Heading into the season, we think we know who the stars will be. What makes a year memorable, though, is the unexpected—who grows into bigger roles, cracks new lineups, and shifts a team’s trajectory. This week’s power rankings spotlight the breakout performers of 2026. Now that we’re into February, it’s easier to separate early-season flashes from real development, making this the ideal time to identify the athletes and units truly on the rise. (And because you can’t “break out” without prior collegiate experience, true freshmen were not considered.)
1. Maggie Slife, Air Force
If her 39.500 as an individual at 2025 regionals wasn’t convincing enough, Slife’s start to 2026 has erased any doubt. She currently sits inside the top 12 in the all-around and top three on bars, where her recent 9.975 set the Mountain West record for highest event score in conference history. Slife looks poised not only to return to regionals but to push even deeper into the postseason with the confidence of experience behind her.
2. Delaynee Rodriguez, Kentucky
Rodriguez has long been a steady all-arounder, but in her junior season, she’s pairing that reliability with true scoring punch. She ranks fifth nationally in both average and high score in the all-around and has become Kentucky’s clear anchor during a pivotal rebuilding year. Regardless of the Wildcats’ postseason path, Rodriguez is positioning herself as a strong contender for an individual nationals berth.
3. Michigan Beam
Beam plagued Michigan the past two seasons, with finishes outside the top 12 each year. In 2026, it’s become a strength. Now ranked No. 3 nationally, the event has propelled the Wolverines back into the top-10 conversation. Four of the core six have posted season highs of 9.950, led by Kayli Boozer, who hasn’t dipped below 9.900 in her junior campaign. With added depth still developing, beam could elevate Michigan even further.
4. Chloe Cho, Illinois
After a highlight-filled freshman campaign, Cho is delivering an even more complete sophomore season. She ranks No. 10 nationally in the all-around and No. 2 in the Big Ten, and has dropped below 9.900 on bars just once—good for fifth in the NCAA. Undefeated in the all-around this year, Cho has found the consistency needed to anchor Illinois’ postseason push. With the Illini hovering near the cut line at No. 36, her continued rise is critical.
5. Ciena Alipio, UCLA
While much of the preseason spotlight centered on Jordan Chiles and UCLA’s freshman class, Alipio has quietly become indispensable. Known for her beam excellence, she’s expanded her impact in 2026 by adding floor and bars, already scoring 9.900-plus on both. Ranked No. 3 on beam, Alipio’s steady brilliance—combined with her expanded role—has kept UCLA firmly in the title conversation.
6. Addison Lawrence, Missouri
With Helen Hu gone, Missouri’s beam lineup needed a new headliner—and Lawrence has stepped into that role seamlessly. She’s posted 9.950 in every meet but one (still a 9.875), showcasing the fluidity and composure judges reward. After finishing No. 11 on beam in 2025, the Tigers now sit inside the top seven, with Lawrence ranked in the top four individually.
7. Abby Royer, Southern Connecticut
Royer’s previous career high on floor was a 9.825 in 2023. This season? She hasn’t scored below 9.875 and owns two 9.950s. Ranking inside the top four nationally on the event across all divisions is remarkable, particularly for a Division II athlete. Her pristine front tumbling has already reset program records and makes her a clear favorite for a WCGNIC event title.
8. Kaia Tanskanen, Missouri
The only collegiate gymnast to compete in last year’s world all-around final, Tanskanen made her NCAA all-around debut last weekend—and it came in Missouri’s upset of then-No. 2 Florida, the highest-ranked win in program history. Adding bars and beam immediately boosted Missouri’s depth, and her four-event total vaulted her to No. 11 nationally. Expect her impact to grow as the Tigers chase another trip to Fort Worth.
Next Up: Cecilia Cooley (Denver), Kaya Forbes (North Carolina), Sophia Esposito (Oregon State)
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Article by Brandis Heffner
