Gymbacks Set for High-Stakes SEC Showdown Against Crimson Tide
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – All eyes will be on the high-flying action this Friday night as the Arkansas gymnastics team takes on the formidable Alabama Crimson Tide in what promises to be a thrilling SEC duel. The stage is set in Tuscaloosa for a top-five clash that will test both teams’ early-season mettle.
Currently ranked No. 4, the Arkansas Gymbacks have soared into the top five for the first time since 2021, marking a significant milestone for the program. This ascent sets the stage for their first top-five match-up since 2012, a testament to the team’s hard work and rising talent. Arkansas’ impressive start to the season, including a program-record score of 197.150 in their season opener, has positioned them just behind the No. 3 ranked Crimson Tide.
Alabama has demonstrated why they’re a gymnastics powerhouse, having notched scores above 197 in each of their first two meets. The Tide’s consistency and high-level performances across all events make them a formidable opponent on their home turf.
The coaching rosters for both teams read like a who’s who of gymnastics royalty, with head coaches Jordyn Wieber and Ashley Johnston, alongside assistant coaches Chris Brooks, Kyla Ross, and Justin Spring, bringing a combined total of three Olympic medals and 13 world championship medals. Their experience and leadership will undoubtedly prove pivotal as they guide their gymnasts through the high-pressure competition.
Friday night’s spectacle will be broadcast live on SEC Network’s Friday Night Heights at 6:30 p.m. CT, marking Arkansas’ first appearance on the program this season. The Gymbacks will be looking to leverage their No. 1 national ranking on the floor to challenge Alabama’s top spot on bars, where the Crimson Tide boasts an impressive average score of 49.538.
Historically, the Razorbacks have found victories hard to come by against Alabama, with just five wins in 54 meetings. The last triumph over the Tide came in 2017, and Arkansas has not celebrated a win in Tuscaloosa since 2016, making this road test all the more challenging.
Luisa Blanco, Alabama’s standout performer, leads the charge for her team, with top individual average scores on vault (9.887), bars (9.950), and beam (9.900). Gabby Gladieux has also made waves with her floor routine, scoring an average of 9.938. Meanwhile, Arkansas counters with their stars, with Cami Weaver and Lauren Williams both boasting a 9.900 on the vault and Frankie Price, alongside Williams, leading the nation with a 9.950 on the floor.
As both teams prepare to take center stage, the competition promises to deliver gripping performances, with each team aiming to not only claim victory but also cement their standing as one of the elites in SEC gymnastics. Will the Gymbacks overcome the odds and secure a rare victory on the road, or will the Crimson Tide roll on? Friday night will tell in this high-stakes SEC battle.
