Number one versus number two. It's the kind of matchup that captures the imagination, promising a showdown between the best of the best. And in women’s college gymnastics, LSU and Oklahoma have turned this scenario into a regular feature.
As they prepare to meet on Friday in Norman, Oklahoma, for their Southeastern Conference dual meet (8 p.m., ESPN2), it's the seventh consecutive time since 2024 that these two powerhouse teams will face off as the top two in the nation.
Both teams have claimed NCAA championships recently, though not directly against each other. Last season, they shared the SEC regular-season title and tied at the Sprouts Collegiate Quad, with Oklahoma taking the first-place trophy via a rare sixth-place tiebreaker.
While there's no trophy on the line for this meet, it's a critical step towards the bigger stages: the SEC Championships in March and the NCAA Championships in April. LSU coach Jay Clark views it as part of the journey, emphasizing that a single meet doesn't define their season.
“It’s one of the nuances of our sport,” Clark explained. “You could theoretically lose every competition all year long, still qualify for NCAAs because of your score, make the postseason, and run the table.”
However, the SEC regular-season champion trophy is impacted by this meet. LSU, currently 6-1-1 and 3-1 in the SEC, needs a win to stay in the hunt. Oklahoma stands at 10-0-1 and 5-0, making them formidable opponents.
“We want to win every meet,” Clark said. “But you can’t let one win or loss be a defining thing for us.”
LSU has shown they can beat Oklahoma, but this will be their first meeting in Norman since 2014, a match LSU won. Senior Ashley Cowan noted, “We’re going into enemy territory, but we can still use that energy for us.”
Both teams have experienced setbacks. In 2024, LSU triumphed in their NCAA semifinal while Oklahoma stumbled. In 2025, LSU was the top seed but failed to advance past the semifinals, while Oklahoma claimed their seventh national title since 2014.
Now, fueled by past disappointments, both teams are ready for another intense battle. LSU is coming off a season-high score against Auburn, while Oklahoma recently defeated No. 4 Florida.
LSU’s sophomore star Kailin Chio is tied for first nationally on balance beam and ranks high on vault and all-around. She shares the spotlight with Oklahoma’s Addison Fatta and Mackenzie Estep, who have also achieved perfect 10s this season.
“It’s awesome for fans,” Clark said. “We know where we’re going and who Oklahoma is.
We have the utmost respect for them. They’re the gold standard.
We’re trying to get there.”
Regardless of Friday's outcome, both teams are focused on growth and progression.
“I think we all connected,” LSU’s Amari Drayton reflected on their last meet. “We finally put it all together. Now we get to take the steps forward and keep progressing.”
As both teams prepare for this thrilling encounter, fans are in for a spectacular display of gymnastics at its finest.