Chiles, Ra-Akbar Continue All-Around Dominance
Upsets reigned supreme in Week 3, as multiple ranked teams fell in head-to-head duals with conference implications on the line early in the season. And while they didn’t contribute to upsets, two all-arounders are starting to define themselves as frontrunners, while a few under-the-radar programs saw some spectacular performances.
Meet of the Week
LSU at Georgia
For the first time in a decade, Georgia defeated LSU, as the GymDogs’ balanced night overtook the Tigers’ missteps on their, traditionally, best events. After multiple mistakes on floor from LSU helped Georgia cement a lead, it closed the meet with its best total of the evening, with Lily Smith’s 9.95 completing a 49.475 rotation with a trio of 9.90 or better routines. In just their second season as a head-coaching tandem, Ryan Roberts and Cécile Canqueteau-Landi have once again proved they have their former dynasty program on the right trajectory to compete for titles sooner rather than later.
Other contenders: Minnesota’s upset over Michigan, Iowa’s upset over Michigan State, NC State’s upset over Clemson
Gymnast of the Week
Jordan Chiles, UCLA
For the second time in the first three weeks of the season, Jordan Chiles’ 39.675 to push UCLA to victory over Nebraska helps her nabs this title as her three all-around scores in 2026 are the first, second, and fifth-highest four-event totals by anybody so far this year. Chiles got the Bruins’ meet started by anchoring vault with a stuck Yurchenko double for her first perfect score on the event, followed by matching her career-best on beam with a 9.975. By somehow balancing school and preseason training with competing on Dancing with the Stars, Chiles is proving she can do it all.
Other contenders: Morgan Price (Arkansas)
Performance of the Week
Azaraya Ra-Akbar, Alabama—All-Around
With eye-catching performances to begin her collegiate career, Crimson Tide newbie Azaraya Ra-Akbar has put herself firmly amongst the Freshman of the Year frontrunners with a huge 39.600 in her all-around debut to follow up her 9.975 on bars in her NCAA debut. Only Chiles has bested that four-event total this season, as Ra-Akbar’s early prowess has played a significant factor in Alabama’s top-four ranking in the early season.
Other contenders: Lauren William’s 9.975 on vault for Arkansas
Outrageous Moment of the Week
A longtime nationals bubble team, 2026 is shaping up to be a bit different for Kentucky, which has yet to hit 195 in two outings this season. While we shouldn’t hit the panic button quite yet, the Wildcats’ performances have been concerning, with only two scores above 9.25 on beam this weekend a major red flag. Kentucky is dealing with major lineup turnover, especially with star Creslyn Brose still out after a preseason concussion, so there is plenty of room for improvement.
Hidden Gem of the Week
Abby Royer, Southern Connecticut—Floor
Ending with a superbly controlled Rudi to split jump, SCSU senior Abby Royer got her year going in ideal fashion as her 2026 debut saw her notch a career-best 9.95 on floor—leading the Owls to a home quad-meet victory over Springfield, Rhode Island, and Utica. With a perfect score from one judge, Royer’s mark set a new program-best on floor.
Other contenders: Lindsey Yang’s 9.925 on beam, tying Brown’s program record
Viral Moment of the Week
While the ball sports world wonders what’s next for Mike Tomlin, a future Hall of Fame NFL coach who recently ended his tenure leading the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons, the gymternet was treated to his presence at the Meet of the Week, cheering on his GymDog daughter. Harley Tomlin, a former five-star recruit in her sophomore season at Georgia, contributed a pair of 9.825s on beam and floor in the upset of LSU.
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Article by Brandis Heffner
