For the first time in a long time, we finally have some movement among the top five teams, as last weekend’s sky-high scores and head-to-head matchups helped shuffle and clarify our national contenders before conference championships. The SEC championship will serve as a preview of what we might expect at nationals, with four serious title contenders competing. Meanwhile, California and the Big Ten duo will need strong performances at their conference meets to keep pace with the SEC champion in terms of momentum.
1. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 1
Despite a few teams surpassing their massive 198.475 last weekend, Oklahoma retains the top spot heading into conference championship weekend, leading the nation on three of four events. Regular-season dominance is what the Sooners do best, and it has translated into postseason titles more often than not. Expect nothing less as they aim for their first SEC title in a loaded field. The one area of concern? Vault. It’s the only event where Oklahoma doesn’t hold the top ranking—and where their bid for a three-peat at nationals fell short last year. Other teams will look to capitalize by going all-in on six stuck vaults to gain an edge.
2. LSU
Last Week: No. 2
A third straight score in the 198s pushed the Tigers over the magic NQS number, making them one of only two teams to do so in 2025, alongside Oklahoma. The biggest takeaway from last weekend? LSU finally hit a 198 on the road, proving their championship-level scoring isn’t just a home-meet phenomenon. Their title defense begins now, with the SEC Championship serving as the first test in a postseason field stacked with contenders.
3. Florida
Last Week: No. 4
The Gators climb a spot after exploding for a nation-leading 198.625 in a win over Kentucky, their third consecutive 198. That score, the second-highest in program history, showcased Florida’s sky-high scoring potential—even without Sloane Blakely. The Gators have firmly inserted themselves into the title conversation, with Leanne Wong and Selena Harris-Miranda peaking at just the right time.
4. Utah
Last Week: No. 5
The Red Rocks jump a spot after a clutch head-to-head win over UCLA in their regular-season finale. Led by a standout performance from Grace McCallum—including her first perfect 10 on beam—Utah notched its second 198 of the year, proving it can produce championship-level scores. The Utes will be heavy favorites at Big 12s, but their biggest challenge lies beyond conference championships. Barring an above-average performance from Denver or Arizona, Utah’s focus will be on maintaining momentum heading into regionals.
5. UCLA
Last Week: No. 3
Losing to Utah wasn’t catastrophic—the Bruins were in contention the entire meet and stayed consistent with yet another score in the 197s. But their biggest issue remains: a lack of explosive scoring potential. With their top competitors breaking into the 198s, UCLA’s inability to reach that benchmark could cost them in a postseason setting. Regardless of whether they win the Big Ten title in their first season in the conference, their priority must be posting a high-197 or 198 to stay in the national championship conversation.
6. California
Last Week: No. 6
California is steadily closing the gap on the top five after securing two high-197s in back-to-back quad meet victories against mostly postseason-bound programs. Like Utah, the Bears may have already faced a tougher test last weekend than they will at their conference championship, where Stanford is their biggest competition. A key factor for the Bears? Solidifying Casey Brown’s newly debuted Yurchenko 1.5 in the lineup, which could give them a much-needed vault boost.
7. Missouri
Last Week: No. 7
Winning at Arkansas is no small feat—just ask Florida and LSU, both of whom fell victim to upsets in Fayetteville this season. Missouri avoided that fate, securing a crucial road win to hold its place in the power rankings. While the Tigers couldn’t replicate last week’s program-first 198, they came close, reaffirming that their scoring ceiling is high enough to make noise in the postseason. A win over any of the SEC’s top three this weekend would give Missouri a significant momentum boost heading into regionals.
8. Michigan State
Last Week: No. 8
The biggest concern for Michigan State? Scoring potential. The Spartans secured an easy win over Bowling Green, but with most national contenders pushing into the 198 range, their mid-197 scores aren’t keeping pace. As a result, Michigan State risks slipping out of the top 10 in both NQS and the power rankings. A strong performance at Big Tens, where they are in heavy contention to defend their title, could provide the boost they need heading into regionals.
Up Next: Kentucky, Georgia, Oregon State
READ THIS NEXT: The Dismount Week 11
Article by Brandis Heffner
