When it comes to NCAA gymnastics, the win-loss record can be a bit misleading. Take Alabama, sitting at 5-2 this season.
But those losses? They came on the road against Oklahoma and Florida, two powerhouses in women’s gymnastics.
Historically, judging tends to favor certain programs, making it tough for visiting teams to get a fair shake. Alabama's next challenge is at LSU, another venue where the judges might be starstruck.
To truly gauge a team's strength, we look at the National Qualifying Score (NQS). This system ranks teams for postseason play based on their meet scores, balancing home and away performances. So, road losses don’t sting as much if the scores are solid, and Alabama has been racking up impressive numbers.
Here's a quick look at their season:
- Jan 9, 2026, at Clemson: Win, 197.475-196.550
- Jan 16, 2026, at Florida: Loss, 197.275-197.425
- Jan 23, 2026, vs. Missouri: Win, 197.500-197.225
- Jan 30, 2026, vs. Oregon State: Win, 197.450-195.825
- Feb 6, 2026, at Oklahoma: Loss, 197.475-198.200
- Feb 13, 2026, vs.
Arkansas: Win, 197.950-196.900
- Feb 20, 2026, at Auburn: Win, 197.950-197.250
The benchmark for elite teams is a score of 198.00 or higher. Only five teams have hit that mark this season, and Alabama is knocking on the door. They’re currently ranked No. 3 in the NQS.
Here's how the rankings stack up:
- Oklahoma: NQS 197.938
- LSU: NQS 197.735
- Alabama: NQS 197.570
- Florida: NQS 197.480
- UCLA: NQS 197.450
- Georgia: NQS 197.296
- Missouri: NQS 197.163
- Arkansas: NQS 197.150
Alabama's consistency is notable, especially considering the legacy of legendary coach Sarah Patterson. Since her retirement, the team has occasionally stumbled, but this season they've maintained strong scores.
Current coach Ashley Johnston has crafted a balanced team, blending youthful talent with seasoned leadership. Junior Chloe LaCoursiere leads the nation on the bars, while RS-senior Jordyn Paradise excels on vault and bars.
Senior Gabby Gladieux shines in the all-around, particularly on the floor. Freshmen Azaraya Ra-Akbar and Jasmine Cawley, along with sophomore Kylee Kvamme, are making waves on bars and beam.
Alabama's gymnasts are poised for a strong finish, and with their eyes set on breaking the 198.00 barrier, they’re a team to watch as the season progresses.