The University of Michigan’s Crisler Center will buzz with excitement tonight as the 43rd annual Women’s Big Ten Gymnastics Championships gets underway, guaranteeing two days of high-voltage action. Intense rivalries are expected to mark this year’s tournament being held between March 21-22, as twelve of the conference’s fourteen teams vie for the ultimate glory. Interestingly, tonight’s Session 3 lineup sets up a potential meltdown that could redo the Big Ten gymnastics power structure. And, one of the Big 4 NCAA gymnastics coaches is ready to leave it all on the line.

During the 2025 Big Ten Gymnastics Championships Coaches Press Conference, Minnesota Grofers coach Jenny Hansen shared her thoughts on the high stakes of the competition. Along with Hansen, Mike Rowe (MSU), Janelle McDonald (UCLA), Bev Plocki (Michigan) were also present. When  Hansen was asked about her team’s mindset heading into the championship, Hansen emphasized the importance of consistency and precision. “I think if we can continue to make the improvements and pay attention to the details the way we’ve been doing it in practice. I think it will be a dog fight uh for any of us all of us“, Hansen admitted. And she’s not exaggerating. Last year’s championship was decided by the narrowest of margins. Minnesota finished second with a team score of 197.500 – just a whisper behind Michigan State, who claimed their first-ever Big Ten title with a 197.600.

She further said, “It’ll be really an exciting competition so um we’re just hoping to do what we’ve been doing in practice and I think it might come down to that last routine just like it did last year.“A razor-thin margin of 0.100 points made all the difference. Michigan placed third with a score of 197.225, while Ohio State followed closely behind at 197.050.

Minnesota’s second-place finish in 2024 was their best under Hansen since winning the title in 2021. That performance propelled them to the NCAA gymnastics Regional Finals in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they scored 197.400 and placed fourth behind LSU, Arkansas, and Kentucky. The Gophers entered the championships with a 16-6 overall record (6-3 Big Ten), ranked No. 15 nationally, and finished fourth in the conference standings. They peaked at just the right time, posting a season-high 197.725 on senior day. Their 197.500 at the Big Ten Championships marked the highest score of Hansen’s tenure at the event, showcasing their steady climb from a 197.250 third-place finish in 2023.

The depth of competition in the Big Ten is staggering. With six teams ranked in the national top 25, the conference boasts a level of parity that few others can match. UCLA’s arrival in the conference has only raised the stakes, while the unpredictability of teams like Washington adds another layer of intrigue. This weekend, all eyes will be on Michigan State as they attempt to defend their title, while powerhouses like Michigan and Minnesota look to reclaim their dominance. But with the Big Ten’s ever-evolving landscape, a dark horse like Nebraska could shake things up. The next 48 hours will determine who writes the latest chapter in Big Ten gymnastics history.

With the intensity at an all-time high and some of the best gymnasts in the country ready to go, the 2025 Big Ten Gymnastics Championships are shaping up to be an unforgettable battle. One thing is for sure the competition will be intense and we will have some big NCAA gymnastics stars competing at Big 10 championships.

NCAA gymnastics stars to watch at Big 10 championships

The 2024 addition of UCLA and Washington from the Pac-12 has injected fresh NCAA gymnastics talent into an already stacked field. The Bruins, led by Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and a quartet of First-Team All-Big Ten honorees—Chae Campbell, Emma Malabuyo, and Brooklyn Moors—claimed the regular-season crown with eight scores of 197 or higher, including a 197.200 at the Big Four meet in Columbus. They’ll headline Session III on Saturday alongside defending champion Michigan State, host Michigan, and Minnesota, setting up a clash of titans.

UCLA’s Jordan Chiles, fresh off Olympic glory, brings all-around brilliance, while Emma Malabuyo’s consistency and Brooklyn Moors’ artistry bolster the Bruins’ bid for a debut Big Ten crown. Michigan State counters with Nikki Smith’s precision and Skyla Schulte’s dynamism, while Michigan’s Carly Bauman carries the weight of history. Nebraska’s Sophia McClelland and Emma Spence, both First-Team All-Big Ten, aim to spoil the favorites’ plans in Session I, and Minnesota’s Mya Hooten could push the Gophers into contention.

With some of the nation’s best gymnasts ready to showcase their skills, the 2025 Big Ten Gymnastics Championships promise to be an electrifying event. From Olympic standouts to emerging stars, the competition is wide open, and every routine could make a difference. With powerhouse teams and top-tier talent, this weekend’s showdown will be a must-watch for gymnastics fans everywhere.