Top NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Transfers of 2025 Offseason Revealed
The 2025 NCAA women’s gymnastics offseason has quickly become one of the most transformative in recent memory. With the transfer portal now a staple of collegiate athletics, more elite gymnasts are using their remaining eligibility to find the right competitive, cultural, and developmental fit.
This offseason features record-breaking all-arounders, national champions, program-defining stars, and rising specialists all changing uniforms. Below, let’s break down the biggest moves, what they mean for the programs involved, and how these transfers might shake up the national title conversation for 2026, based on reporting from Gymnastics Now.
The Transfer Portal Era Hits a New Peak
Table of Contents
- 1 The Transfer Portal Era Hits a New Peak
- 2 Headline Transfers That Redefine the National Picture
- 3 SEC Programs Reload With Strategic Additions
- 4 Big Ten and Midwest Programs Strengthen Their Foundations
- 5 Emerging Talent and Developmental Moves
- 6 Top Names Still in the Transfer Portal
- 7 What This Offseason Means for the Future
The transfer portal has completely changed the NCAA women’s gymnastics landscape. High-profile transfers, once rare, now define the offseason and let athletes chase better opportunities, coaching fits, or just a different vibe.
In 2025, the sheer volume and caliber of gymnasts on the move shows that roster building isn’t just about recruiting freshmen anymore. Coaches now have to think about adding proven collegiate talent, too.
Programs from SEC powerhouses to up-and-comers and rebuilding squads are using transfers to fill lineup holes and boost scoring right away. This year, it’s not just the numbers—it’s the star power that stands out.
Headline Transfers That Redefine the National Picture
Some moves this offseason could really shift the championship landscape. These athletes aren’t just solid contributors; they’re the kind who can change a program’s entire outlook.
eMjae Frazier Brings Historic Momentum to Florida
Maybe the most impactful transfer of the offseason, eMjae Frazier’s move from California to Florida sent shockwaves through the gymnastics world. Frazier, a record-setting all-arounder, leaves Cal after shattering the NCAA single-season scoring record and anchoring a national runner-up finish.
In Gainesville, she steps into an environment built for high-pressure excellence, huge crowds, and sky-high expectations. Her ability to deliver top scores on all four events gives the Gators an immediate boost in consistency and star power.
Madison Ulrich Elevates LSU’s Championship Core
Madison Ulrich’s transfer from Denver to LSU adds another layer of depth to an already stacked roster. As a former five-star recruit, Ulrich has shown she can deliver across all four events, especially on bars and floor.
Her move to Baton Rouge strengthens LSU’s push to stay near the top, blending her individual excellence with the program’s culture of balance, respect, and fierce competition. Ulrich’s versatility should make her a factor in both regular-season lineups and those tense postseason moments.
Morgan Price Makes History Again at Arkansas
Morgan Price’s transfer from Fisk to Arkansas marks a personal milestone and a big moment for college gymnastics. She was the first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10 and is a two-time USAG all-around champ—now she brings that excellence to the Razorbacks.
Joining her sister Frankie under Olympian head coach Jordyn Wieber, Price adds experience, consistency, and leadership to an Arkansas team that’s hungry for more. Her journey also shows how athletes from non-traditional programs can break into the national spotlight.
SEC Programs Reload With Strategic Additions
The SEC once again proved it’s the place to be for transfers. Several programs added exactly who they needed, keeping the league at the top of the sport.
Emily Innes Adds Veteran Consistency to LSU
Washington standout Emily Innes wasted no time finding her next home, heading to LSU for her senior year. She specializes in vault, beam, and floor, and brings reliability and postseason-tested calm to the Tigers’ lineups.
Innes’s ability to hit under pressure makes her a perfect depth piece for a team with title hopes, especially in a league where every tenth can matter.
Emma Wehry Finds a New Start at Auburn
After missing the 2025 season with an injury, Emma Wehry’s move from West Virginia to Auburn gives her a shot at a fresh start. She’s got experience on all four events and strong career highs on vault and beam.
Auburn’s passionate fans and supportive environment could help her get back to her best.
Big Ten and Midwest Programs Strengthen Their Foundations
Outside the SEC, several Big Ten and Midwest programs used the portal to plug roster gaps and bring talent closer to home.
Naya Howard Seeks a Reset at Michigan State
After three seasons at Georgia, Naya Howard’s transfer to Michigan State shows she’s looking for a new atmosphere. She’s a former all-arounder with strong career highs across the board, bringing versatility and experience to the Spartans.
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Her move highlights how transfers are often about finding the right fit, not just chasing rankings.
Natalie Martin Returns Home to Ohio State
Maryland standout Natalie Martin is heading back to Ohio to finish her career with the Buckeyes. She’s a steady presence on vault, beam, and floor, and her return home should shore up Ohio State’s lineups with proven Big Ten-caliber scores.
There’s a growing trend of athletes wanting to be closer to home or somewhere that just feels right, and Martin’s move fits that perfectly.
Dakota Essenpries Boosts Missouri’s Vault Lineup
Vault specialist Dakota Essenpries leaves Arkansas to compete for Missouri, the team she cheered for growing up. Her reliability and knack for delivering under pressure make her an instant asset.
For Missouri, picking up a specialist like Essenpries is just smart roster building.
Emerging Talent and Developmental Moves
Not every transfer is about instant stardom. Some athletes are looking for bigger roles and more chances after limited time at their last school.
Madison Gustitus Eyes Growth at Arkansas
After a strong freshman season at San Jose State, Madison Gustitus heads to Arkansas. She’s known for her consistency on beam and brings confidence and momentum to the SEC stage.
Moves like this show how the portal can bridge mid-major success and power-conference opportunity.
Faye Rodio Looks for Opportunity at Towson
Faye Rodio’s transfer from Alabama to Towson gives her a shot at immediate impact after a quiet freshman year. She’s a strong vaulter with championship-level club experience and could quickly become a key contributor for the Tigers.
It’s a great example of how the portal can help athletes find systems where their skills really shine.
Top Names Still in the Transfer Portal
Even with lots of big decisions made, several high-profile gymnasts are still available. Where they end up could shake things up even more.
- Paige Anastasi (UCLA) – Powerful on vault, with room to grow on floor
- Kendall Landry (Minnesota) – Proven contributor looking for the right fit
- Brooke McNamara (Bowling Green) – Steady performer with upside
- Kylie Minard (Missouri) – Talented gymnast still weighing her options
Where these athletes land could send ripples through several conferences. It’s going to be interesting to watch.
What This Offseason Means for the Future
The 2025 NCAA women’s gymnastics transfer cycle shows that roster management has really changed. Programs that move fast, focus on athlete fit, and use the portal smartly are setting themselves up for long-term wins.
The transfer portal isn’t just a backup plan anymore—it’s a real weapon. Looking ahead to 2026, fans will probably see deeper lineups and tighter championship races.
The national scene’s getting shaped by offseason moves just as much as freshman recruiting. Honestly, it’s kind of wild to see how much the landscape can shift in just a few months.
