LSU Gymnastics Hosts NCAA Regional at PMAC

Tigers look to advance to NCAA Championships after recent regional upsets

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LSU's gymnastics team is the No. 2 national seed and hosting an NCAA regional at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for the first time in seven years. The Tigers are favored to advance to the NCAA Championships, but head coach Jay Clark knows upsets have been common in the regional round since the current format was installed in 2019.

Why it matters

LSU is on a streak of three straight NCAA championship appearances, including the 2024 national title. But the Tigers failed to reach the regional final in 2022, underscoring how competitive the regional round has become with more parity in college gymnastics.

The details

LSU begins its road to the NCAA Championships on Thursday, competing in Session II of the regional second round against Clemson, Auburn, and Nebraska. The top two teams from Thursday's sessions will advance to Saturday's regional final, where the top two teams and top two unattached individuals in each event will earn a trip to nationals.

  • LSU's regional competition begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2026.
  • The regional final is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Kailin Chio

LSU sophomore who leads the nation in scoring in the all-around, vault, and beam, and has a NCAA-best 9 perfect 10s.

Kaliya Lincoln

LSU sophomore who shared the SEC floor title despite an elbow injury, and is an All-American ranked tied for second nationally on floor.

Konnor McClain

LSU junior who is an All-American on bars and beam, ranking T8 and T11 nationally in those events.

Anna Roberts

Stanford sophomore ranked fifth nationally as an all-arounder and tied for third in the country with three perfect 10s this season.

Maggie Slife

Air Force junior who is a two-time first-team All-American this season in the all-around and on bars.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Getting out of the round of 16 (regional final) to the round of eight (NCAA nationals) is the equivalent of the old Super Six. We've trimmed the numbers at the top and there are more good teams.”

— Jay Clark, LSU Head Coach

“You try not to let the moment be bigger than it needs to be.”

— Haleigh Bryant, LSU Assistant Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.