The most significant movement in the power rankings this week comes at the bottom, as Missouri slides back into eighth place while Auburn drops out following an injury to its star gymnast, Katelyn Jong, who will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. With little movement elsewhere, this week is the perfect opportunity to spotlight NCAA gymnastics’ most underrated teams and explore which mid-major programs deserve attention heading into the postseason.
1. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 1
A slew of injuries meant the Tigers didn’t provide the Sooners with the challenge expected when traveling to Auburn, but Oklahoma’s near-198 was more than enough to solidify its spot atop both the NQS and power rankings. Despite upcoming matchups against two fellow NCAA champion programs—Michigan and Georgia—the Sooners will be heavy favorites before entering what promises to be a fiercely competitive SEC championship. These next two weeks will be key for KJ Kindler to test depth before the postseason, making lineup decisions and the number of all-arounders a major storyline to watch.
2. LSU
Last Week: No. 2
Matching Florida’s 198.125—the highest score by any team this season—is a mental win for the Tigers, who also showcased valuable depth in their comfortable “road” victory at a secondary arena in Baton Rouge. While Leah Miller and Kylie Coen’s floor routines won’t factor into LSU’s ideal postseason lineups, their performances provided critical rest, meaningful competition reps, and legitimate emergency options. The team total also proved crucial in securing LSU’s No. 2 spot in the NQS rankings.
3. UCLA
Last Week: No. 3
With an undefeated conference record, UCLA clinched the Big Ten regular-season title in its first year in the conference—an achievement few predicted at the start of the season. While scoring remained tame throughout the league’s quad meets, the Bruins have yet to break the 198 barrier, their only missing piece thus far. However, their consistency has been more valuable than a single high-scoring meet. Unlike some top-five teams, UCLA hasn’t dipped into the 196s during off performances, and that reliability matters.
4. Florida
Last Week: No. 5
A week after everything went wrong, Florida delivered a near-perfect performance, securing its second 198.125 at home this season—highlighted by Selena Harris-Miranda’s vault 10. This score essentially guarantees the Gators a spot in the SEC championship evening session, an achievement no longer automatic, given conference expansion. While Anya Pilgrim’s quick return after her scary week eight fall was a relief, losing Sloane Blakely is a blow. The roster has the talent to replace her scoring potential, but replacing her experience won’t be so easy.
5. Utah
Last Week: No. 4
The Utes drop a spot after a bye week but still hold strong momentum as they focus on getting standout freshman Avery Neff back to full strength. A trip to Washington precedes a high-stakes regular-season finale against UCLA. That rivalry showdown is a must-win for Utah, which is still seeking a defining victory in 2025 before championship season begins.
6. California
Last Week: No. 6
California’s first of four consecutive quad meets was a success, delivering a new season-high away score and clinching its first ACC regular-season title in its debut season. As the Golden Bears push for a 198, vault consistency remains the biggest factor—sticking Yurchenko fulls will be crucial as they commit to four 10.0 start values for the postseason. Peaking at the right time has been California’s signature, and after its second consecutive complete meet, the team is trending in that direction again.
7. Michigan State
Last Week: No. 7
Reaching 197 was a challenge across the Big Four meets, but Michigan State and UCLA were the only two teams in the conference to surpass that total. Keeping pace with the Bruins solidifies the Spartans as a strong contender for the Big Ten title, but their week nine score wasn’t enough to maintain NQS positioning. Momentum is on Michigan State’s side, but the math isn’t. To avoid an unfavorable seed at regionals, the Spartans need big scores in the coming weeks to secure a top-eight spot and retain their nationals-favorite status.
8. Missouri
Last Week: Not Ranked
Although Missouri didn’t leave Gainesville with a win, its second-best program score ever and Amari Celestine’s continued rise as an all-around dark horse made the trip worthwhile. Six straight 197-plus scores, paired with Auburn’s loss of standout freshman Katelyn Jong, earned Missouri a return to the rankings. The Tigers now face critical matchups against Auburn and upset-prone Arkansas, needing strong performances to solidify their nationals potential before the postseason.
Up Next: Oregon State, Kentucky, Stanford, Georgia
Mid-Major Rankings
In other sports, “mid-major” refers to schools outside the power conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC).
1. Southern Utah
Heading into the season, Southern Utah faced major lineup questions after key departures. However, those concerns quickly faded as underclassmen stepped up, keeping the team on the cusp of a top-20 ranking. Freshman Mia Hampton has been the perfect addition to last year’s breakout all-arounder, Niya Randolph, making Southern Utah the clear top mid-major program at this point in the season.
2. Boise State
After a dominant run in the 2010s, Boise State struggled in the early 2020s, finishing No. 33 last season. However, the Broncos are reversing that trend in 2025, leading the Mountain West and sitting inside the top 30. Bars standout Emily Lopez, a past NCAA qualifier, is once again on track for an individual berth and remains a crucial contributor.
3. Utah State
Head coach Kristin White deserves immense credit for the Aggies’ rapid rebuild. Just a few seasons ago, the program was gutted following its former head coach’s departure to Clemson. After two seasons finishing in the 40s, Utah State is now in the top 30 and positioned for a return to the postseason. White has quickly transformed the program, and a Mountain West title would cap off the turnaround.
4. Towson
Expectations were high for Towson as the highest-ranked mid-major in the College Gym News preseason poll. Currently sitting just inside the regional cut and leading the EAGL, the Tigers need a strong finish at the conference championship to lock in a postseason berth. Even if the team falls short, bars specialist Isabella Minervini is a strong contender for an individual trip to Fort Worth.
5. Illinois State
The Redbirds, who haven’t qualified a team to regionals in decades, currently sit just outside the postseason picture at No. 37. However, they have a legitimate shot at breaking through, boasting a top-25 floor ranking and multiple 10.0 start value vaults. With momentum on their side, Illinois State is the heavy favorite for the MIC title and could make history with a late-season push.
Up Next: George Washington, Central Michigan, Kent State
READ THIS NEXT: Questions, Comments, Concerns: Week 8
Article by Brandis Heffner
Perhaps I have the wrong week, but Road to Nationals for Week 9, shows Missouri ranked #7 and Michigan State ranked #8. Your listing has it reversed. Is the article covering a different week?
These are power rankings, which are different than the NQS rankings.