LSU Gymnastics Heads to Fort Worth for 2026 NCAA Championships
The LSU gymnastics team is officially headed to Fort Worth, Texas, to compete for the 2026 NCAA National Championship trophy. After a dominant performance at the regional level, the Tigers are positioned as a top contender to secure another national title.
Dominance at the Baton Rouge Regional
LSU secured their spot in the Elite 8 by winning the 2026 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional on Saturday, April 4. Competing as the No. 2 seed, the Tigers outpaced Stanford, Michigan and Clemson to take the top spot. This marks the fourth consecutive year the program has qualified for the championships under head coach Jay Clark.
The Tigers delivered a powerhouse performance to cement their standing, finishing with a final score of 197.825. The team’s event breakdowns were as follows:
- Floor: 49.650
- Vault: 49.450
- Beam: 49.425
- Bars: 49.300
The regional victory was highlighted by two perfect 10.0 scores: Kailin Chio on the vault and Kaliya Lincoln on the floor. Notably, this was the first career perfect score for Lincoln.
Road to the National Title
The journey continues at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. The NCAA Championship Semifinals are scheduled for April 16. Even as the Tigers have secured their place in the tournament, they are currently awaiting confirmation on whether they will compete in the 3:30 p.m. Or 8 p.m. Session.
Despite the momentum, the team faced a setback during the regional competition when Konnor McClain was injured while competing on the uneven bars during the second rotation and was unable to finish her routine.
Key Takeaways for LSU Fans
- Status: Qualified for the Elite 8 / NCAA Championships.
- Location: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas.
- Key Date: Semifinals take place April 16.
- Standout Performers: Kailin Chio and Kaliya Lincoln both recorded perfect 10s at the regional.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the NCAA Gymnastics Semifinals?
The semifinals are scheduled for April 16 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Who did LSU beat to win the Baton Rouge Regional?
LSU took the top spot against Stanford, Michigan, and Clemson.
How many years in a row has LSU qualified for the championships?
The Tigers have qualified for four consecutive years under head coach Jay Clark.