As the NCAA women’s gymnastics season rolls past Week 5, Oklahoma remains the team to beat. But what about the other powerhouses? LSU? Florida? Utah? UCLA? The rankings are shifting fast! Is Olivia Dunne’s LSU climbing, or is UCLA, powered by Jordan Chiles, making waves? Well, let’s just say things are shaking up. And Olivia Dunne remains a headliner, whether it’s gymnastics or her media PR.
But in Week 5, she hit a rough patch—missing LSU’s meet against Missouri entirely. On January 31, Dunne wasn’t in the Tigers’ floor lineup, with Sierra Ballard, Chase Brock, Kailin Chio, Amari Drayton, Aleah Finnegan, and Haleigh Bryant stepping up instead. Meanwhile, UCLA delivered a thriller against Michigan State, pulling off a dramatic comeback win (197.300-197.200) due to their signature “floor party” in the final rotation.
And Jordan Chiles was battling a 104-degree fever all week. Yet, she still pulled off a perfect 10.0 on the floor with her Prince-themed routine, sealing the Bruins’ victory. But what about the rankings? The latest NCAA rankings are in, and it looks like Olivia Dunne and LSU took a hit while Jordan Chiles and UCLA made a big move.
All Things Gymnastics Podcast dropped the update on X with the caption, “Wake up, babe, Week 5 rankings just dropped.” Oklahoma holds the top spot with 197.730, followed by Florida (197.456) and LSU (197.420) in third. Utah sits fourth with 197.204, Michigan State follows at 197.000, and UCLA is closing in at 196.970. Compared to Week 4, LSU barely improved from 197.275 but held onto third place, while UCLA jumped from sixth (196.888) to a stronger position. With the season heating up, every tenth of a point matters!
Wake up babe, week 5 rankings just dropped! pic.twitter.com/VNv0Cfhs7w
— All Things Gymnastics Podcast (@AllThingsGymPod) February 3, 2025
UCLA had led early but fell behind at the halfway mark—right in front of a national audience on FOX, no less. Michigan’s vault squad dominated, taking a 98.900-98.500 lead. Chiles’ 9.925 on vault kept UCLA in the mix, but an uncharacteristic struggle on bars led to a season-low 49.150. She rebounded, though, adjusting mid-routine on the beam to post a 9.850. The crowd of 10,681 at Pauley Pavilion erupted as the Bruins stormed to take the win. But what about LSU’s performance? If Olivia Dunne was absent, then who was the highlight?
Olivia Dunne slips in NCAA rankings as rivals such as Jordan Chiles’ UCLA surge ahead!
Across the SEC, LSU on 31st January was making its statement, smashing the 198.000 mark in a dominant 198.000-197.175 victory over Missouri in front of a roaring 13,082 fans. The Tigers became just the second team this season to hit 198.000, powered by season-high scores on vault (49.550) and beam (49.550), plus a matching season-high on bars (49.425).
Freshman Kailin Chio stole the show, winning her first career all-around title with a 39.650. Head coach Jay Clark praised the team’s energy, noting a shift in focus after a rough prior week. The meet kicked off with KJ Johnson’s season-high 9.900 on vault, followed by Chase Brock, Aleah Finnegan, and Kaliya Lincoln each scoring 9.925s. That 49.550 vault score? The highest in the country this season.
On bars, LSU stayed hot. Alexis Jeffrey and Chio led with 9.925s, and Konnor McClain wrapped up the rotation with a 9.875. By the midpoint, LSU held a 98.975-98.525 lead. The beam was just as electric. Chio (9.950) and McClain (9.950) set new personal bests, helping LSU post another 49.550 event score. Heading into the final rotation, the Tigers were in full control, leading 148.525-147.850.
The floor squad sealed the deal. Bryant’s 9.950 led the charge, while Chio and Drayton each added 9.900. LSU finished at 198.000, marking just the second time in program history they’ve hit that score in January. With this win, LSU claimed at least a share of three event titles. Brock, Finnegan, and Lincoln tied for the vault title, while Chio and Jeffrey shared bar honors. Bryant took home the floor title with her 9.950.
Next up? LSU heads to Alabama on February 7 for another SEC showdown, while UCLA looks to keep its momentum rolling. Stay tuned: the gymnastics season is only getting crazier from here!
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