LSU has battled injuries since the very beginning of this season! Haleigh Bryant pushed through the nagging pain. KJ Johnson sat out, then returned. Konnor McClain has struggled to stay in the lineup. The LSU Tigers have adjusted, adapted, and fought on. But just before their highly anticipated clash on 14th February with No. 1 Oklahoma, another gut punch landed. During warmups, a senior gymnast, who is one of their reliable ones, took her routine approach on the floor. Then, in an instant, everything changed. A wince, a sharp cry, and then stillness. The packed Pete Maravich Assembly Center fell silent as head coach Jay Clark rushed to her side, lifting her off the mat while she sobbed in pain. Everyone knew it was serious. The only question was—how bad?

It was their 5th-year senior, Chase Brock! After the meet, Clark addressed the media, his expression grim. Jay Clark said Brock will get an MRI in the next few days. Hope lingered, but deep down, the team braced for the worst. Then, the confirmation came. “It’s been done,” Clark said later. “It’s an Achilles injury. We will move forward.” Clark later confirmed in this week’s press conference that Chase Brock is likely to be out until further notice. “Yeah, she’s done. She will be out indefinitely,” Clark confirmed on 17th February as reported by LSU REVEILLE.

This is a major hit for LSU! Chase Brock has been one of the experienced leaders and a competitor who has delivered at some critical junctures. Brock’s 9.875 on the floor in the season opener against Iowa State was just the start! Her 9.925 on vault at the Sprouts Collegiate Quad Meet against some of the nation’s best was also steady.

This is an athlete who thrives in pressure-packed moments. Need proof? She recorded her season high on vault of 9.900 in 2024 during the NCAA Fayetteville Regional Second Round. Then in 2023, when she stuck back-to-back 9.975s on vault, first against Alabama, then again at the Podium Challenge. Consistency? She’s got that too—five times, she’s hit 9.925 on the floor, most recently on the sport’s biggest stage in the 2023 NCAA finals. And let’s not forget—Brock isn’t just a competitor. She’s an academic standout, a 2024 and 2019 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree.

Injuries could disrupt LSU’s plans to defend their national title. It won’t be simple to stay ahead, especially versus powerhouses such as Oklahoma and a resurgent UCLA.

Chase Brock Joins Injury-Stricken LSU Roster

Brock, who’s been a consistent leader for the Tigers, now joins an ever-growing list of sidelined athletes. Injuries to key gymnasts like Zoe Miller, Bryce Wilson, and Victoria Roberts have already shaken up LSU’s lineup, and now Brock’s right lower leg injury threatens to throw a wrench in their championship hopes.

Let’s talk about Miller for a second. She hasn’t even competed this season! A torn left labrum since September has kept her out, and while everyone was excited for her comeback after transitioning from elite gymnastics, this road to recovery isn’t as smooth as anyone hoped. Even Simone Biles sent some love her way! But the question is: when will she finally get back to doing what she loves?

Here are LSU injury updates:

• Zoe Miller: Torn left labrum (Out from 09/25/24)
• Bryce Wilson: Neck brace (Out from 12/17/24)
• Chase Brock: Right lower leg injury (Out from 02/16/25)
• Victoria Roberts: Boot (side unknown) (Out from 02/16/25)

And don’t forget about Haleigh Bryant and KJ Johnson. Bryant, who has her way back from an elbow injury recently, and Johnson? She made her return after an ankle sprain, but will she stay healthy for the long haul? The Tigers are juggling a lot, and with these injuries piling up, it begs the question, can LSU keep their momentum going? They have been performing well, and this was further solidified with a win over Oklahoma on 14 February. But can they keep the magic alive? We will find out when they visit Kentucky next on the calendar on February 23.