The theme of the weekend was 198, with scores elevated nationwide as teams tighten up for the postseason—and judges seemingly forgetting about the deductions they once took back in January. That mark is often seen as a “championship winning” total, so when teams hit or miss it this late in the season, it can shift momentum, as we saw with Missouri capitalizing in a big way this week.
1. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 1
The biggest storyline for Oklahoma this weekend wasn’t just another win—it was lineup experimentation, as the Sooners cruised to an easy home victory over Michigan while notching their third 198 of the season. Danielle Sievers returned to floor, and Ava Siegfeldt slotted back into beam, as K.J. Kindler tested her depth—an element some have questioned throughout the year. With LSU closing the gap this week, Oklahoma still holds the top spot but may need to flex every muscle to avenge last year’s championship miss.
2. LSU
Last Week: No. 2
While plenty have questioned the scoring inflation in Baton Rouge, LSU’s meet was undeniably electric, and a program-record, nation-leading total sends a statement. Not only did the Tigers close the gap on Oklahoma in NQS, but they’re also surging in momentum. Now, all eyes turn to whether LSU can keep the pace with a crucial road test at Auburn to close the regular season. A third-straight 198 could position the Tigers as co-favorites heading into SEC championship.
3. UCLA
Last Week: No. 3
Another week, another 197-range score for UCLA, which continues its streak of consistency but still can’t quite break into that elusive 198 zone. While reliability has been a Bruins hallmark, championship hopes hinge on vault, where UCLA needs to start finding mid-49s to be competitive in April. As the postseason approaches, the pressure to finally deliver a “wow” meet is mounting—especially with former Pac-12 rival Utah looming to close the season.
4. Florida
Last Week: No. 4
Joining LSU in the back-to-back 198 club, Florida delivered a clutch road performance at Alabama—a key sign of postseason readiness. Yet, while the Gators now own some of the best away scores among top teams, their season-long inconsistency remains a lingering concern. When Florida hits, beam can be unbeatable, but sorting out the optimal lineup for that event will be critical as SEC and NCAA titles come into focus.
5. Utah
Last Week: No. 5
Utah still hasn’t broken into the upper 197s outside of its home state but continues to trend upward, putting together another well-rounded performance this week. The biggest storyline? Avery Neff’s all-around return, adding vault and floor back to her slate for the first time since her January injury. With more growth still possible, Neff’s comeback raises the Red Rocks’ ceiling—just in time for their showdown with UCLA to close the regular season.
6. California
Last Week: No. 6
California may have stayed in the low 197s, but the win at Elevate the Stage was crucial, providing the postseason atmosphere this team needs with quad meets rounding out their season. Coming from behind to edge Michigan State was a gut-check moment that should serve them well in high-pressure situations. Grabbing a top-10 win in a regionals-like field is a momentum boost as the Bears fine-tune for April.
7. Missouri
Last Week: No. 8
Missouri makes its long-awaited jump above No. 7 after delivering the program’s first-ever 198 in a statement win over Auburn. That historic total all but ensures the Tigers a spot in the SEC evening session and signals their potential to be a major postseason spoiler. Built specifically for this kind of breakout season, Missouri is now squarely in the conversation as a dark horse for Fort Worth.
8. Michigan State
Last Week: No. 7
Nearly toppling California last weekend is an encouraging takeaway for Michigan State, but the Spartans also missed a prime opportunity to land a signature win. While they remain firmly in the nationals conversation, the clock is ticking for a statement score that will cement their standing as a real contender. Without a 197.5-plus yet this season, Michigan State could be vulnerable to teams like Kentucky, Arkansas, or Denver, all of whom have already hit that mark and are lurking as upset threats.
Up Next: Stanford, Oregon State, Kentucky, Georgia
READ THIS NEXT: The Dismount Week 10
Article by Brandis Heffner
