There’s just something different about this Alabama gymnastics team right now. Confident. Composed. Hungry. And on Friday night inside a loud, hostile Neville Arena, the No. 3 Crimson Tide proved once again that they are built for big moments.
All Tide!!
— Alabama Gymnastics (@BamaGymnastics) February 21, 2026
Alabama takes its first win in Neville Arena since 2018 and ties its season-high score!#RollTidepic.twitter.com/PPYTJFFDtM
Alabama delivered its second consecutive 197.950 team score, powering past in-state rival Auburn 197.950-197.250 and securing its first win on the Plains since 2018.
In a rivalry where emotion runs high and chaos often follows, the Tide didn’t blink. T
hey executed.
This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.
National bars leader Chloe LaCoursiere once again set the tone. She posted three scores of 9.900 or higher for the third time this season, continuing what has been one of the most dominant stretches in the country. When she’s on the bars, Alabama isn’t just hoping for a big score, it almost feels expected.
But this victory was the definition of a team effort.
Six different Tide gymnasts claimed event titles across all four rotations.
Jordyn Paradise soared to a 9.950 on vault.
LaCoursiere and freshman standout Azaraya Ra-Akbar matched that 9.950 on bars.
Jasmine Cawley and Kylee Kvamme anchored beam with matching 9.925s, showing nerves of steel in one of the most pressure-packed events.
Gabby Gladieux closed things out on floor with a 9.925, putting an emphatic exclamation point on the night.
Head coach Ashley Johnston said the team’s focus word all week was “certain,” and that mindset showed.
Alabama didn’t look rattled by the environment, the rivalry, or the stakes.
They looked prepared.
Calm.
Dangerous.
And maybe most encouraging of all, they still believe their best gymnastics is ahead of them.
Small improvements added up.
Landings tightened.
Execution sharpened.
The Tide found those extra tenths that separate good teams from championship contenders.
This group doesn’t appear satisfied. They’re not celebrating scores, they’re chasing perfection.
That’s what makes this run feel different.
Alabama didn’t just survive an Iron Bowl on the road. They controlled it with poise, power, and precision. If this is what “not at our peak yet” looks like, the rest of the SEC, and the nation, should be paying very close attention.
Because this team isn’t just winning.
They’re building momentum.
And they look unphased… and relentless.
Roll Tide.