LSU and Oklahoma Set for Gymnastics Showdown: A Battle of Champions
The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team travels to Norman, Oklahoma, this Friday, February 20th, to face the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. This highly anticipated matchup on ESPN2 pits two of the nation’s elite programs against each other, promising a thrilling display of athleticism, and skill.
A History of Competition
The rivalry between LSU and Oklahoma is steeped in history. The last time LSU secured a regular season dual-meet victory in Norman was in 2014, handing Oklahoma a rare home loss under Head Coach K.J. Kindler. Last season saw the teams split their contests, with LSU winning in Baton Rouge and at the 2025 SEC Championships, ultimately sharing the 2025 SEC Regular Season title with a 7-1 conference record.
National Rankings and Event Strengths
Both teams boast impressive national rankings across all events. LSU currently ranks second on vault and bars, fifth on beam, and first on floor. Oklahoma holds the top spot on vault and beam, and ranks fifth on bars and fourth on floor. This suggests a closely contested meet where every tenth of a point will matter.
LSU’s Momentum: A Record-Breaking Performance
LSU enters the competition with significant momentum, having recently defeated Auburn 198.325-196.825. This victory extended their home win streak to 18 consecutive meets. The Tigers achieved a season-high score of 198.325, marking their second score above 198 this season.
Kailin Chio: A Rising Star
Sophomore Kailin Chio has been a standout performer for LSU, recently earning her third SEC Gymnast of the Week award. She achieved a career-high all-around score of 39.875 against Auburn, tying the second-highest all-around score in LSU history. Chio also secured a perfect 10 on floor, her third perfect score of her career, and swept the vault, beam, and all-around titles. She is currently ranked No. 3 nationally in the all-around, No. 1 on beam, and No. 2 on vault.
National Qualifying Score (NQS) Shift
The latest rankings utilize the National Qualifying Score (NQS) instead of average, impacting team standings. LSU jumped to No. 1 on floor with an NQS of 49.494 following the switch.
Individual Rankings to Watch
Beyond Chio, several LSU gymnasts are making their mark nationally. Konnor McClain and Madison Ulrich are ranked No. 15 and No. 16 on bars, respectively. Amari Drayton joins Chio in the beam rankings at No. 16, and Kaliya Lincoln is ranked No. 5 on floor.
Looking Ahead: LSU Hosts Alabama
Following the matchup against Oklahoma, LSU will return home to host No. 3 Alabama on February 27th for alumni night.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the LSU vs. Oklahoma meet?
A: The meet will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Q: What is the National Qualifying Score (NQS)?
A: The NQS is a scoring system used to determine rankings and postseason eligibility, replacing the previous average-based system.
Q: Who is Kailin Chio?
A: Kailin Chio is a sophomore gymnast for LSU who is currently a top-ranked performer nationally, earning multiple SEC Gymnast of the Week awards.
Q: Where can I uncover live stats for the meet?
A: Live stats can be found here.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on the floor exercise – both LSU and Oklahoma are nationally ranked in the top five on this event, promising a spectacular display.
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What are your predictions for the LSU vs. Oklahoma meet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
