Oklahoma Wins Eighth National Title Behind Another Strong Performance From Faith Torrez

The top-ranked Sooners fell behind going into the final rotation but roared back to claim the championship.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:23pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and dynamic, swirling movements that evoke the athleticism and intensity of collegiate gymnastics competition.Oklahoma's gymnasts soar through the air in a burst of neon energy, showcasing the raw power and precision that propelled the Sooners to an eighth national championship.Fort Worth Today

The Oklahoma Sooners won their eighth NCAA women's gymnastics national title, coming from behind in the final rotation to defeat LSU 198.1625-198.075. Sophomore Faith Torrez delivered a clutch 9.95 on floor exercise to help the Sooners rally after trailing heading into the last event.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's latest championship extends their dynasty as one of the most dominant women's gymnastics programs in NCAA history, tying them for the third-most national titles. The Sooners' ability to overcome a deficit in the final rotation showcases their resilience and championship pedigree.

The details

Oklahoma led after the first two rotations, but fell behind LSU 148.600-148.525 heading into the final rotation on floor exercise. The Sooners then turned in five consecutive scores of 9.9 or better on floor, capped by Torrez's 9.95 and Mackenzie Estep's 9.9125, to surge past the Tigers and claim the title.

  • The meet took place on April 18, 2026 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • Oklahoma has now won four national championships in the last five years.

The players

Faith Torrez

A sophomore on the Oklahoma gymnastics team who delivered a clutch 9.95 on floor exercise to help the Sooners rally for the national title.

Mackenzie Estep

An Oklahoma gymnast who posted a 9.9125 on floor exercise in the final rotation to push the Sooners past LSU for the championship.

Oklahoma Sooners

The top-ranked women's gymnastics team that won its eighth NCAA national title, tying for the third-most in program history.

LSU Tigers

The runner-up team that led Oklahoma heading into the final rotation before the Sooners' strong floor performances allowed them to claim the championship.

K.J. Kindler

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners women's gymnastics team, who guided her squad to the national title.

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What they’re saying

“'It's muscle memory. I love floor. You can't fall off the floor, so you've got to go aggressive.'”

— Faith Torrez, Oklahoma Gymnast

What’s next

The Sooners will look to defend their national championship and continue their dynasty in the 2027 NCAA women's gymnastics season.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's eighth national title cements their status as one of the premier women's gymnastics programs in the country, with the Sooners showcasing their championship pedigree by rallying from behind in the final rotation to secure the victory.