It was an eventful weekend of NCAA gymnastics, and that is felt in this week’s power rankings, with plenty of movement in the top eight. A new SEC team jumps into the bottom of the rankings fueled by a historic rivalry win, while the Sooners’ revenge tour got back on track thanks to back-to-back 198s in a single weekend.
1. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 2
After showing vulnerability in the loss at LSU, Oklahoma rebounded in the best possible way, posting two 198-plus scores in three days, including a top-five win over Florida. The only lingering critique of the Sooners had been their lack of a 198—an issue they erased this weekend. With those key scores coming both at home and on the road, Oklahoma solidifies its status as the team to beat heading into championship season and reclaims the top spot after a week away.
2. LSU
Last Week: No. 1
Dropping from the top spot this week are the Tigers, whose low-197 fell flat compared to last week’s Oklahoma-defeating 198—a mark the Sooners hit twice over the weekend. LSU’s road performances haven’t been as dominant, with an away average more than half a point lower than its home scores. However, there’s still good news in Baton Rouge: Haleigh Bryant returned to bars in the win over Kentucky, and with the reigning NCAA all-around champion back on all four events, the Tigers remain one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
3. UCLA
Last Week: No. 3
Seven straight 197s keep UCLA firmly in the top three, with the Bruins surviving a tricky road test at Michigan to remain unbeaten in Big Ten competition. That test was more difficult than expected, as the freshman-heavy Wolverines started strong before taking themselves out of contention on beam, and UCLA had a miss on every event. Bonus points for bouncing back four times, but come championship season, that margin for error disappears. On the bright side, UCLA is building key depth and giving crucial rest to gymnasts like Chae Campbell.
4. Utah
Last Week: No. 5
Welcome to the 198 Club, Red Rocks. Powered by a trio of 9.975s from Grace McCallum, Utah delivered a season-best performance to climb a spot in the rankings and match Oklahoma for the second-highest score in the nation this year. Like UCLA, Utah has been strategic about testing its depth, which should pay dividends when the stakes are highest. And don’t look now, but freshman standout Avery Neff added another event to her repertoire, competing on beam in addition to bars last weekend.
5. Florida
Last Week: No. 4
With two of the Gators’ most valuable gymnasts—Anya Pilgrim and Sloane Blakely—going down with injuries at different points in the meet, Florida’s showing at Oklahoma wasn’t indicative of its true potential. Unfortunately, with Blakely out indefinitely, the Gators’ postseason prospects take a hit, as they lose four routines from their ideal lineups. The talent is there to keep Florida in the title hunt, but there’s a lot to prove while all eyes remain on its injury report.
6. California
Last Week: No. 7
Finally putting together a complete meet, the Golden Bears’ season-high 197.775 was the proof everyone needed that last year’s NCAA runners-up are still championship contenders. eMjae Frazier upgraded to a double layout on floor, Ondine Achampong made her long-awaited NCAA debut on beam, and California appears to be hitting its stride at the perfect time. With only multi-team meets left on the schedule, the Bears are shifting fully into postseason prep mode.
7. Michigan State
Last Week: No. 6
The Spartans weren’t tested in an easy home win over Rutgers but put up a solid score to stay firmly in the top eight. Last week, bars and beam were the issue—this time, it was floor that held Michigan State back from a complete performance. The Spartans remain a dark horse for Four on the Floor, but they need to hit a full meet before the postseason. A key opportunity looms next month at Elevate the Stage, where they’ll take on fellow nationals contender California and sleeper Alabama.
8. Auburn
Last Week: Not Ranked
A new set of Tigers enters the rankings. Auburn’s flashes of brilliance this season culminated in its first-ever win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, led by superstar freshman Katelyn Jong. Vault was the lone event where Jong had yet to break 9.9—so she stuck her Yurchenko one and a half, delivering the emotional boost Auburn needed to clinch the Iron Bowl victory. That momentum makes Auburn a serious threat moving forward and further deepens an already stacked SEC.
Up Next: Missouri, Oregon State, Georgia, Kentucky
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Article by Brandis Heffner
