Almost a year after LSU secured the 2024 National Championship in women’s gymnastics, the NCAA released the top 16 seeds for the 2025 championship on March 24. The rankings sent shockwaves through the gymnastics world, especially with LSU claiming the No. 1 spot, positioning themselves for a fierce title defense. Meanwhile, Oklahoma landed at No. 2, Florida at No. 3, and UCLA, led by Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, came in at No. 4. With the championship set to take place from April 17-19 in Fort Worth, Texas, the question remains—can LSU maintain their top ranking with the competition closing in?
All the feels for the top four seeds ahead of the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship 🏆
( 📸 : @LSUgym, @GatorsGym, @OU_WGymnastics, @utahgymnastics) pic.twitter.com/xyhje2OZzZ
— espnW (@espnW) March 24, 2025
One of the biggest surprises from the rankings was UCLA’s placement at No. 4, despite an outstanding season. Led by Chiles, who earned a perfect 10 on uneven bars earlier in the year in front of a packed crowd at Maryland, the Bruins had been dominant throughout the 2025 campaign. They won the Big Ten regular-season title in their debut year in the conference, scoring 197.000 or higher in eight consecutive meets. Their performance at the Big Ten Championships was particularly impressive, as they posted a 198.450 score, with Chiles and Brooklyn Moors earning perfect 10s on the floor. Their success included dethroning two-time defending Big Ten champion Michigan State in a thrilling dual meet back in January. Many expected UCLA’s momentum to earn them a higher seed, but the committee placed them at No. 4 instead. This ranking could significantly impact their road to the national title.
While UCLA processes their unexpected placement, LSU now faces the challenge of defending their top ranking. The Tigers, who captured their first-ever NCAA championship in 2024, have garnered immense attention, in part due to the presence of Olivia Dunne. With a massive social media following—more than 6.8 million fans on TikTok alone—Dunne has helped bring unprecedented exposure to LSU’s gymnastics program. While the added spotlight makes them a fan favorite, it also increases the pressure to perform at an elite level.
The competitive landscape for the 2025 championship is further intensified by the dominance of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The conference has asserted its strength, securing nine of the top 16 seeds in the tournament. Along with LSU at No. 1 and Florida at No. 3, other SEC teams, including Kentucky (No. 9) and Alabama (No. 11), are among the top-ranked programs. With a total of 19 NCAA team titles since 1982, the SEC has a storied history in collegiate gymnastics, and their continued success ensures a fierce battle for the championship.
Florida, another major contender, is also poised to challenge for the title. The Gators boast a talented roster, including Leanne Wong, who delivered an exceptional performance during the 2024 semifinals. With a history of success, Florida is looking to capitalize on their talent and push for another championship.
The upcoming championship at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth promises to be a thrilling event, as LSU, UCLA, Florida, and Oklahoma all aim for the national title. The SEC’s depth in the competition could be a deciding factor, but strong programs from the Big Ten and Big 12 will also be vying for supremacy. With many talented teams in contention, the road to the championship will be intense, and LSU will need to prove they can handle the pressure of being No. 1.