#NCAAMGym Week 2 Power Rankings
Every week we'll be releasing a "Power Rankings" which aim to provide a fluid picture of how each team across the NCAA is doing at the moment. The idea is to try not to focus too much on scores and look more at the current state of the team. This year's power rankings are an average based off of the individual rankings of five individuals:
Logan Bradley (former Illinois gymnast)
Ben Cooperman (former Penn State gymnast)
Alex Wittenberg (former Minnesota gymnast)
Andrew Misiolek (former Stanford gymnast)
Jessica Frankl (CGA gymnastics expert/photographer)
To see a list of each individual's rankings, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page.
1. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma coasted to victory at the Rocky Mountain Open last weekend even though their mainstay, Yul Moldauer, competed on just two events. In a rare event, however, it was Stanford who claimed the top team score of the week instead of the Sooners. Still, it’s too early to say Oklahoma’s dominance is ebbing away, especially since Moldauer has yet to contribute fully. -- Wittenberg
2. Stanford Cardinal
It was Stanford who took home the top score last week with a 411.250, however, there is some speculation that they were on the receiving end of some favorable judging. Regardless, Stanford comes in as the unanimous number two. Look for the Cardinal to hush any whispers about scores with another huge performance. -- Cooperman
3. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Fighting Illini posted a clean 404.550 last week. After losing a strong senior class, Michael Fletcher (NCAA Freshman of the Week) and Clay Stephens stepped up to show they are ready to fill the void. Another Illinois freshman has been quietly making his way back into routine shape: Hamish Carter. The Great Britain native is expected to make his NCAA debut in the next few weeks. The Fletcher-Stephens-Carter big three could be a freshman class for the ages. -- Cooperman
4. Penn State Nittany Lions
When you really think about it, Penn State's solid opening weekend should come as no surprise. They lost as little as any other team from last season and even returned some talent in Favian Valdez who was unavailable in 2018. Barring health, Penn State should be competitive against just about anyone. -- Bradley
5. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan did not compete last week, but the Big Ten runners-up are expected to make a splash this weekend at Windy City.
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers
I'm sure this Gopher team had higher expectations than third at RMO, but there are a lot of fresh faces competing. The good news is that returnees like Shane Wiskus, Justin Karstadt and a few others started the season strong. Once the newcomers get a few more competitions under their belt, I'd expect Minnesota to be pushing for a top-three position in these rankings. -- Bradley
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Huskers proved they’ll be a team to contend with this season by finishing second at the Rocky Mountain Open. They topped Big Ten rivals Minnesota and Ohio State, and Anton Stephenson took home the all-around title. Nebraska could prove a formidable foe if they continue to improve on the competition floor. They’ll need victories by greater margins in the subsequent weeks in order to enter the postseason as a top contender. -- Wittenberg
8. Ohio State Buckeyes
You are going to hear Alec Yoder’s name a lot this year. The Buckeye senior has cemented his place as one of the NCAA’s top talents and started off his senior campaign with two event titles (PH and PB). Yoder carried much of the load as Ohio State posted a 398.50 last week and counted multiple 11's toward their team score. If the Buckeyes cannot find a solution to their depth issue, they will be in for another disappointing season. -- Cooperman
9. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes did not compete last weekend but will open their season this Saturday at the Windy City Invitational.
10. Navy Midshipmen
Navy battled through to the end to place second at the West Point Open, ahead of rival Army. That success launched them into the top 10 this week. The Navy-Army dynamic will be a fun one to watch this season. -- Wittenberg
11. California Golden Bears
Cal's arch nemesis, the pommel horse, was unkind to them in their first meet; but all-in-all, it was a good start. Freshman Darren Wong just might be the real deal after compiling a 77.7 all-around score in his first collegiate meet. Fellow youngster, Sophomore Shane Sadighi, was another Golden Bear to have a nice meet. There's plenty of room for growth with this team. -- Bradley
12. Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State's 392.75 was good enough for fifth at Rocky Mountain. Sophomore standout Kiwan Watts notched top-three finishes on both SR and PB. The Sun Devils square off against Air Force and Oklahoma Saturday. -- Wittenberg
13. Army Black Knights
Army had a very nice start to their season posting a 392.100 in their house. This young team has a lot of potential and could surprise a lot of people as the season unfolds. -- Cooperman
14. Air Force Falcons
Surely, it wasn't the start Air Force envisioned as a pair of events (PH & HB) ended up putting them into a bit of hole at RMO. A bright spot? It looks like senior Jonah Urlaub will be doing a good job of showing the younger guys how to compete. He posted four scores of 13.15+. You also, of course, have Lukas Texeira's fantastic high bar set. -- Bradley
15. William & Mary Tribe
382.650 was the mark for the Tribe last week. Jacopo Gliozzi and David Watkins posted scores of 14+ on rings last week, showing solid potential for William & Mary on this event. -- Cooperman
16. Springfield Pride
It was a tough day at the WPO for Springfield as a team as they struggled heavily on PH, but Stephen Lewis looks primed for a great season. Fresh off of a World Championships appearance, the junior's 78.4 all-around score was good enough for a third place finish. -- Bradley
17. Washington Huskies
Washington did not compete Week 2 but put up a 376.3 Week 1 against Arizona State and NorCal United. Washington will face off against Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and UIC this weekend in Chicago.
18. UIC Flames
It was great to see UIC come with the same energy they have been bringing to save their program onto the competition floor. The Flames put up a 352.800 and reminded us how important their program is for our community. -- Cooperman
