And then there were six…
After months of high-flying routines, razor-thin margins, and relentless competition, the field is now set. The top six teams in the regular season men’s NCAA gymnastics rankings have punched their tickets to the final showdown — the NCAA Championships. These six elite squads will now battle for collegiate gymnastics’ most coveted title.
The Final Six:
1. Oklahoma
2. Stanford
3. Michigan
4. Nebraska
5. Illinois
6. Ohio State
Each of these programs has demonstrated consistency, depth, and explosive talent throughout the season, but the title race is far from predictable.
Oklahoma enters the finals as the No. 1 seed, riding a wave of dominance and consistency. With a deep roster stacked with All-American talent and a reputation for peaking at the right time, the Sooners are the frontrunners — and rightfully so. Head coach Mark Williams has built a dynasty, and his team looks poised to reclaim the national crown after a few years of being outshined by their rivals.
But don’t count out Stanford, the three-time defending national champions. While they sit second in the rankings, they’ve proven time and again that they can rise under pressure. With standout performers like Asher Hong and Fred Richard (shared with Team USA duties), Stanford has the star power and championship pedigree to go four-for-four.
Michigan is another heavyweight in the mix. Known for their explosive floor routines and high team energy, they’ve hovered near the top all season and are more than capable of putting up massive scores. They’ll be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups from Oklahoma or Stanford.
Nebraska and Illinois bring grit and momentum into the finals. Nebraska’s execution-heavy approach and Illinois’ surging performance late in the season give them dark horse potential. Ohio State, rounding out the top six, has been flying under the radar but boasts enough firepower to make a statement on the big stage.
What to Watch
All-Around Battles: Individual titles will be just as intense, with gymnasts like Richard, Hong, and Michigan’s Paul Juda all vying for top honors.
Pommel Horse Pressure: Often a make-or-break event, watch for which team handles it cleanly under the spotlight.
Vault and Floor Fireworks: These events can rack up huge points — or cause big swings in rankings.
Prediction:
It’s tough to bet against Oklahoma, given their top ranking and deep squad, but Stanford’s championship experience is invaluable. If they hit, they could easily take a fourth straight title. Michigan is the wild card — explosive and fearless, and that could be the difference if others falter.
Projected Winner: Oklahoma — But don’t blink. One missed landing could open the door for Stanford or Michigan to steal the spotlight.
The final six are locked in. Now, it’s time to see who rises under the lights.