College gymnastics Week 5 preview: Michigan State vs. UCLA on FOX, two top 5 men’s matchups

It’s the first weekend of February, which means we’re closing in on the midpoint of the season. The newness of the season has worn off, and it’s time to settle in and build consistency and confidence.
College gymnastics schedules & scores
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No. 14 Alabama vs. No. 12 Georgia
The Crimson Tide travel to face the GymDogs in their annual head-to-head matchup, but this year, Georgia is ranked ahead of Alabama – No. 12 vs. No. 14. The Bulldogs haven’t won this rivalry meet since 2021, but has looked especially vulnerable in the past couple meets, losing too both Kentucky and Oklahoma. They put up a 197+ against North Carolina to start the season but haven’t gotten close to the mark since. Meanwhile, Georgia has a renewed energy surrounding the program with their new coaching staff, talented transfers, and veterans who continue to improve week by week.
Friday, January 31 |
7:00 pm | Alabama @ Georgia – Live Stats | Video (SECN) |
No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 6 UCLA
For the first time ever, FOX will televise a gymnastics meet, and it’s a good one: No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 6 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion. Last week, Michigan State was lights-out on vault, scoring a 49.450 and putting up five scores of 9.85 or higher. Watch for the Spartans to improve on beam, where they went sub-49 in their win over Ohio State. The Bruins have gone 197+ in their last three outings, so they’ve got the edge at home. This will be an interesting battle between two teams with their eyes on nationals.
Saturday, February 1 |
5:30 pm | Michigan State @ UCLA – Live Stats | Video (FOX) |
Best of the Rest
What other meets should you watch this weekend? Well, while there is no shortage of options (see the full schedule and how to watch here), here are our recommendations.
No. 2 Florida and No. 4 UCLA will meet at unranked West Virginia for a Sunday tri-meet. Both the Gators and Red Rocks are notorious for their high-scoring home meets, but on the road facing the Mountaineers, we’re likely to get some scores that are a little bit more down to earth and could give a good, honest look at the two national contenders.
Sunday, February 2 |
2:00 pm | Florida, Utah @ West Virginia – Live Stats | Video (ESPN+) |
No. 8 California and No. 21 NC State close the weekend out as the Bears travel to the East Coast for this ACC matchup. The 2024 national runner-up last went 197+ at the Collegiate Quad in Week 2, when the Bears faced off against LSU, Oklahoma, and Utah (they finished third). NC State has been improving for the most part, most recently going 196.350 against North Carolina last week. Cal definitely has the edge here, but a great meet from the Wolfpack could make things interesting.
Sunday, February 2 |
Men’s slate sees two top 5 matchups
There are six men’s meets this weekend, including No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 2 Illinois and No. 1 Oklahoma vs. No. 5 Ohio State.
Winter Cup qualifying was at the center of conversation in January, but with that over, attention shifts to building consistency and getting ready for the second half of the season, post-Winter Cup, when the pressure will be on to qualify for NCAAs.
The Illini vs. Huskers will be an interesting matchup, with both teams capable of winning. Making the meet even more interesting is former-Husker-turned-Illini Sam Phillips competing with his new team. Others to watch for the Illini: Ian Sandoval, Brandon Dang, and Garrett Schooley. Ones to watch for Nebraska: Chris Hiser, Zac Tiderman, and Taylor Christopulos.
Ohio State has had a great start to its season and just went 320+ for the first time last weekend when the Buckeyes upset Stanford at the Stanford Open. They’re led by triple back king Kameron Nelson. This roster is deep, with Parker Thackston (pommel horse), Caden Spencer (parallel bars, high bar), and Drake Andrews being a few key contributors. They’ll be visited by the Sooners, who own the highest score in the country this season (330.700) and have been relatively consistent in their past couple meets. Even more impressive is Oklahoma is still without key contributor Fuzzy Benas. The question is whether they’re peaking too early – do they have the stamina to keep this up for another two-and-a-half months?