Georgia and Arkansas Gymnastics Teams Return to NCAA Championships

Cecile Landi has revitalized Georgia's program, while Jordyn Wieber's Arkansas squad is peaking at the right time.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A dynamic, cubist-style illustration depicting a gymnastics competition, with the athletes and equipment broken down into fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The resurgence of Georgia and Arkansas gymnastics programs injects new energy and competition into the NCAA championships.Fort Worth Today

After years of struggle, the gymnastics programs at the University of Georgia and the University of Arkansas have both returned to the NCAA Championships. Georgia, led by head coach Cecile Landi, has rebuilt its roster with consistency and a focus on team culture. Arkansas, coached by 2012 Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber, has also bounced back after failing to qualify for nationals last year, led by senior standout Morgan Price. Both teams are looking to make their mark at the championships in Fort Worth, Texas.

Why it matters

Georgia and Arkansas's returns to the NCAA Gymnastics Championships represent a shift in the sport, with traditional powerhouses like Utah and Alabama failing to qualify this year. The increased parity in women's college gymnastics is making the competition more exciting and giving opportunities to programs that have struggled in the past.

The details

Georgia head coach Cecile Landi, who left elite coaching two years ago to take over the Bulldogs' program, has focused on building team chemistry and consistency rather than overhauling the roster through the transfer portal. Meanwhile, Arkansas coach Jordyn Wieber has led her team's resurgence after a disappointing season last year, including the addition of senior Morgan Price, who recorded the first perfect 10 in program history.

  • Georgia last qualified for the NCAA Championships in 2019.
  • Arkansas failed to qualify for nationals last year, ending an eventful season that included coach Jordyn Wieber publicly criticizing the NCAA.
  • The 2026 NCAA Gymnastics Championships will take place in Fort Worth, Texas on April 17-19.

The players

Cecile Landi

The head coach of the Georgia gymnastics team, who left elite coaching two years ago to revitalize the Bulldogs' program.

Ryan Roberts

The co-head coach of the Georgia gymnastics team, working alongside Cecile Landi.

Jordyn Wieber

The head coach of the Arkansas gymnastics team, who is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist.

Eryn Williams

A senior floor specialist on the Georgia gymnastics team.

Ja'Free Scott

A senior on the Georgia gymnastics team.

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What they’re saying

“'Gymnastics is not rocket science. It's about consistency and being fair and working hard and working smart.'”

— Cecile Landi, Georgia Gymnastics Head Coach

“'It was just about the unfairness to our athletes and wanting them to have another competitive opportunity and them to say no for maybe not the best reason. We're grateful we're on the other side of that for sure.'”

— Jordyn Wieber, Arkansas Gymnastics Head Coach

“'She's a great competitor, she's got swagger and she knows how to put up great scores. What people don't see is who she is on a daily basis. She's one of the most consistent workers and teammates and strives to be a great leader.'”

— Jordyn Wieber, Arkansas Gymnastics Head Coach

“'We were this amazing team with this legacy so many years ago. I think for a while, it got lost. People forgot about us. … I think a lot of them need a reminder of who we are.'”

— Eryn Williams, Senior, Georgia Gymnastics

What’s next

The NCAA Gymnastics Championships will take place on April 17-19, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. Georgia and Arkansas will look to continue their resurgent seasons and compete for a national title.

The takeaway

The returns of Georgia and Arkansas to the NCAA Gymnastics Championships represent a shift in the sport, with traditional powers struggling to qualify and newer programs seizing their opportunities. This increased parity is making the competition more exciting and giving hope to teams that have been overshadowed in the past.