Utah Red Rocks End Historic 49-Year Streak

The Utes placed 3rd in the regional final, one spot short of advancing to nationals.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Utah's gymnastics team, known as the Red Rocks, has failed to reach the NCAA National Championships for the first time in 50 years. The team placed 3rd in the regional final, missing out on the top 2 spots that would have sent them to nationals.

Why it matters

The Red Rocks have been a powerhouse in college gymnastics, qualifying for the national championships every year since 1976. This streak of 49 consecutive national appearances is the longest in NCAA history, making this year's failure to advance a significant milestone.

The details

The Red Rocks finished 3rd in the regional final, behind the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oklahoma. Only the top 2 teams from each regional advance to the national championships. This marks the first time since 1976 that the Red Rocks will not be competing at the NCAA National Gymnastics Championships.

  • The Red Rocks' historic 49-year streak of national championship appearances began in 1976.
  • The team placed 3rd in the 2026 regional final on April 6, 2026, ending their streak.

The players

University of Utah Red Rocks

The women's gymnastics team at the University of Utah, known for their long-standing success and national prominence.

Makenna Smith

A gymnast on the University of Utah Red Rocks team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a tough day for our program, but we'll be back. Our focus now shifts to the future and continuing to build on the legacy of the Red Rocks.”

— Tom Farden, Head Coach, University of Utah Red Rocks

What’s next

The Red Rocks will now turn their attention to the 2027 season, aiming to start a new streak of national championship appearances.

The takeaway

The end of the Red Rocks' 49-year streak of national championship appearances is a historic moment in college gymnastics, underscoring the program's unparalleled dominance over the past half-century. While this year's failure to advance is a setback, the team's storied legacy and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive them to bounce back stronger than ever.