Florida Gymnastics Senior Riley McCusker Wins National Championship

McCusker takes home the NCAA uneven bars title, the 12th individual championship in Florida program history.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:53pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the fluid, dynamic movements of a gymnast performing on the uneven bars.Riley McCusker's championship-winning routine on the uneven bars showcases the raw power and artistry of elite collegiate gymnastics.Fort Worth Today

Florida gymnastics senior Riley McCusker won the NCAA uneven bars national championship on Thursday during the semifinals in Fort Worth, Texas. McCusker scored a 9.9875, just one judge short of a perfect 10, to capture the individual title and become the Gators' first national champion on bars since 2024.

Why it matters

McCusker's victory is a bright spot for the Florida gymnastics program, which is seeking its first-ever NCAA team national championship. The Gators are one of the top contenders for the team title, which will be decided on Saturday.

The details

McCusker, who went last for Florida and for all four teams in Thursday's first semifinal, delivered a dominant performance on the uneven bars. Her score of 9.9875 was the highest of the day, securing her the individual national championship. The title caps off a phenomenal redshirt senior season for McCusker, who was named a first-team All-American by the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) in uneven bars.

  • McCusker won the NCAA uneven bars national championship on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The NCAA team final, where Florida will compete against LSU, Oklahoma and Minnesota, is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Riley McCusker

A redshirt senior on the Florida gymnastics team who won the NCAA uneven bars national championship.

Florida Gymnastics

The University of Florida gymnastics team, which is seeking its first-ever NCAA team national championship.

LSU

One of the top contenders for the NCAA gymnastics team national championship, along with Florida, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

Oklahoma

One of the top contenders for the NCAA gymnastics team national championship, along with Florida, LSU, and Minnesota.

Minnesota

One of the top contenders for the NCAA gymnastics team national championship, along with Florida, LSU, and Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“I had a bunch of confidence just seeing my teammates go up there and do their thing.”

— Riley McCusker

What’s next

The NCAA team final, where Florida will compete against LSU, Oklahoma and Minnesota, is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Riley McCusker's individual national championship on the uneven bars is a significant accomplishment for the Florida gymnastics program, which is seeking its first-ever NCAA team title. McCusker's victory demonstrates the Gators' depth and talent, and provides momentum heading into the team final on Saturday.