2025 Season Preview and Preseason Power Rankings
We kick off the 2025 NCAA men’s gymnastics season this weekend and we are in for a show. A new code of points means we’ll see some different skills than we’re used to with a shift from 10 skills to 8 skills per routine. With that change, it’s possible that meets will be closer than in previous years. In addition, the NCAA rules changed from 5 up 5 count to 4 up 4 count. The impact of this change is that depth matters a little bit less and with fewer opportunities for strong teams to pull away - we may witness some exciting upsets!
This season is particularly exciting as Stanford chases a historic 6th straight NCAA title. The Cardinal are the second team to win 5 NCAA titles in a row. Nebraska completed this feat in the 80s under Coach Francis Allen. No team has ever won 6. A team of superstars including Olympians Asher Hong and Khoi Young will lead this effort to write history.
Michigan is right on the Cardinal’s heels. With Olympians Fred Richard and Paul Juda on the roster, Stanford has little room to breathe. Furthermore, Michigan is hosting NCAA championships this year and that home crowd advantage could make all the difference.
Oklahoma is a team that should never be counted out. Olympian, Emre Dodanli and USA National Team member, Fuzzy Benas are strong and always well prepared by Mark Williams and his coaching staff. The Sooners are always in the conversation as we get close to NCAAs, and its unlikely that this year will end any differently.
Nebraska, Illinois, Penn State, and Ohio State are all capable of big things. Nebraska captain, Taylor Christopulos is a class act and a big reason for Husker success in recent years. Illinois’ Tate Costa is the reigning NCAA high bar champion, and Sam Phillips is an All-Around All-American transfer to the Ilini from Nebraska with potential to put up big scores. Josh Karnes and Michael Jaroh are Nittany Lion stalwarts to watch for this year - when they’re on, Penn State will be tough to beat. Ohio State’s Kameron Nelson is a powerhouse capable of triple back’s on nearly every event.
California, Airforce, and Navy have all seen strong recruiting classes in the last few years and look to upset teams in the Big Ten again this year as Cal did last season by beating Penn State in the final rankings at NCAA Championships. Khalen Curry has been a big part of Cal’s rise over the last few years and has consistently improved throughout his NCAA career - he’s one to keep an eye for this season.
Airforce’s Patty Hoopes is the star of the team for his ability on pommel horse and All-Arounder Erich Upton is likely to lead the team in overall scoring. Navy is a well rounded team led by senior Isaiah Drake. The midshipmen will look to take back the All-Academy Championships trophy from the two time defending champions, Airforce.
The ECAC is the largest conference in the country for the third season in a row since the addition of Greenville and Simpson, and the talent level throughout the conference has increased significantly. We’ve already taken a look at six time defending ECAC Champion Navy and will cover the balance of the ECAC here. Army’s Freshman class is strong this year and seasoned athletes, Maddox Pabellon and Jaden Blank will lead the charge. For Greenville, sophomore Landon Benas was a big reason for their success last season and will be looked to this season as well for strong performances and consistency.
Springfield’s Peyton Cramer made a name for himself on pommel horse last season. His work, along with big routines from senior Noah Dhaliwal are performances to keep an eye out for from the Pride this year. At William & Mary, Will Harrington will lead a balanced Tribe squad with the help of experienced teammates Sam Lee and Jonathan Irwin. The Strong men at Simpson are not to be slept on. Brian Rollison and Alex Campbell are capable of big skills on rings and are a large part of the equation at Simpson.
Power Rankings:
Each week we’ll be releasing a “Power Rankings” that aims to provide a fluid picture of how each team across the NCAA is doing at the moment and where we see them heading. The (+) or (-) next to each team relates to how far they rose or fell from the week before.
This year’s Power Rankings are developed with input from major gymnastics publications including the CGA Coaches Poll, Inside Gymnastics, and Gymnastics Now.
1. Stanford (-)
2. Michigan (-)
3. Oklahoma (-)
4. Nebraska (-)
5. Illinois (-)
6. Penn State (-)
7. Cal (-)
8. Ohio State (-)
9. Air Force (-)
10. Navy (-)
11. Army (-)
12. Greenville (-)
13. Springfield (-)
14. William & Mary (-)
15. Simpson (-)
Week 1 Schedule:
*All times EST
Friday January 10th
7:00PM: West Point Open:
Penn State, Ohio State, Navy, Army, Springfield, William & Mary
How to watch: West Point Athletics YouTube
Saturday January 11th:
1:00PM: Greenville, Simpson @ Michigan
How to watch: BTN+
7:00PM: West Point Open Event finals
Penn State, Ohio State, Navy, Army, Springfield, William & Mary
Sunday January 12th:
Airforce @ Oklahoma
How to watch: ESPN+