSU dethroned Oklahoma from the top spot for the first time this season—despite technically dropping in the Road to Nationals rankings. The Sooners rarely lose in the regular season, making the Tigers’ victory even more impressive. The win also evens the playing field for the SEC title, as both teams now have one loss, though LSU has a much easier remaining schedule and wins the head-to-head tie-break. Bars remained one of the Tigers’ weaker events, but there’s good news on the horizon: Reigning NCAA all-around champion Haleigh Bryant has started training giants again there, inching her closer to a full return.
2. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 1
Despite the loss, the Sooners didn’t fall far in the power rankings, maintaining their No. 1 spot in the actual rankings, as the shift to NQS didn’t impact their regular-season dominance. This was a rare stumble in Oklahoma’s revenge tour—its official “Welcome to the SEC” moment. The Sooners need to regroup quickly, though, with Florida coming to town this weekend. Their performance against LSU wasn’t poor, with a balanced effort hampered by a few beam wobbles. Back in Norman, Oklahoma could be poised for a major bounce-back.
3. UCLA
Last Week: No. 4
Of the teams in these power rankings, UCLA benefited the most from the NQS shift, leaping from fifth to second in the Road to Nationals standings. Aside from a rough season-opening 195, the Bruins have been one of the nation’s best road teams in 2025, a key advantage over other top-four contenders. That ability will be tested as UCLA wraps up its debut Big Ten season with back-to-back Midwest road meets. Vault remains the glaring weak spot—UCLA has struggled to produce 9.9s—but consistency across other events has kept scores competitive while landings remain a work in progress.
4. Florida
Last Week: No. 3
A week after beam troubles derailed the Gators at Arkansas, bars nearly cost them against Auburn. This time, though, Florida was able to course-correct, gutting out a win with a score that holds up against the best in the nation. Leanne Wong was the difference-maker, delivering the team’s only 9.9 on vault, coming within a fraction of perfection on bars after two teammates faltered, and posting a 10.0 to cap a stellar 49.7 beam rotation. With a trip to Oklahoma on deck, Florida will need to be near-flawless.
5. Utah
Last Week: No. 5
The switch to NQS helped Utah’s ranking, but its actual performances tell a different story. The Utes escaped Tempe with a win over Arizona State, but a 48.2 on beam made it a close call, and the team still lacks a second 197 outside of Utah—keeping road consistency a major concern. Still searching for a signature win this season, the Utes face Denver this week before a high-stakes showdown with UCLA, their last chance at a top-10 victory before postseason play.
6. Michigan State
Last Week: No. 6
The Spartans slid in the Road to Nationals rankings this week, as bars and beam struggles kept them from hitting 197 in a close win at Nebraska. Those two events continue to be the limiting factor, preventing Michigan State from delivering the kind of eye-catching totals seen from top-five teams. The Spartans have shown flashes of brilliance—putting up mid-49s on bars and beam earlier in the season—but haven’t yet put together a complete meet where all four events click at once. If they do, they’ll be a dangerous threat.
7. California
Last Week: No. 7
A shaky beam rotation kept the Golden Bears from a season-high, but another solid road 197 helped them climb in the NQS rankings. While California has lacked explosive team totals that would push it into the top five, the reigning NCAA runner-up can’t be overlooked. The Bears have a history of peaking at the right time, but with beam inconsistencies and vault totals stuck in the low 49s, there’s still room for growth before the postseason.
8. Missouri
Last Week: No. 8
Missouri’s consistency—hovering just above 197 for the past month—has set it apart from other nationals contenders. The Tigers’ floor lineup has been on fire lately, highlighted by Kennedy Griffin’s perfect 10 this week. However, vault has gone in the opposite direction, with multiple sub-49 scores in recent meets. While a stellar floor rotation can bail out a team at times, Missouri will need to shore up its vault landings to solidify its nationals favorite status. With multiple strong Yurchenko 1.5s on the roster, there’s no reason for the event to be lagging.
Up Next: Oregon State, Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky
READ THIS NEXT: Dedication Leotards Take Center Stage as Gymnasts Honor Teammates, Traditions, and Causes
Article by Brandis Heffner
