NCAA women’s gymnastics power rankings: We’ve officially entered the 198 era

Each week, Gymnastics Now will share our “Power Rankings“ for the top 10 women’s teams, providing insight into why certain teams are trending up and others trending down.

These rankings are purely subjective. A (+) or (-) next to each team will signify how far the team rose or fell compared to the previous week.

1. Oklahoma (+2)

Fine we’ll concede… back to regularly scheduled programing. Oklahoma is the only team in the country with a 198+ average. So therefore, we must honor their accomplishments and move them back to first, especially after beating a clear No. 2 Cal. The Sooners might not have been perfect against the Bears and Arizona State, but they continue to be the best and most consistent team in the country.

2. Cal (-)

Consistency and Cal go hand in hand this season. While the team didn’t edge out OU, they continue to have incredibly strong performances, keeping their team in the No. 2 spot across the nation. Their routines have been so solid they only posted one score below a 9.8 last week, with their highest score of the competition being a 9.975 from Gabby Perea on bars.

3. LSU (+4)

LSU is back in the top three because they posted a huge 198.475, which was the highest score of any team in Week 5. Of course in LSU fashion, Haleigh Bryant scored a perfect 10 on floor while also managing to score nothing below a 9.9 on the other events as well. Konnor McClain is continuing to show people why she’s a force to be reckoned with, earning two nearly-perfect 9.975s on beam and floor. These Tigers have all the right tools, they’ve just got to find a consistent stride to keep their upward momentum.

4. Utah (+2)

Utah beat Oregon State at home with a 197.750. Despite the win, it’s important to note their scoring is all over the board again this week. Maile O’Keefe scores a perfect 10 on beam but then a low 9.675 on bars after her start value took a hit. It was a similar story for Jaedyn Rucker, who scored a 9.9750 on vault but a 9.125 on floor. While they can still pull off a high 197 score, we’re waiting for them to find their groove.

5. Kentucky (-4)

It was another perfect 10 for Raena Worley on floor and a major W against Alabama, but can Kentucky get over the 198 hump? Bailey Bunn earned a low 9.15 on beam, which is extremely unlike her. and Delaynee Rodriguez scored 9.775s on both vault and bars. The difference between Kentucky and teams like Cal and Oklahoma is they’re firing on all cylinders every single meet. That consistency will be key if the Wildcats want to make the Four on the Floor.

6. UCLA (+3)

Everybody watch out, the Bruins are SO back. The team put up a huge 198.075 at their pride meet against Arizona. Standout Selena Harris was rocking Pauley Pavilion, scoring two near-perfect 9.975s on beam and bars, while her teammate, Nya Reed, had a near-perfect floor performance. One more week like this and you may find them in our top five.

7. Denver (previously unranked)

Oh me, oh my – the Pioneers have entered the chat. Denver posted their first 198.000 of the season while facing off against Towson. It was a big day for the team on bars, with not one, not two, but THREE of their athletes scoring 9.975s. One belonged to Jessica Hutchinson, who also posted a big 9.95 on floor.

8. Michigan State (previously unranked)

Whew! What a week for the Spartans. Not only did they take down their in-state rivals, but they did so while earning their first 198+ score of the season. Sage Kellerman posted another perfect 10 on vault, while teammate Skyla Schulte scored 9.95s on beam and floor. What a day to be the gymnasts in green.

9. Alabama (-5)

The Crimson Tide took a fall this week after a season-low 196.975 at home against Kentucky. It’s the first 196 of Bama’s season, which, in their case, is not an accomplishment. But every person (and every team) is allowed a bad day, and you’d rather it be now instead of the postseason.

10. Florida (-)

They’re consistently in our top 10, so that’s a feat, but it’s time to kick it up a notch if they want to return to the Four on the Floor. They’ve consistently been posting 197s or higher, increasing that total week over week. Is a breakthrough on the horizon for one of the teams with high expectations?