LSU Gymnastics Claims SEC Title, Securing Top Spot in National Rankings
The LSU Tigers have claimed the top spot in women's college gymnastics, dethroning the long-reigning Oklahoma Sooners. After a thrilling win at the SEC Gymnastics Championship, the Tigers have been awarded the No. 1 overall seed for the postseason, marking the first time since 2022 that the Sooners are not at the pinnacle of the national leaderboard.
Saturday's championship meet marked the third encounter between these powerhouse teams this year, and LSU walked away with a decisive victory, scoring an impressive 198.200 to Oklahoma's 197.925. Behind the Tigers were Florida and Missouri.
This win not only gives LSU the edge in the postseason, but also extends their dominance within the SEC, as they've claimed five of the last eight conference championships. Moreover, the Tigers led from the beginning to the end of the competition, demonstrating an unmatched consistency.
Fifth-year gymnast Haleigh Bryant was a standout performer, clinching the meet on vault and successfully defending her all-around title. Bryant also shared the beam title with teammate Aleah Finnegan, who was the runner-up in the all-around race. Freshman Kailin Chio also shined, finishing fourth in the all-around and second on the floor.
Despite Oklahoma holding the top spot during the regular season, Coach Jay Clark spoke highly of LSU, acknowledging their consistency and growth. However, after LSU's victory, Clark recognized the Tigers' prowess and expressed pride in their accomplishment.
With their win, the LSU Tigers will compete in Olympic order in the postseason, a strategy they've found success with at home meets. They remain undefeated at home in 2025.
Next up for the Tigers is the NCAA Regional Selection Show, airing on ESPNU on March 24 at 12 p.m. ET. The competition is set to take place at Penn State, Alabama, Washington, and Utah, and LSU awaits their assignment eagerly. A strong performance in the postseason could propel the Tigers towards the sport's biggest prize.
- Haleigh Bryant, an LSU gymnastics competitor, clinched the meet on vault and defended her all-around title at the SEC Gymnastics Championship, contributing significantly to LSU's victory.
- LSU gymnastics' Aleah Finnegan, who shared the beam title with Bryant and finished second in the all-around race, also played an integral role in LSU's win at the SEC Gymnastics Championship, leading the Tigers to their first No. 1 overall seed in the postseason since 2022.
- In the midst of the postseason preparations, SEC Gymnastics Championship results have revealed that the LSU Tigers have secured the top ranking in women's college gymnastics, with Oklahoma being dethroned after their reign for several seasons. The seeding for the postseason will see LSU gymnastics competing in Olympic order, a strategy they've found successful in their undefeated home meets in 2025.
