Top 25 College Gymnastics Recruiting Classes for 2023 Ranked

The women’s college gymnastics landscape starts shifting long before athletes salute a judge. Recruiting classes lay the groundwork for years of success, shaping championship runs, conference power, and program depth.

Now that the 2023 recruiting cycle is wrapped up, a new hierarchy stands out among NCAA programs. Athlete ratings, USA Gymnastics Level 10 results, and signing confirmations all play a part in showing which schools have set themselves up for the future.

This ranking gives a real snapshot of where top talent is headed—and how it might shake up the balance of power in college gymnastics.

How the 2023 Recruiting Classes Were Evaluated

Recruiting rankings only matter if the methodology behind them holds up. Here, the process balanced star power and class composition, so smaller but elite groups didn’t get lost behind larger classes with less impact.

Evaluators leaned heavily on recruit rating points and pulled in performance data from USA Gymnastics Level 10 meets. That way, they could size up both nationally ranked recruits and productive gymnasts who might not have formal ratings.

Key Factors in the Rankings

Several criteria shaped the final order of the top 25 classes. These factors together give a sense of both immediate readiness and long-term potential.

• Total recruit rating points for each signing class
• Level 10 scoring history for unrated or lightly rated gymnasts
• Class size balance, so numbers alone don’t skew results
• Confirmed National Letters of Intent or verified ceremonial signings

With this system, a class of three standout recruits can outrank a bigger group if the quality is there.

The Top of the Rankings: Programs Setting the Pace

Some of the most recognizable names in college gymnastics sit at the top of the 2023 recruiting rankings. These programs don’t just attract elite talent—they turn those athletes into postseason contributors year after year.

NCAA.com’s full ranking puts Georgia, Stanford, LSU, Oklahoma, and Alabama in the top five for 2023. Each program brings its own recruiting flavor, shaped by coaching style, history, and whatever else makes them stand out—maybe academics, maybe culture.

Georgia and Stanford Lead the Way

Georgia’s top-ranked class shows a return to aggressive, high-impact recruiting. The Gymdogs, always a powerhouse, seem ready to reload with athletes who can contribute across multiple events right away.

Stanford lands in second, thanks to its knack for blending academic prestige with elite athletics. The Cardinal keep pulling in gymnasts who are technically sharp and thrive in a tough academic setting.

SEC Dominance Remains a Recruiting Reality

The Southeastern Conference keeps its grip as the epicenter of women’s college gymnastics. The 2023 recruiting rankings just drive that point home.

LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, Auburn, Kentucky, and Missouri all land in the top 18. The SEC’s depth and national pull are hard to miss.

This cluster of talent means SEC competition will stay fierce. Even mid-tier conference teams now fill their lineups with former elites and top Level 10s.

Why the SEC Attracts Elite Gymnasts

Several things keep drawing recruits to SEC schools, creating a cycle that’s tough to break.

• National television exposure and packed arenas
• Paths to NCAA titles and individual honors
• Strong NIL opportunities in major sports markets
• High-end training facilities and support staff

As long as those perks are around, the SEC will keep stacking top-ranked recruiting classes.

West Coast and Big Ten Programs Hold Their Ground

The SEC might dominate the headlines, but other regions still recruit well. Pac-12 schools like Utah, California, UCLA, Washington, Oregon State, and Arizona all make the top 25, keeping the West Coast in the mix.

The Big Ten also places several programs in the rankings—Minnesota, Iowa, Iowa State, Ohio State, Nebraska, and Michigan State. That spread shows more parity and investment across conferences that used to play second fiddle to the SEC.

Balancing Academics, Geography, and Competition

For a lot of recruits, it’s not just about championships. West Coast and Big Ten schools often pitch a broader college experience.