Alabama gymnastics will host the LSU Tigers, the current national champions.

When it comes to college gymnastics, few programs have the pedigree and success that both Alabama and LSU bring to the table. These two powerhouses will square off in a much-anticipated meet, with Alabama looking to challenge LSU’s dominance as the reigning national champions. The upcoming showdown promises to be a thrilling contest, with each team bringing its own unique strengths to the table.

Alabama gymnastics has long been a contender in NCAA gymnastics, with a rich history of success and national titles. Under the leadership of head coach Dana Duckworth, Alabama has established itself as a program that regularly competes at the highest level. Meanwhile, LSU has become one of the most dominant forces in the sport, with head coach Jay Clark leading the Tigers to multiple national championships in recent years. Their victory in the most recent NCAA championship proved that LSU is currently the standard-bearer in college gymnastics, and they’ll undoubtedly bring their A-game when they head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama.

This meet is not only a chance for both teams to compete for a win, but it’s also an opportunity for Alabama to prove it has what it takes to dethrone the Tigers. With so much on the line, fans can expect an electric atmosphere, high-level performances, and plenty of drama as two of the country’s best gymnastics programs battle it out.

The LSU Tigers: The Reigning National Champions

LSU’s dominance in college gymnastics has been well-documented. Under head coach Jay Clark, the Tigers have become a perennial powerhouse, with several SEC championships and a national title to their name. LSU’s most recent NCAA championship victory, which took place in 2024, was a testament to the program’s depth, talent, and mental toughness. The Tigers have consistently been one of the top-ranked teams in the country, and their success in both the regular season and postseason has made them a team to beat.

LSU’s victory in the 2024 NCAA Gymnastics Championships was especially impressive given the high level of competition in college gymnastics. The Tigers’ ability to rise to the occasion and deliver exceptional performances across all four events—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—set them apart from the rest of the field. Key athletes like Haleigh Bryant, Kiya Johnson, and Alyona Shchennikova led the way, showcasing remarkable skill, precision, and consistency.

Bryant, in particular, was a standout performer during the championship meet, capturing the individual NCAA titles in both vault and floor exercise. Her athleticism and execution were on full display, earning her praise as one of the best gymnasts in the country. Johnson and Shchennikova also contributed to LSU’s success, with their strong routines on the beam and bars. As a team, LSU’s ability to hit solid routines under pressure ultimately helped them capture the national title.

With several key athletes returning in 2025, LSU enters the season with a wealth of experience and talent. The Tigers are once again the favorites to win the national championship, and their depth and versatility make them a formidable opponent for any team. The trip to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama will be another test for LSU as they look to continue their reign as the top team in college gymnastics.

Alabama Gymnastics: Building Toward a Championship Contender

While LSU may be the reigning national champions, Alabama gymnastics is no stranger to success. The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Dana Duckworth, has consistently been one of the top teams in NCAA gymnastics, regularly competing at the highest level. Alabama has a storied history of national championships, with six NCAA titles to its name. The program has produced countless All-Americans and Olympic athletes, and its legacy in college gymnastics is unmatched.

Despite the program’s success, Alabama has faced some challenges in recent years, particularly when it comes to staying at the top of the national rankings. However, Duckworth has continued to build a competitive team capable of challenging for national championships. The 2025 season will be an important one for the Crimson Tide as they look to break through and reclaim their place as a top contender on the national stage.

Alabama’s roster is loaded with talent, and Duckworth has recruited a strong mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers. The team’s core strength lies in its balanced lineup, with athletes who excel in all four events. Key contributors include senior star Shallon Olsen, a vault and floor specialist who has earned numerous All-American honors throughout her career, and junior Lexi Graber, who has been a consistent performer on bars and beam.

Olsen, in particular, has been a key figure for Alabama, as her performances on vault and floor can single-handedly propel the team to a high score. Graber, known for her precision and grace, has also been a vital part of the team’s success, consistently delivering solid routines on the uneven bars and balance beam. The Alabama team has a blend of veterans who have been through the highs and lows of SEC competition, as well as rising stars who are ready to make an impact at the national level.

With a solid mix of talent and experience, Alabama will be looking to take its program to the next level in 2025. The team has the ability to challenge LSU for supremacy in the SEC, and the upcoming meet in Tuscaloosa will be a crucial test of where the Crimson Tide stands in comparison to the Tigers.

The Key Matchup: Vault, Floor, and Beyond

When it comes to a showdown between two elite gymnastics programs like Alabama and LSU, the competition is bound to come down to individual events. Both teams boast gymnasts capable of scoring big on each apparatus, and every routine will be crucial in determining the outcome of the meet.

Vault will likely be a key event, with both teams featuring gymnasts who can execute powerful, high-flying vaults. Alabama’s Shallon Olsen has one of the most explosive vaults in the country, and her ability to land with precision under pressure makes her a key asset for the Crimson Tide. LSU’s Haleigh Bryant is equally as formidable on vault, having claimed multiple national titles in the event. The battle between these two gymnasts will be one to watch, as their performances could set the tone for the meet.

Floor exercise is another event where both teams excel. Olsen, who also competes in floor exercise for Alabama, is known for her high-energy routines and dynamic tumbling passes. LSU’s Kiya Johnson, a floor specialist, is renowned for her ability to perform high-difficulty tumbling sequences while maintaining the artistry required to succeed in the event. The combination of power, style, and execution in floor routines makes this event one of the most exciting to watch.

On balance beam and uneven bars, both teams have gymnasts who have demonstrated the ability to perform difficult skills with grace and precision. Alabama’s Lexi Graber is known for her steady performances on beam, while LSU’s Alyona Shchennikova is a force on the bars. These events can often be the deciding factor in close meets, as they require a high level of focus and consistency. Mistakes on beam or bars can prove costly, so both teams will be looking to hit their routines and avoid falls.

The Fan Atmosphere: A Rivalry Renewed

The rivalry between LSU and Alabama gymnastics has been growing for years, and this meet will add another chapter to that story. The fan atmosphere in Tuscaloosa will undoubtedly be electric, with Alabama fans packing Coleman Coliseum to cheer on their team. LSU, with its passionate fanbase, will bring its own energy, making for an intense and exciting environment.

For the gymnasts, there is no better motivation than the support of the crowd. The fans will play a crucial role in creating an environment where every routine counts, and the athletes will feed off that energy. Both teams know what’s at stake, and the pressure of the rivalry will make this one of the most exciting meets of the season.

A Clash of Titans

When Alabama and LSU square off in gymnastics, fans are guaranteed a spectacle of athleticism, skill, and fierce competition. The reigning national champions from LSU will bring their high-flying routines and top-tier talent to Tuscaloosa, while Alabama will be looking to prove that they can challenge for the national title once again. With incredible athletes like Shallon Olsen, Lexi Graber, Haleigh Bryant, and Kiya Johnson taking the stage, this meet promises to be one for the ages.

As both teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on the gymnastics floor, where every tumbling pass, vault, beam routine, and bar dismount will be scrutinized. Whether LSU will continue its reign as the national champions or if Alabama will rise to the occasion and challenge for supremacy remains to be seen. One thing is for certain: this meet will be a must-watch event for college gymnastics fans everywhere.