Michigan wins sixth straight Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championship, Richard tops all-around standings

Reigning NCAA champion Michigan fends off Nebraska to claim another conference title, while Fred Richard wins his fourth straight all-around crown.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting various gymnastic movements and equipment, with overlapping planes of vibrant colors representing the competitive energy and skill of the Big Ten men's gymnastics championships.Michigan's continued dominance in men's gymnastics is reflected in the team's sixth straight Big Ten championship, as the Wolverines fend off conference rivals through a display of technical precision and athletic prowess.Lincoln Today

The University of Michigan men's gymnastics team won its sixth consecutive Big Ten Conference championship on Friday, posting a team score of 323.500 to edge out Nebraska (320.700) and Illinois (316.700) at the 2026 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska. Michigan senior Fred Richard also captured his fourth straight individual all-around title with an 81.300 score.

Why it matters

Michigan's continued dominance in the Big Ten reflects the program's strength and consistency, as the Wolverines have now won the conference title six years in a row. Richard's individual accomplishment also cements his legacy as one of the top gymnasts in the country, having won the all-around title in all four years of his college career.

The details

The Wolverines' team victory was led by strong performances across multiple events, including a tie for first place on vault between Michigan's Landen Blixt, Charlie Larson, and Illinois' Garrett Schooley, all scoring 14.300. Michigan also saw Nathan York and Fred Richard tie for first on parallel bars with a 14.150. On the individual side, Richard's all-around title was his fourth in as many years, solidifying his status as one of the premier gymnasts in NCAA men's gymnastics.

  • The 2026 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships were held on Friday, April 4, 2026 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • The event finals for individual events will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Michigan

The reigning NCAA champion men's gymnastics team, which has now won the Big Ten Conference title six years in a row.

Fred Richard

A senior gymnast at the University of Michigan who won his fourth consecutive Big Ten all-around title with an 81.300 score.

Nebraska

The runner-up team at the 2026 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships, finishing second behind Michigan with a 320.700 score.

Illinois

The third-place team at the 2026 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships, posting a 316.700 score.

Ohio State

The fourth-place team at the 2026 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships, scoring 314.800.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've worked so hard all year to get to this point, and I'm so proud of the team for coming together and delivering another Big Ten title. This is a testament to the dedication and talent of our gymnasts.”

— Ed Smith, Head Coach, University of Michigan Men's Gymnastics

What’s next

The top qualifiers from Friday's competition will compete in the event finals on Saturday, April 5. The NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships will take place on April 17-18, with the six qualifying teams announced on April 7.

The takeaway

Michigan's continued dominance in the Big Ten reflects the program's sustained excellence, while Fred Richard's fourth straight all-around title cements his legacy as one of the top gymnasts in the country. This championship weekend serves as the final tune-up before the NCAA championships, where the Wolverines will look to defend their national title.