NCAA Pre-Season 2025-2026

[Amber]

Never got the fuss over Nola Matthews. She’s like Eythora. It’s just way too theatrical and OTT

Don't forget Hernandez, always found her fake and way over the top

 

[arabiandoublefront]

I've been very disappointed, but not surprised, at the level of tumbling from the top teams so far. The code encourages and rewards this sort of tumbling. Combine that with the judges not adequately using the deductions in the code to provide the separation they should, then there's no sense in taking risks with big tumbling or 3 passes.

It's the same thing with bars. Boring, low-skill routines that all look alike.

And I suspect that, as much as I agree that the NQS system needed and overhaul, counting 9 scores is just going to further entrench doing these low-difficulty safe routines.

I'm at the point where I don't know if I'll watch NCAA as closely this year.

 

[RedBirdie]

I'll probably watch it when there's nothing else on. Decent enough way to spend a Friday evening. But I view it more as fluffy entertainment, definitely not something to take seriously.

 

[cuuf]

Ah the eternal debate on forums like this, to go more elite or not to in NCAA. To me, the effort and focus should be on judging and getting judges to take appropriate deductions versus changing the code (sure, some thoughtful minor tweaks like 2 versus 3 pass routines). I think we need to remind ourselves that the population on a board like this represents about 5% of the people who view/follow college gymnastics. Many on here know and can name the specific skills and combinations to achieve bonuses. That is just not the general public. I think we also have to keep in mind that the majority of NCAA gymnasts are not elite level gymnasts, moving the code closer to elite skills would most likely lead to more of a concentration of athletes in a limited number of teams and even less variability than currently exists, which makes for a poor TV product. Focusing on judging keeps NCAA gymnasts accessible to the broader athlete pool to be competitive and still have a compelling product.

 

[RedBirdie]

I'd be perfectly happy if they just used the level 10 code as it currently is, with the current NCAA yurchenko full 9.95 SV.

 

[GEMINAM]

Ah the eternal debate on forums like this, to go more elite or not to in NCAA. To me, the effort and focus should be on judging and getting judges to take appropriate deductions versus changing the code (sure, some thoughtful minor tweaks like 2 versus 3 pass routines). I think we need to remind ourselves that the population on a board like this represents about 5% of the people who view/follow college gymnastics. Many on here know and can name the specific skills and combinations to achieve bonuses. That is just not the general public. I think we also have to keep in mind that the majority of NCAA gymnasts are not elite level gymnasts, moving the code closer to elite skills would most likely lead to more of a concentration of athletes in a limited number of teams and even less variability than currently exists, which makes for a poor TV product. Focusing on judging keeps NCAA gymnasts accessible to the broader athlete pool to be competitive and still have a compelling product.

I agree with this so much. I am reading these posts on here degrading these gymnast because their bar routine is boring.. not thinking that these girls have been putting wear and tear on their bodies for over 10 years before they even got there! I mean they do want to be able to not be crippled by the time they graduate college. Even a simple tweak on bars doing single rail releases can impact gymnasts elbows, wrists, etc. Also, don't forget the mass majority of the girls aren't getting these 3.5 million dollar NIL deals just to be on the team like the football players. Time to put some perspective on college gymnastics. At the end of the day it is for fun since 99.9% of them are done after their stint in college. Its not like they can use their gymnastics to become a lawyer or a nurse. Whilst these football players/ basketball can go pro and make millions. Perspective people.

 

[KristyJ]

Here we are using television and "for fun" as our descriptors for the goal of sport? That seems like we've traveled far off base from the intention of what sport should be.
There are more level 10 gymnasts in the US than there are college gymnasts, and every one of those level 10s is aiming for a code that becomes easier in college. I think upping the requirements slightly is not an insane ask. Will there be less parity? Maybe, but it's a sport, not a tv special or afternoon rec or a pageant, it's supposed to be competitive.

 

[blake]

Preseason poll. 39 first place votes for OU!

2026 Preseason Rankings • USA Gymnastics

usagym.org

Florida's hype night. Eleven 10.0 SVs on vault plus Emjae who didn't vault. Skye's lopez is Biles/Andrade level.

 

[irichluck21]

Florida has if anything the depth.

 

[CameliasFingerpaint]

Here we are using television and "for fun" as our descriptors for the goal of sport? That seems like we've traveled far off base from the intention of what sport should be.
There are more level 10 gymnasts in the US than there are college gymnasts, and every one of those level 10s is aiming for a code that becomes easier in college. I think upping the requirements slightly is not an insane ask. Will there be less parity? Maybe, but it's a sport, not a tv special or afternoon rec or a pageant, it's supposed to be competitive.

I will never understand the kid gloves so many fans (not nearly as prevalent here) have with coaches, athletes, and teams in this sport. Absolutely zero criticism of anything allowed in many corners.

These are literally the toughest athletes in the world.