Michigan State Gymnastics Finishes 2nd at Big Ten Championships

Sage Kellerman wins bars title, Spartans post strong all-around performance

Mar. 23, 2026 at 5:13am

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The No. 11 Michigan State gymnastics team finished second at the Big Ten Championships on Saturday, scoring a 197.475 inside Illinois' State Farm Center. This marks the fifth consecutive conference meet where the Spartans have placed in the top two. UCLA won the meet with a 198.100, while Minnesota finished third with 196.900 and Michigan placed fourth with 196.800.

Why it matters

Michigan State's strong second-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, despite dealing with season-ending injuries, demonstrates the team's depth, resilience, and adaptability. This performance positions the Spartans favorably as they await the NCAA Regional selections.

The details

Senior Sage Kellerman had a standout performance, winning the conference title on bars and adding a third-place finish on vault. Senior Nikki Smith earned runner-up honors on floor and in the all-around, and shared third place on beam with freshman Lilia Cosman and sophomore Cady Duplissis. The Spartans began the meet with a 49.400 on bars, tying their second-highest score of the season, and followed with a season-high 49.375 on beam. They maintained second place with a 49.450 on floor and closed the meet with a 49.250 on vault.

  • The Big Ten Championships were held on Saturday, March 23, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois.

The players

Michigan State Gymnastics Team

The No. 11 ranked Michigan State gymnastics team, which finished second at the Big Ten Championships.

Sage Kellerman

A senior on the Michigan State gymnastics team who won the conference title on bars and finished third on vault.

Nikki Smith

A senior on the Michigan State gymnastics team who earned runner-up honors on floor and in the all-around, and shared third place on beam.

Lilia Cosman

A freshman on the Michigan State gymnastics team who shared third place on beam.

Cady Duplissis

A sophomore on the Michigan State gymnastics team who shared third place on beam.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The NCAA Regionals selection show is scheduled for noon on Monday, March 23 on ESPNU. NCAA Regionals are scheduled for April 1-5 at Arizona State, Kentucky, LSU, and Oregon State.

The takeaway

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