With the introduction of the transfer portal and more lenient transfer rules, recruiting current NCAA athletes has become just as important as recruiting high school talent. Gymnasts now have more autonomy over their collegiate journeys than ever, and as a result, transfers are making an immediate and meaningful impact. The addition of high-level talent can quickly change a team’s trajectory, and nearly two months into the season, it’s time to take a look at which transfers have made the biggest difference in 2026.
1. Morgan Price, Arkansas
Already able to call her collegiate career historic, Price added another milestone last weekend with her first perfect 10 on vault. Sticking her Yurchenko one and a half not only earned the first 10.0 in Arkansas history, but also made her the first gymnast to score two different programs first perfect 10s after reaching perfection on bars at Fisk last season. After originally committing to Arkansas, then starring at Fisk as arguably the greatest HBCU gymnast of all time, Price is now thriving with the Razorbacks. Her steady all-around production has played a major role in Arkansas’ top-eight ranking and strong position in the nationals race.
2. eMjae Frazier, Florida
Despite being limited to just three vault appearances this season, Frazier remains a massive contributor as a 9.9 machine on the other three events. In one of her rare four-event outings, she posted a season-best 39.575—second among transfers and just behind Price’s 39.600. One of the few athletes on the roster with NCAA team runner-up experience, Frazier brings both scoring potential and leadership as Florida looks to return to championship form.
3. Ella Cesario, Clemson
After developing into a dependable all-arounder at California, Cesario followed her coaches east for her final season, bringing valuable familiarity to Clemson during a major transition. That stability has helped fuel Clemson’s surge, with the team currently on track for its best finish in program history and firmly in the mix for a regionals seed and ACC title. Cesario has yet to miss a routine and has already surpassed 39.400 in the all-around twice, providing reliability across all four events.
4. Aine Reade, Maryland
Following a standout freshman season at New Hampshire, Reade has seamlessly stepped into an all-around role at Maryland, helping the team maintain its top-30 standing despite significant roster turnover. Floor remains her signature event, where she has already raised her career best to an impressive 9.975. Her consistency has also shined elsewhere, with four scores of 9.9 or better on bars and floor, keeping Maryland firmly in the regionals conversation.
5. Emily Innes, LSU
Part of LSU’s loaded transfer class, Innes has emerged as a key contributor sooner than expected. After transferring from Washington, she has matched her career highs and secured the crucial leadoff spot in LSU’s stacked floor lineup. She has also recently broken into the beam lineup, already earning a 9.9. With experience across the Pac-12, Big Ten, and SEC, Innes’ composure and reliability are invaluable as LSU pursues conference and national titles.
6. Courtney Blackson, LSU
Blackson has been nearly as impactful, contributing primarily on bars and vault. While vault has had some recent inconsistencies, she has excelled on bars, already earning two 9.95s while competing in one of the nation’s top lineups. After taking a full year off following her Boise State career, Blackson has quickly reestablished herself as a high-level contributor and should only continue improving as the season progresses.
7. Lauren MacPherson, Missouri
MacPherson’s Missouri debut was delayed by a season-ending injury after transferring from San Jose State, but her patience has paid off. Now healthy, she has become a key part of Missouri’s top-10 bars and beam lineups. Though she was part of last year’s historic third-place team without competing, she has made the most of her opportunity this season, recording three scores of 9.9 or better and remaining perfect on beam to anchor her comeback.
8. Madison Ulrich, LSU
The most high-profile addition in LSU’s transfer class, Ulrich opened the season competing in the all-around but has since settled into a more specialized role, primarily on bars. She has delivered consistently strong scores, including multiple 9.9s and no routine below 9.8. LSU’s depth has limited her lineup appearances at times, but her scoring potential and postseason experience make her an important asset as championship season approaches.
Next Up: Naya Howard (Michigan State), Makayla Green (Missouri), Natalie Martin (Ohio State)
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Article by Brandis Heffner
