Introduction

The anticipation for the 2025 NCAA gymnastics championships has reached a peak as the competition is set to unfold at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Eight elite teams will vie for the national title, showcasing a season marked by extraordinary performances and unexpected outcomes.

Semifinal Matchups and Broadcast Schedule

The championships will commence on Thursday with two semifinal sessions:

• First Semifinal: Oklahoma, Florida, Missouri, Alabama at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN2
• Evening Session: LSU, Utah, UCLA, Michigan State at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2

The two highest-scoring teams from each semifinal will proceed to the final round on Saturday at 4 PM ET, which will be broadcast on ABC.

The Defending Champions: LSU

LSU enters the championships as the defending champions, having captured their first-ever national title last year. Under the leadership of all-around winner Haleigh Bryant, LSU delivered a record-breaking performance on the balance beam, securing a historic score of 49.7625.

Throughout the season, LSU has showcased remarkable depth and talent, holding the No. 1 ranking in the regular season, particularly excelling in vault where they consistently delivered strong scores. The Tigers, with standout performers like Bryant, Aleah Finnegan, and Konnor McClain, aim to repeat their success.

Head coach Jay Clark succinctly stated, “We state our goals early and then we don’t talk about them again.” The focus remains on continually improving and managing expectations as they pursue back-to-back championships.

Oklahoma’s Quest for Redemption

After experiencing an unexpected exit from the championships last year, Oklahoma seeks to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in NCAA gymnastics. Last season, the Sooners faced difficulties during their semifinals, ultimately finishing outside the top tier.

This year, Oklahoma intends to leverage that experience as motivation. Fresh off a season average score of 197.908, the Sooners have excelled, led by gymnasts Jordan Bowers and Faith Torrez, both key contributors in their pursuit of a national title.

“We own what happened, we’re accountable for it,” said head coach K.J. Kindler, reflecting on the previous season’s challenges, which have turned into a source of strength.

Other Strong Contenders

While LSU and Oklahoma are the favorites, several other teams possess the potential to secure the championship:

• Florida: The Gators narrowly triumphed in their regional final, boasting top all-around competitors like Leanne Wong and Selena Harris-Miranda.
• Utah: With a history of success, including nine national titles, Utah aims for its first championship since 1995, led by Olympic medalist Grace McCallum.
• UCLA: After a strong performance with a Big Ten-record score, the Bruins look to clinch their eighth championship led by all-around winner Chae Campbell.
• Michigan State: As a potential dark horse, Michigan State has displayed fire and competitiveness throughout the season.
• Missouri and Alabama: Both teams have proven their mettle, making their way to the national stage for the championship weekend.

Individual Competitors to Watch

The championships also spotlight individual qualifiers, including top all-around competitors and event specialists who will rotate with the teams. Notable participants include:

• Jade Carey (Oregon State) – A three-time Olympic medalist and top-ranked all-around gymnast this season.
• Joscelyn Roberson (Arkansas) – Making her NCAA debut, Roberson aims to make a significant impact.

As the championships unfold, the competition for individual honors in the all-around category will feature a mix of gymnasts from leading programs, including LSU’s Haleigh Bryant, Florida’s Leanne Wong, and Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers.

Conclusion

The excitement surrounding the 2025 NCAA gymnastics championships is palpable, with each participating team bringing its unique strengths and narratives. As the events kick off, fans can expect a weekend filled with breathtaking performances that will determine the next national champion.