A career-high 9.950 on floor at the NCAA Regionals. A pair of 9.900s on beam—once against Utah, once at the Washington quad. She went 9.875 on vault twice and didn’t miss a single lineup in vault, beam, or floor the entire season. Oh, and that 9.850+ on floor? Add to it a regional floor title, an academic honor roll nod, and a sophomore season that screamed consistency, flair, and big-moment poise. As a freshman, she was already knocking on the door with a 9.925 on floor and near-perfect execution on vault. These are the accolades of a star whose name the NCAA gymnastics world is whispering about with growing volume, who is landing at LSU via the transfer portal and is set to have similar perks to Olivia Dunne. This news has the fans reacting as well.

She called it “a new era (purple heart emoji).” And with that, Emily Innes let the NCAA gymnastics world know—something big was coming. After standout years with Washington, where she became a floor sensation and All-Big Ten honoree, Innes has officially committed to LSU for her senior season. Her announcement was heartfelt and full of reflection: “I have made the difficult decision to enter the transfer portal for my senior year,” she shared. “I want to thank UW for the past three years. To all of the coaching staffs, support staffs, and teammates that I have had throughout my experience, you made my time here memorable and I will cherish that forever.”

Then came the moment that made LSU fans sit up: “That said, I have decided to commit to LSU on a full athletic scholarship!!!” “I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and can’t wait to see what the next year brings!”

That full athletic scholarship isn’t just any award. Since 2012, LSU has partnered with the Stamps Scholars Program, offering full cost-of-attendance awards to the most accomplished and driven students—athletes included. It’s a scholarship designed not just to support, but to elevate its recipients with resources for leadership, service, global experiences, and more. She now follows in the footsteps of another LSU headliner—Olivia Dunne—who also began her career on a full athletic scholarship and became a household name.

Gymnastics fans shocked as Emily Innes makes a move to LSU

Honestly? No one saw this coming. When news dropped that Emily Innes was transferring from Washington to LSU, gymnastics fans were left with their jaws on the floor. She was a staple in the Huskies’ lineups—reliable, consistent, and quietly clutch. “Holy cow. Husky fan here and I am shaken to my core.” Said the emotional fan.

That about sums it up. Innes competed in every vault, beam, and floor lineup this season. She dropped a career-best 9.950 on floor at the NCAA Regionals in her Sophomore season, and hit 9.900 on beam more than once. Losing her? It’s a tough pill to swallow for Washington fans. “I swear I didn’t know half these people were in the transfer portal.” Said one fan.

Let’s be real; the transfer portal has turned into a bit of a whirlwind this season. Moreover, Emily flying under the radar only adds to the shock. But this move? It’s part of a bigger pattern, and one fan pointed towards it. “D****, taxes, and gymnasts transferring to the SEC.”

And LSU? They’re building something big. With the higher scholarship limit, schools like them can invest more in specialists. “I wonder if the higher scholarship limit means big schools… will recruit more event specialists. Emily could be a floor specialist.”

And why not? Innes hit 9.850+ on floor in 12 of 14 meets in her sophomore season. She’s not just consistent—she’s made for the big stage. “I love her so I’m glad she’s going somewhere I can follow her more regularly… LSU has been surprising me.” one fan said.

What do you think of Innes’ transfer? Let us know in the comments below!