LSU gymnastics earns the No. 1 seed in the NCAA postseason. Who will the Tigers face during their regional run?

LSU Gymnastics has once again secured its place at the top of collegiate gymnastics, earning the coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA postseason. This achievement not only highlights the team’s extraordinary talent and consistency throughout the season but also underscores the hard work of head coach Jay Clark and the entire LSU coaching staff. The Tigers’ path to the national championship is now firmly within reach, and their journey through the NCAA Regionals will be closely scrutinized by fans, analysts, and fellow teams. But who will the LSU Tigers face as they begin their regional run? Let’s break down the teams they’ll encounter and what challenges lie ahead as they aim to continue their pursuit of excellence.

The NCAA Gymnastics Regional Format

The NCAA Gymnastics Championships are structured in a way that involves multiple regional competitions leading to the national championship. The postseason is divided into six regional meets, each of which features several teams that have qualified for the NCAA tournament based on their regular-season performances and rankings. Each regional is hosted at one of several predetermined sites, and the top two teams from each regional will advance to the NCAA Championships.

In this year’s format, LSU, as the No. 1 seed, is positioned to be a major contender for the national title. With their powerful lineup, including standout gymnasts such as Haleigh Bryant, Kiya Johnson, and Alyona Shchennikova, LSU is considered one of the most complete teams in the country. Their regional performance will be critical in setting the tone for their run at the national championship, but they will face stiff competition in the regional rounds.

LSU’s Regional Assignment

As the No. 1 seed, LSU has been placed in one of the top-tier regionals, where they will compete against several of the nation’s best teams. The regional draw is designed to create competitive balance and ensure that the top teams face off in a high-stakes environment.

In 2025, LSU will compete in the Baton Rouge Regional, hosted at Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the Tigers’ home arena. This venue is especially significant for LSU, as it is where the Tigers have enjoyed both home advantage and tremendous crowd support all season. Competing at home can be both a blessing and a curse — while the home crowd provides a massive energy boost, the pressure to perform well can also weigh heavily on the athletes. LSU’s stellar season, however, has prepared them for this moment.

The Baton Rouge Regional features a highly competitive field, including several other top-ranked teams. For LSU, the regional competition will be a test of their skill, composure, and ability to handle the pressure of performing in front of a raucous home crowd. The Tigers will look to execute their routines with precision and maintain their focus on the ultimate goal — advancing to the NCAA Championships and ultimately claiming the national title.

Teams in LSU’s Regional

Several strong teams will compete alongside LSU in the Baton Rouge Regional. Here’s a breakdown of who the Tigers will face:

1. Utah Utes

The Utah Utes are perennial contenders in NCAA gymnastics, and they enter the regional as the No. 2 seed. With a history of success and a deep roster of talent, Utah is one of the most formidable opponents LSU will face. The Utes have a strong all-around team, led by their star gymnast, Maile O’Keefe, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances across all events. Utah’s high-level execution and consistency make them a significant threat in the postseason.

Utah has been a staple at the NCAA Championships for years, and their ability to perform under pressure is one of their strongest traits. LSU will need to be at their absolute best to outscore the Utes in the Baton Rouge Regional. Utah’s vault and floor routines are particularly impressive, so LSU’s defense on these events will be a key factor in determining the outcome.

2. Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines enter the regional as the No. 3 seed, and they are a program with a deep history and a roster full of exceptional gymnasts. Michigan has some of the most exciting young talent in NCAA gymnastics, and their team has been improving steadily over the past several seasons. The Wolverines’ roster includes elite gymnasts like Natalie Wojcik, who has been a standout in all-around competitions, as well as their strong vault and balance beam squads.

Michigan’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be critical in the postseason. Their balanced approach across all events means that they can score big on any given day, and LSU will need to be on alert for their vault and floor routines, where Michigan can rack up high scores. LSU’s performance on the balance beam, an event where Michigan excels, will be a key to determining whether the Tigers can keep pace with the Wolverines.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama is another powerhouse program in NCAA gymnastics and enters the Baton Rouge Regional as the No. 4 seed. The Crimson Tide has consistently been one of the top teams in the country and boasts a long history of success at the national level. Alabama’s gymnasts, including star competitors like Lexi Graber and Shallon Olsen, have the capability to deliver impressive routines, especially on vault and floor.

Alabama’s gymnasts are known for their explosiveness and powerful routines, which can make them a dangerous competitor. LSU’s ability to handle the intensity and precision of Alabama’s performances will be crucial. The Tigers will need to execute flawlessly in all four events — vault, bars, beam, and floor — if they are to outscore the Crimson Tide and avoid any slip-ups that could cost them the top spot in the regional.

4. Auburn Tigers

Auburn enters the Baton Rouge Regional as the No. 5 seed and has been a competitive force in NCAA gymnastics for several years. With a solid all-around team and gymnasts capable of big performances, Auburn is not to be underestimated. Their routines, especially on the floor and bars, are dynamic and full of energy. Auburn’s lineup includes gymnasts like Suni Lee, an Olympic gold medalist, who is expected to make a significant impact in the postseason.

Auburn’s challenge will be to put together a complete performance across all events. LSU has a strong advantage in terms of experience and depth, but Auburn’s ability to score highly on floor and bars could give them the edge in a close competition. LSU will need to be sharp on these events to maintain their lead.

5. Missouri Tigers

Missouri rounds out the field in the Baton Rouge Regional and enters as the No. 6 seed. While they are not as highly ranked as some of the other teams in the regional, Missouri has had an impressive season and is capable of making an upset. The Tigers from Missouri have solid routines across all events and have shown that they can compete with some of the top teams in the country.

Although Missouri may not have the same star power as some of the other teams, they have the potential to surprise. LSU will need to stay focused and avoid any complacency when facing Missouri, as a slip-up could result in a surprising upset. The Tigers from LSU will be expected to dominate the competition but should not take Missouri lightly, as the team will be eager to prove themselves in a high-pressure regional meet.

LSU’s Strengths and Strategy for Regional Success

LSU enters the Baton Rouge Regional with a clear advantage — their exceptional all-around talent, deep roster, and strong performances across all events. The team’s key strengths include:

• Vault: LSU has one of the best vault teams in the country, with gymnasts like Haleigh Bryant and Kiya Johnson, who can score big on this event. Their explosive power and flawless technique give them a significant edge over most teams in the postseason.
• Bars: LSU has shown impressive consistency on bars this season, with performances that have been both technically precise and aesthetically pleasing. The Tigers’ ability to execute complex routines with precision makes them one of the top teams in this event.
• Balance Beam: Despite being a notoriously challenging event, LSU has shown resilience on the balance beam, an area where other teams like Michigan and Alabama excel. With gymnasts such as Alyona Shchennikova and Kiya Johnson, LSU has the ability to secure big scores on this apparatus.
• Floor: LSU’s floor routines are known for their energy, creativity, and precision. The Tigers’ ability to perform under pressure and execute high-difficulty routines makes them a formidable force on this event.