Although the chalky dust has barely settled after the conclusion of the 2026 season, it’s already time to take a look ahead at what one can expect in the forthcoming year. Between dynasties, powerful recruits, and retained rosters, there are a handful of headlines that we shouldn’t be surprised to see on our screens in 2027 from what we know just days after the season came to a close.
Oklahoma Three-Peat
While replacing Faith Torrez is no easy task, having just a few routines to replace from Oklahoma’s regular-season lineups bodes well for the Sooners to win a third-straight and ninth-overall national title in 2027. Plus, Oklahoma is adding three of the top-four rated recruits in the class of 2026, all five-stars, and including No. 1 overall Presley Duke, to expand upon the Sooners’ already depth-rich roster. This is the program to beat heading into next season, with four of the last five titles under its belt.
Kailin Chio Gym Slam
With multiple perfect scores on everywhere but bars just halfway through her collegiate career, the LSU superstar is all but destined to achieve the accomplishment of 10.0’s on every event sooner rather than later. Chio’s role in the lineup will only expand as the Tigers graduate some depth on bars, and if she can continue to work herself later into LSU’s top six, she’ll only increase her gym slam chances with scores building ahead of her.
Minnesota Top-10 Mainstay
After entering the postseason at No. 13 and finishing in fourth place, one may call what Minnesota did in 2026 a “Cinderella run.” But, it appears it is just foreshadowing, as the Gophers are only losing a handful of routines from their four on the floor run and will reload with a pair of four-star recruits who have the potential to contribute early on and often. Arianna Ostrum blossomed into a leading all-arounder by the end of her freshman year, and could put herself on a trajectory to become a household name should she continue to flourish.
Kentucky Glow-Up
Although the Wildcats’ season didn’t end in ideal fashion with a home upset to Arkansas in the regional semifinals, there is still plenty of promise surrounding Kentucky. Losing zero routines from their postseason lineup, the Wildcats are also adding a trio of four-star recruits and should have a deep roster of routines across all four events. With Creslyn Brose traveling to Fort Worth to represent Kentucky on the national stage in 2026, Kentucky has its leader as it aims to slide back into its former status as a permanent bubble team for nationals, at the least.
Cyclones Breakout
One of the biggest stories early in the year was the cancellation of Iowa State’s season and subsequent cut of the women’s gymnastics program, forcing much of the Cyclones’ roster into the transfer portal. Thankfully, the former Iowa State gymnasts were granted an extra year of eligibility, and with that, we should see many of them thrive once they’re welcomed into new homes. Haylee Hardin is already poised for big things at Clemson, but keep an eye out for where former leaders like Noelle Adams and Frederique Sgarbossa land.
Utah Ends Nationals Drought
The 2026 NCAA championships saw the Red Rocks miss qualifying for the first time in the history of the sport, but with plenty of talent still on the roster and adding four and five-star recruits, Utah is primed to return in 2027. Avery Neff still represented the Utes well in Fort Worth and will be the centerpiece moving forward, and with the impactful freshman class now adjusted to the learning curve of collegiate competition, Utah has the pieces in place to reignite its dynasty.
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Article by Brandis Heffner
