Every season in college gymnastics brings change, but the 2025 season promises a particularly significant shift. As we say goodbye to the athletes who took advantage of their extra COVID years, several teams are facing a major overhaul. It’s not just about losing talented gymnasts; it’s about replacing key routines, leadership, and the consistency those seniors provided. Which teams will feel these departures the most? Let’s take a look at the programs staring down the most significant rebuilding efforts.
Denver
The Pioneers head into 2026 losing 16 routines from six gymnasts – and that’s just graduating seniors and fifth-years. After only bringing in one freshman for 2025, they will reload with a top-10 rated recruiting class and several emerging underclassmen who are poised to fill in where the seniors left off. The biggest questions remain with who will fill Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart’s coaching staff and whether the transfer rumors surrounding rising junior Madison Ulrich prove true.
California
Mya Lauzon and Madelyn Williams have been leaders for the Golden Bears since day one, so their retirement leaves holes on all four events. However, eMjae Frazier’s early graduation and likely transfer leaves more openings than expected. Ella Cesario choosing to take her redshirt year would help, but California will have to lean heavily on its underclassmen, particularly a healthy Ondine Achampong, if it wants to continue competing with the best.
Oregon State
It’s hard to imagine an Oregon State team without Jade Carey, but that’s exactly what the Beavers face heading into 2026. While there’s a lot of talent on the roster, it doesn’t replace the consistency of an elite gymnast like Carey, something they need to compete in the Big 12 next year. Having Lauren Letzsch back is a big deal, and adding a top-25 recruiting class can only help—if the freshmen can crack lineups.
LSU
It’s not just the number of routines; a changing of the guard is taking place in Baton Rouge for 2026. Names like Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan have become synonymous with LSU gymnastics, but a healthy Konnor McClain in the all-around should help ease the blow. The Tigers will bring in a talented freshman group, led by five-star Nina Ballou, but some lingering injuries may limit their contributions right away. Head coach Jay Clark and his staff have also been known to dip into the transfer portal the last couple of years; losing a class of this caliber will likely have them doing so again.
Missouri
Head coach Shannon Welker and his staff had a plan for 2025 and executed it to perfection by securing four transfers and the return of Helen Hu. Heading into 2026, the Tigers stand to lose 13 routines, with the potential of redshirt years for Grace Anne Davis and Lauren MacPherson. It’s a sizable number, but the rising junior class made a name for themselves this season and are poised to slide into those spots left behind by the seniors.
Auburn
Losing Katelyn Jong mid-year was a big blow to Auburn’s season, but the emergence of Marissa Neal and Sophia Bell softened the blow and helped the Tigers make a run in the postseason. Getting Jong back in the all-around will fill spots left behind by Sophia Groth and Gabby McLaughlin. Auburn’s freshman class will provide a big boost, too, but Charlotte Booth will be a question mark after an injury ended her elite season for Great Britain. Emma Wehry’s transfer from West Virginia could fill that void immediately; when healthy, she’s a steady all-around competitor.
Nebraska
Sophia McClelland and Emma Spence have been steady all-around competitors for Nebraska during their careers, so an early question will be who fills those gaps. Whitney Jencks was the third all-arounder and held her own with the two seniors, but the Huskers will need others to step up to fill those shoes. Isabel Sikon will be key for Nebraska, as well as a healthy freshman class.
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Article by Rebecca Scally and Savanna Wellman
