NCAA Super Early Look at Next Year (2026)

[Regionals]

Georgia had the top class 2 years ago. While they have helped improve their standing, they still are on the outside. The fact is, it is an exception to expect freshman to contribute at a significant level. This year we could say, Chio, Neff, Fatta, Pederson and possibly Roberson as that type of contributor out of all the freshman 4 and 5 stars. Statistically it would be considered an anomaly if Arkansas had even one of their freshman contribute at that level.

I do appreciate the multiple points of views that the Arkansas power ranking generated. Strange, but lots of things to think about!

For your post, I note you mentioned only AAers after defining that the freshman needs to contribute to a “significant level.”

I looked over the 2024 five-star list, and so many of them did contribute to a significant level according to my definition, not yours.

So we disagree that “significant level” has to mean All-Around.

 

[Orange]

I’ve always thought the recruit ratings were biased towards all-arounders. I would much have a gymnast that’s great on bars and beam but can’t vault to save her life than someone who is solid but not spectacular on all four events.

There’s enough flexibility on college rosters that you can take the one or two event gymnasts. Where would Missouri have been without Helen Hu?

 

[cuuf]

Valid. I dont mean to say that a freshman cant contribute to a team in a meaningful way, but you win competitions based upon point totals, so someone who can consistently contribute 49 points to the point total makes more of an impact than some that can consistently contribute 9 points. That's just math. At the margins, event specialists can make a difference, but a team has to have the core to get to that point. I am not disparaging event specialists and they absolutely have a role on a balanced team roster that is important.

 

[flappergirl]

Valid. I dont mean to say that a freshman cant contribute to a team in a meaningful way, but you win competitions based upon point totals, so someone who can consistently contribute 49 points to the point total makes more of an impact than some that can consistently contribute 9 points. That's just math. At the margins, event specialists can make a difference, but a team has to have the core to get to that point. I am not disparaging event specialists and they absolutely have a role on a balanced team roster that is important.

It’s a puzzle that will be affected by the smaller roster size. Three or even two incredibly strong events and one weak one could be more valuable to the overall than a pretty strong all a-rounder even if former has a weaker all- around score. Even a one-eventer may be worth it, but what you said is certainly more true in 2026 than it was in 2025.

 

[cuuf]

Ya, this is really where I think college coaches earn their money. Piecing together a roster that has the right mix of pieces.