NCAA Women Gymnastics Week 5 Recap: Oklahoma Still on Top, LSU and UCLA Making Moves
As we roll past Week 5 of the NCAA women’s gymnastics season, the rankings are heating up, and the powerhouses are shifting. Oklahoma remains the team to beat, but what about LSU, Florida, Utah, and UCLA? The competition is fierce, with a few standout performances catching the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Oklahoma Remains the Top Team
Oklahoma continues to dominate with a solid 197.730, holding on to the No. 1 spot. Their consistency has made them a tough contender to surpass as the season progresses.
UCLA Rising with a Dramatic Win
UCLA had a thrilling Week 5, pulling off a dramatic comeback against Michigan State, securing a 197.300-197.200 win. Despite being behind at halftime, Jordan Chiles proved her resilience, battling through a 104-degree fever to deliver a perfect 10.0 on floor with her Prince-themed routine. That performance not only sealed the Bruins’ victory but also helped them leap from sixth to fifth in the rankings. UCLA now sits at 196.970, closing the gap and making it clear they’re not to be counted out.
LSU’s Struggles: Olivia Dunne’s Absence
LSU, which had been holding its ground in third place, saw its rankings take a slight dip in Week 5, moving to 197.420. The absence of Olivia Dunne in the meet against Missouri raised eyebrows. Dunne missed the meet entirely, and in her absence, Sierra Ballard, Chase Brock, Kailin Chio, Amari Drayton, Aleah Finnegan, and Haleigh Bryant stepped up. Still, despite some impressive performances, LSU’s performance wasn’t enough to maintain their position at the top.
In the previous week, LSU did make a statement with a dominant 198.000-197.175 win over Missouri, powered by a season-high 49.550 on both vault and beam, and a matching 49.425 on bars. Freshman Kailin Chio stole the show, winning her first career all-around title with a 39.650—but it was clear the Tigers still missed Dunne’s star presence.
Week 5 NCAA Rankings
- Oklahoma – 197.730
- Florida – 197.456
- LSU – 197.420
- Utah – 197.204
- Michigan State – 197.000
- UCLA – 196.970
The Road Ahead
As the season continues, every tenth of a point matters. LSU, despite some recent struggles and Dunne’s absence, remains a force to be reckoned with, but UCLA’s resurgence could make things even more interesting. With Oklahoma still sitting atop the rankings, they will need to fend off a determined challenge from teams like Florida, LSU, UCLA, and Utah in the weeks to come. Olivia Dunne‘s status remains a focal point, and how LSU navigates her potential return will likely determine if they can keep pace with the surging rivals ahead of them.
