No. 3 Alabama Gymnastics Matches Season-High in Win Over No. 18 Auburn

The Crimson Tide shines on floor and balance beam as Alabama takes the Iron Bowl of Gymnastics on the road.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

No. 3 Alabama took down No. 18 Auburn 197.950-197.250 in the Iron Bowl of gymnastics on the road on Friday night. The Crimson Tide matched its best score of the season, logging 13 scores of 9.900 or better across the four rotations in Neville Arena.

Why it matters

This victory brings Alabama head coach Ashley Johnston and company's record up to 5-2 on the season, including a 3-2 clip against the SEC. The Crimson Tide's strong performance on floor and balance beam was a key factor in the win over their in-state rival.

The details

Alabama got off to a strong start on bars, leading by 0.175 after the first rotation. The Crimson Tide increased its lead to 0.325 after the second rotation, with graduate student Jordyn Paradise putting up a career-high on vault with a 9.950. Alabama's biggest story came in the third rotation, as the team boosted its lead on floor to 0.500 after tallying a season-high score of 49.925. The fourth rotation was the icing on the cake, as Alabama tied its score from the floor exercise.

  • The victory brings Alabama head coach Ashley Johnston and company's record up to 5-2 on the season, including a 3-2 clip against the SEC.
  • Alabama matched its best score of the season, as it's the same score as last meet against Arkansas.

The players

Ashley Johnston

The head coach of the Alabama gymnastics team.

Chloe LaCoursiere

An Alabama gymnast who scored 9.950 on bars.

Azaraya Ra-Akbar

An Alabama gymnast who scored 9.950 on bars.

Jordyn Paradise

An Alabama graduate student who put up a career-high 9.950 on vault.

Gabby Gladieux

An Alabama gymnast who led the team with a 9.925 on floor.

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The takeaway

Alabama's strong performance across multiple events, including season-high scores on floor and balance beam, showcased the team's depth and ability to rise to the occasion in a rivalry meet against Auburn.