“You know what, it is still feeling just unreal. I’m still trying to get my voice back from cheering so loud. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ll probably be thinking about it for the rest of my life,” expressed Olivia Dunne after LSU carried home the 2024 National Championship title. Almost a year later, on March 24, 2025, the top 16 seeds for the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship were unveiled, and the rankings sent shockwaves through the gymnastics world.

In the NCAA gymnastics selection show rankings, LSU clinched the No. 1 spot, setting the stage for a fierce title defense. Meanwhile, Oklahoma secured No. 2, Florida landed at No. 3, and Jordan Chiles’ UCLA, a perennial powerhouse, found themselves at No. 4. With the championship set for April 17-19 in Fort Worth, TX, the stage is set—but can LSU hold onto their top spot with the target on their backs?

Well quite surprisingly, UCLA’s No. 4 seeding is a jaw-dropping twist for a team, An unstoppable force throughout the 2025 season. Led by Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, who earned a perfect 10 on uneven bars earlier this year in front of 7,287 fans at Maryland, the Bruins have consistently dazzled. They clinched the Big Ten regular-season title in their inaugural conference season, scoring 197.000 or higher in eight straight meets, and then dominated the Big Ten Championships with a 198.450, powered by perfect 10s from Chiles and teammate Brooklyn Moors on the floor. Fans were certain this momentum would take UCLA to the top seed, especially after they unseated two-time defending Big Ten champion Michigan State in a nail-biting dual meet in January. So, how will this unexpected No. 4 seeding impact their national title dreams?

In contrast, LSU’s rise to No. 1 will be a tough test, both on and off the mat. The Tigers, who celebrated their first-ever NCAA title in 2024, have been bolstered by the star power of Olivia Dunne, whose massive social media following—over 6.8 million on TikTok alone—has brought unprecedented attention to the program. This popularity, paired with their consistent performances, has made LSU a fan favorite and a formidable contender. They just got to balance the pressure of being No. 1.

As the gymnastics community buzzes with anticipation, the SEC’s dominance adds another layer of intrigue. UCLA, despite their setback, remains a threat with Jordan Chiles’ championship experience and a hunger to reclaim the top spot. The road to the podium just got tougher. 

SEC Dominance Shines as LSU, Florida, and Others Lead the NCAA Gymnastics Championship Seedings

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is flexing its muscle in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship seedings, with nine of the top 16 spots claimed by its teams. LSU leads the pack at No. 1, fresh off their 2024 national title, while Florida follows closely at No. 3. Kentucky (No. 9), Alabama (No. 11), and others like Auburn and Arkansas round out the SEC’s impressive showing, proving once again why the conference’s mantra—“it just means more”—resonates so deeply.

Beyond the top seeds, the SEC is a testament to its storied gymnastics legacy, with the conference having secured 19 NCAA team titles since 1982. LSU and Florida, in particular, are riding high—LSU with their championship pedigree and Florida with stars like Leanne Wong, who shone in the 2024 semifinals. But will the SEC’s depth be enough to fend off challenges from other conferences like the Big 12 and Big Ten?

Meanwhile, the emotional stakes are high, as captured in ESPN’s post with joyful images of LSU and Florida gymnasts embracing the moment. The SEC’s dominance sets up a thrilling narrative for the April 17-19 finals at Dickies Arena, where the conference will look to continue its reign. With many good SEC teams in contention, the pressure’s on!