2025 NCAA Gymnastics Championships Preview
As the excitement builds for the 2025 NCAA gymnastics championships, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown among the top eight teams. The event will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, featuring a riveting competition schedule.
Competition Format
Opening the championship series on Thursday, April 20, will be the first semifinal at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, showcasing Oklahoma, Florida, Missouri, and Alabama. The evening session at 9 p.m. ET will feature LSU, Utah, UCLA, and Michigan State. The two leading teams from each semifinal will advance to the final round on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ABC. Individual awards for standout gymnasts will be announced after the second semifinal.
Focus on Defending Champions: LSU
Last year, LSU broke through to claim its first national title, rapidly changing the narrative from perennial runner-up to champions. The success was bolstered by a historic performance on the beam, where they scored 49.7625, the highest collective score in the event’s history. This season, the Tigers, led by all-around champion Haleigh Bryant, along with Aleah Finnegan, Konnor McClain, and freshman star Kailin Chio, topped the regular season standings, ending with a rank of No. 1 in overall performance.
Despite two earlier season losses, LSU has remained undefeated since January 24. The team recently achieved a record score of 198.200 at the SEC Championships and earned their highest score of 198.050 in the regional finale, establishing them as formidable competitors as they aim for a repeat title.
Oklahoma’s Quest for Redemption
The Oklahoma Sooners, last year’s two-time champions, enter this year’s championship seeking redemption after an unexpected early exit in 2024. They finished fourth in the semifinals after suffering from significant errors in their opening rotation. This season, Oklahoma has embraced their underdog label, led by standout performances from Jordan Bowers, Faith Torrez, and fifth-year graduate student Audrey Davis. The Sooners are noted for their dominance, winning the Washington regional with an impressive score of 198.450, the highest across all regions.
With a national season average of 197.908, Oklahoma aims to reclaim their title through resilience and experience. Head coach K.J. Kindler emphasizes accountability for last year’s mistakes and believes that such experiences are crucial for building a stronger team this year.
Other Contenders for the Title
While LSU and Oklahoma are identified as the leading contenders, several other teams have the potential to emerge victorious. The Florida Gators, ranked No. 3, came very close to winning their regional final, securing a victory by just 0.025 points. Their team is bolstered by the talents of Leanne Wong and Selena Harris-Miranda, both ranked within the nation’s top five in the all-around rankings.
Utah, despite a championship drought since 1995, is another strong contender coming off a successful debut season in the Big 12, which included both conference titles. Led by 2020 Olympic silver medalist Grace McCallum, they not only boast significant momentum but also an impressive performance record.
UCLA, now competing in the Big Ten after a solid start, is also a team to watch after clinching the conference championship with a staggering score of 198.450. Additionally, No. 5 Michigan State, No. 7 Missouri, and No. 8 Alabama each bring unique strengths that cannot be overlooked:
- Michigan State: Regarded as a dark horse, with a competitive spirit that attracts attention and admiration.
- Missouri: Known for its consistency and ability to rise to the occasion.
- Alabama: A traditional powerhouse with a wealth of competitive experience.
Individual Competitors to Watch
The championships will also spotlight individual athletes who have qualified based on their regional performances. Notable participants include Oregon State’s Jade Carey and Arkansas’ Joscelyn Roberson. Carey, a seasoned competitor and Olympic medalist, is positioned as a favorite for the all-around title after a stellar season. Meanwhile, Roberson’s impressive debut at the championships marks her as a rising star.
Other potential all-around title contenders include Bryant, Bowers, Wong, and McCallum, showcasing the depth of talent present this year.
As the anticipation heightens, the 2025 NCAA gymnastics championships promise to be a spectacular event showcasing some of the sport’s best athletes, each vying for national glory.