LSU has been on a tear this season in, delivering performances that solidify their elite status in NCAA gymnastics. With razor-thin margins separating them from UCLA, the gymnastics community has been left scratching their heads—why hasn’t LSU overtaken the Bruins in the rankings yet? But as the numbers are being dissected, Jordan Chiles, a Paris Olympic bronze medalist, and UCLA are left worried.

A deep dive into the NQS calculations on 16th February on X revealed just how close the battle between UCLA and LSU really is. Current projections place UCLA at an NQS of 197.455, with a potential high of 197.605 next week. Meanwhile, LSU isn’t far behind at 197.42—but here’s the catch: their scoring ceiling is even higher at 197.71.

The numbers don’t lie—LSU needs just a 196.8 to surpass UCLA’s current NQS and a 197.55 to overtake their highest possible score. With the margins this tight, the balance of power could shift in an instant. And the tables have finally turned! And just like that, the rankings have shifted. A tweet posted on X by All Things Gymnastics Podacst confirmed the latest shake-up.

The tweet read, “Oklahoma remains No. 1 through eight weeks, but LSU reclaimed the No. 2 spot.” Cal moved up to No. 5, and Georgia broke into the top 10 for the first time since 2021 (in week 3)! But the real headline? LSU has officially leapfrogged UCLA. The Tigers’ NQS advantage has paid off, pushing them ahead while UCLA, despite its strong performances, now finds itself chasing. Let’s take a look back so far.

Jordan Chiles has put on excellent performances, but UCLA remained unable to keep a safe lead against LSU. During UCLA’s competition against Michigan, the gymnast Chiles solidified her place in their victory with a 9.950 mark on the vault and produced another 9.975 performance on the floor. Chiles’ explosive routines have grown into the primary motivation for UCLA’s current season’s success.

UCLA’s consistency with recording high scores from Chiles and the team has not proven sufficient to surpass LSU in the rankings. At this moment in the season, the Bruins maintain consistent results; however, small margins between teams make their performance quality feel insufficient. Meanwhile, LSU made strong statements with their performances.

As reigning national and SEC champions, the Tigers put on a show in one of the biggest meets of the 2025 season, taking down top-ranked Oklahoma in front of a roaring PMAC crowd. Kailin Chio led the charge with a standout 39.725 all-around performance, proving LSU’s depth beyond just star power. With this momentum, it’s no surprise they’ve overtaken UCLA in the rankings.

Jordan Chiles’ brilliance amidst former coach Cecile Landi’s leadership

Eight weeks into the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season, the rankings continue to showcase dominant performances across the board, as highlighted by the tweet. For three long years, the Gymdogs struggled to crack the upper tier of NCAA gymnastics, falling short of their performances. Now, under the leadership of

Cecile Landi, they’ve shattered a 3-year curse, signaling a change in their program.

Landi has worked closely with superstars like Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles. Chiles tried her all to give UCLA the lead through her performances. During UCLA’s meet against Maryland on January 20, Jordan Chiles delivered a flawless performance on bars, earning a perfect 10—the second gymnast in 2025 to achieve this feat.

Her stellar routine played a crucial role in UCLA’s impressive 197.625 victory, once again proving just how vital she is to the Bruins’ success. Yet, while she continues to shine in collegiate gymnastics, her battle to reclaim her Paris bronze medal remains an ongoing fight. But with LSU now overtaking UCLA and Cecile Landi making waves at Georgia, one question is: can Jordan Chiles and UCLA find a way to reclaim their spot? Has the balance of power in NCAA gymnastics truly shifted? Let us know in the comments.