The postseason is here, and the race for the national title has never been tighter. With LSU peaking at just the right time, the reigning champs leap into the top spot after a dominant SEC title run. Oklahoma—historically the postseason favorite—slides to No. 2 with a chance to reclaim momentum at regionals. Utah, Florida, and UCLA round out a top five packed with talent and potential, all vying to prove they have what it takes to contend for the championship in Fort Worth. With high-stakes matchups looming and upsets always in play, the road to nationals is officially heating up.
1. LSU
Last Week: No. 2
The reigning champs’ title defense starts now, as a fourth-straight 198 pushed LSU to the SEC title and top overall seed over Oklahoma—peaking at just the right time. Much of that is thanks to Haleigh Bryant, who is showing no signs of her early season nagging elbow injury that limited her events, making her the favorite to defend her all-around title as the postseason begins. She and top-10 ranked all-arounder Aleah Finnegan will be looked upon to lead with their championship-winning experience, but freshman phenom Kailin Chio was the difference-maker in the regular season and will need to be at her best to be the X-factor for her first team title. The Tigers…
