For the second week in a row, there’s movement among the top four teams. This shake-up was inevitable, given the season’s marquee matchup between the last two NCAA champions, and LSU’s upset win sealed the deal. Several other powerhouses also had close calls, highlighting just how competitive things are as we head into the second half of the season.
1. LSU
Last Week: No. 2
In what could go down as the meet of the year, LSU dethroned Oklahoma from the top spot for the first time this season—despite technically dropping in the Road to Nationals rankings. The Sooners rarely lose in the regular season, making the Tigers’ victory even more impressive. The win also evens the playing field for the SEC title, as both teams now have one loss, though LSU has a much easier remaining schedule and wins the head-to-head tie-break. Bars remained one of the Tigers’ weaker events, but there’s good news on the horizon: Reigning NCAA all-around champion Haleigh Bryant has started training giants again there, inching her closer to a full return.
2. Oklahoma
Last Week: No. 1
Despite the loss, the Sooners didn’t fall far in the power rankings, maintaining their No. 1 spot in the actual rankings, as the shift to NQS didn’t impact their regular-season dominance. This was a rare…
