This season, the power rankings are getting a bit of a refresh. Traditionally, power rankings set aside the data to rank teams based on momentum and perceived potential. In 2026, that approach will appear only periodically. Instead, this space will be used to rank intangibles—diving into the meets, routines, environments, and storylines that help make sense of the increasingly complex world of NCAA women’s gymnastics.
To start, here’s a look at the most compelling meets from the opening two weeks of the season. Early results don’t always predict how a season will end, but they do reveal plenty: where freshmen are making an immediate impact, which athletes may be managing unexpected offseason or preseason injuries, and how teams are coming together under pressure. Entertainment value also plays a role, as close finishes, upsets, perfect 10s, and even a little coaching flair all factor into how memorable a meet becomes. Think of this week’s rankings as a curated list of meets worth (re)watching from the early season.
One notable title contender missing from this list is Missouri—but not for lack of quality. The Tigers have clearly shown they belong in the national conversation; they simply haven’t had the level of competition needed to elevate the excitement factor just yet. That will change quickly, however, as Missouri hosts Oklahoma Friday in a matchup that should offer a much clearer picture of the Tigers’ trajectory in 2026.
1. Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Session One
As it has been for the past two years, the third edition of the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad was circled on calendars well before the 2026 season began—and it delivered on both elite gymnastics and late-meet drama. In a fittingly cinematic finish, the showdown between the preseason’s top two teams, Oklahoma and LSU, ended in a tie, but not before Tigers head coach Jay Clark made his presence felt with a successful beam inquiry that raised a crucial score.
Despite the hype surrounding Oklahoma’s freshman class and LSU’s highly touted transfers, neither group ultimately proved to be the separating factor. Instead, the meet underscored just how impactful Mackenzie Estep, Ella Murphy, Courtney Blackson, and Madison Ulrich are poised to be for their respective programs, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch in February. The quad also produced the first perfect score of the season, as Utah sophomore Avery Neff delivered a bright spot on an otherwise tough day for the Utes by sticking her Yurchenko one and a half for the first 10.0 of her collegiate career.
2. North Carolina, Temple, and West Virginia at Florida
Kicking off the season in familiar fashion by hosting a quad meet, Florida posted no lower than a 49.400 on any event en route to the nation’s top score and No. 1 ranking two weeks into the 2026 season. As expected, the Gators showcased their depth, with several all-around-caliber athletes competing on just three events—allowing stars early rest while giving depth routines valuable competition experience.
Highly sought-after transfer eMjae Frazier lived up to the hype on her three events, and after Skye Blakely’s standout summer on the world stage, Florida finally unveiled her beam and floor debuts after she competed exclusively on bars during her rookie season. North Carolina also enjoyed an ideal start, shattering its previous season-opening high by more than a point and a half. Gwen Fink claimed the all-around title while Sydney Seabrooks stole the spotlight in her NCAA debut with a 9.950 on floor.
3. Best of the West
Four former conference foes converged in Seattle for a West Coast showdown featuring Power Four programs, where the reigning national runners-up from UCLA made it clear they remain firmly in the title conversation, while California showed it is not ready to fade despite significant roster and staff turnover. As expected, Olympic champion Jordan Chiles stole the show, sharing every event title and posting the nation’s top all-around score to date. UCLA also highlighted its highly anticipated freshman class, led by a 9.950 from Tiana Sumanasekera on her signature event, beam.
California’s newcomers delivered as well, with prized rookie Tonya Paulsson exceeding expectations by earning a 9.925 on bars while also contributing on vault and floor. The continued development of Annalise Newman-Achee and Sage Melkonian into all-around options should keep the Golden Bears firmly in the hunt for a seeded regional position. And for pure entertainment value, Chelsea Hallinan’s WWE-inspired elbow drop following her 9.900 beam routine helped kick off an early-season wave of over-the-top celebrations—farewell to “stick sticks?”
4. Alabama at Clemson
Former No. 5 overall recruit Jasmine Cawley led the way by topping the vault and all-around standings, while fellow former five-star Azaraya Ra-Akbar delivered a 9.975 on bars in her NCAA debut, firmly cementing Alabama among the 2026 title contenders. Veteran Gabby Gladieux added a 39.400-plus all-around performance, underscoring the Crimson Tide’s balance of elite rookies and proven returners and its four-event depth as it looks to build on eighth-place finishes at nationals in each of the past two seasons.
The meet also marked an encouraging second outing for Clemson under new co-head coaches Justin Howell and Liz Crandall-Howell. The Tigers showcased lineup versatility with five 10.0 start-value vaults and saw Brie Clark claim the top floor score. Clemson appears poised to be a factor in the ACC race, with a significant road test looming at N.C. State.
5. Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Session Two
After a string of disappointing finishes following the program’s first NCAA title in 2021, Michigan’s 2026 debut offered encouraging signs of a successful rebuild, as the Wolverines topped a field of fellow nationals bubble teams. A nation-leading 49.650 on beam—highlighted by three 9.950s from Kayli Boozer, Quincy Walters, and Ava Jordan—powered Michigan to a momentum-building victory and an opening top-five ranking.
California rallied for second and built on its season-opening total, with Tonya Paulsson proving she is “for real, for real” by notching a new career-high 9.950 on bars. Michigan State, while not without its challenges, put together a respectable showing, aided by the debut of Romanian Olympian Lilia Cosman, which helped ease concerns following Olivia Zsarmani’s absence. Kentucky, meanwhile, was without Creslyn Brose and endured some growing pains as the Wildcats worked double-digit new routines into their lineups.
6. Arkansas at Minnesota
For a team entering the season on the nationals bubble—and coming off a season opener to forget—Minnesota rebounded in the best possible way, earning a home upset (per the WCGA preseason poll) over an Arkansas squad with similar postseason aspirations. Even in defeat, the meet revealed plenty about the Razorbacks in their season debut. Both the highly touted transfer and freshman classes factored heavily into the lineups, with former Fisk star Morgan Price and former No. 3 overall recruit Allison Cucci competing in the all-around. Arkansas also received a 9.900 on vault from Lauren Williams in her return, signaling that the Razorbacks have the pieces to contend for a trip to Fort Worth despite a slower start to the season.
7. Stanford at Denver
In a matchup between two programs expected to battle for a seeded spot at regionals, Denver emerged on top with a statement one-tenth victory. Entering the season amid significant coaching and lineup turnover, the Pioneers made an early impression by defending their home turf against a quality opponent. Cecilia Cooley and Maddison Reidenbach stepping into expanded all-around roles bodes well for Denver moving forward. Stanford was equally encouraging in defeat, led by the all-around debut of NCAA rookie and Olympic medalist Ana Bărbosu, who posted a 39.400, while fellow newcomer Levi Jung-Ruivivar competed three events and offered a glimpse of how the Cardinal can still meet expectations this season.
8. Pittsburgh at Texas Woman’s
A Division II program toppling a Division I, Power Four opponent is impressive in any sport—and Texas Woman’s gymnastics proved just that with a win over ACC visitor Pittsburgh. The meet was tight early, with the Pioneers rallying after trailing, but they ultimately claimed at least a share of every event title. Kyleigh Ghanbari led the way with a 9.900 on floor, matched by Brooke Ferarri’s 9.900 on bars. Texas Woman’s also made program history with three 10.0 start values on vault, underscoring why it enters the season as a favorite to defend its WCGNIC title.
Honorable Mention: UW-Whitewater at UW-Oshkosh, Georgia at Ohio State, N.C. State at Auburn, Best of Utah
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Article by Brandis Heffner
