Top 25 College Gymnastics Recruiting Classes for 2023 Ranked

The 2023 NCAA women’s gymnastics recruiting scene is looking wildly competitive—maybe the fiercest it’s been in years. Nearly 300 talented gymnasts have officially signed on during the national signing period, giving programs across the country a serious boost for the seasons ahead.

According to the official rankings, heavyweights like Georgia, Stanford, and LSU have landed some of the strongest classes. That sets the stage for a pretty thrilling future in NCAA gymnastics.

These rankings weigh both quality and quantity, so even the smaller but elite classes get their due alongside the big, headline-grabbing hauls. The list reflects not just the skills of each incoming gymnast, but the strategic moves from some of the sport’s most successful coaches.

Breaking Down the 2023 Recruiting Class Rankings

The rankings use a formula that adds up points from a gymnast’s recruit rating and other performance-based metrics. For gymnasts without a rating, USA Gymnastics Level 10 scores come into play to determine their spot.

That approach means each signing class gets judged on both depth and top-end talent, not just how many recruits they have. Only gymnasts confirmed as signees through official school announcements or signing ceremonies after National Signing Day made the cut.

This includes early enrollees set to arrive in January and those deferring until after the Olympics. So, rosters are pretty dynamic this year.

Top 5 Programs Leading the Pack

Georgia grabs the No. 1 spot, which feels like a return to form for a program with such a rich NCAA gymnastics history. Their class is stacked with high-scoring athletes ready to shake things up right away.

Stanford lands at No. 2, thanks to a group that mixes artistry and power. LSU rounds out the top three, sticking to their reputation for bringing in elite all-arounders who thrive under pressure.

• 1. Georgia – A balanced mix of specialists and all-arounders, poised for instant contributions.
• 2. Stanford – Known for technical precision and standout beam workers.
• 3. LSU – A deep class with multiple high-difficulty floor and vault performers.
• 4. Oklahoma – Consistently strong recruiting to maintain championship contention.
• 5. Alabama – A class that blends power tumblers with elegant bar workers.

Programs on the Rise

The top five get most of the buzz, but some programs outside that group are making real moves. Utah at No. 6 and Florida at No. 7 both secured classes that could push them into national title territory soon.

Washington (No. 8) and Kentucky (No. 9) have also made big gains. It’s pretty clear the balance of power in NCAA gymnastics is shifting.

These teams have gone after gymnasts who not only score high but bring the kind of consistency you need in the postseason. Adding these athletes might be the difference between making nationals or snagging a podium spot.

Mid-Major Momentum

The rise of mid-major programs is honestly one of the coolest stories of this recruiting cycle. Pittsburgh (No. 14), Utah State (No. 16), and North Carolina (No. 17) brought in classes that can go toe-to-toe with some of the traditional powerhouses.

It really shows how much parity is growing in college gymnastics. Top talent isn’t just sticking to the same handful of schools anymore.

These teams are laying the groundwork for future success. The fact that they’re attracting such high-level recruits says a lot about how much NCAA gymnastics is growing in visibility and appeal nationwide.

The Full Top 25 Recruiting Classes

Here’s the full rundown of the 25 best college gymnastics recruiting classes for 2023:

• 1. Georgia
• 2. Stanford
• 3. LSU
• 4. Oklahoma
• 5. Alabama
• 6. Utah
• 7. Florida
• 8. Washington
• 9. Kentucky
• 10. California
• 11. Auburn
• 12. Minnesota
• 13. Iowa
• 14. Pittsburgh
• 15. Iowa State
• 16. Utah State
• 17. North Carolina
• 18. Missouri
• 19. Oregon State
• 20. Ohio State
• 21. Denver
• 22. Nebraska
• 23. Michigan State
• 24. Arizona
• 25. UCLA

Recruiting Trends and Takeaways

The 2023 rankings highlight a few big trends. Versatility is a huge deal now—coaches want gymnasts who can compete in multiple events at a high level. That gives them more options when setting lineups.

Artistry and execution are still crucial, especially for teams trying to rack up points on beam and floor. Early recruiting relationships matter more than ever, too. It’s wild how many top signees have been on their future coaches’ radar for years.

Long-term scouting and athlete development really shape the sport these days.

The Impact of Olympic Cycles

The 2024 Olympics are definitely affecting recruiting choices. Some gymnasts decided to defer college to focus on Olympic prep, while others enrolled early to get NCAA experience before elite competitions.