CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The College Gymnastics Association (CGA) and Big Ten released their respective coaches preseason polls this week. The Illini were picked to finish third in the Big Ten and fifth in the NCAA in the CGA poll.
"The only thing we see moving forward is the number one spot," said head coach Daniel Ribeiro. "We are too focused and dialed in to let the preseason polls serve as motivation."
The Orange and Blue are returning six All-Americans, including 2024 high bar national champion Tate Costa, and they added a two-time All-American in Nebraska transfer Sam Phillips.
The Big Ten also released its Gymnasts to Watch list, which included Illini sophomores Preston Ngai and Garrett Schooley.
"These two sophomores are loaded with talent and have made the moves they needed to make this offseason to take them to the next level," Ribeiro said.
Both Ngai and Schooley were letterwinners for the Illini last season. Ngai competed in eight meets and showed up in big moments, setting career highs at the Big Ten Championships (14.900 on vault) and NCAA Qualifiers (14.300 on pommel horse). Schooley also competed in eight meets and secured two event titles during the season (vault, all-around) as he repeatedly set and re-set career highs in all six events and the all-around.
Illinois will kick off its season on Jan. 18Â at the Windy City Invite.
2025 NCAA Preseason Coaches Poll
- Stanford
- Michigan
- Oklahoma
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- California
- Air Force
- Navy
- Army
- Greenville
- Springfield College
- William & Mary
- Simpson
2025 Big Ten Preseason Coaches Poll
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Penn State
- Ohio State
2025 Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch
Preston Ngai, So., Illinois
Garrett Schooley, So., Illinois
Landen Blixt, Jr., Michigan
Fred Richard, Jr., Michigan
Taylor Christopulos, Sr., Nebraska
Zac Tiderman, Grad., Nebraska
Kameron Nelson, Sr., Ohio State
Jesse Pakele, Jr., Ohio State
Matt Cormier, Grad., Penn State
Josh Karnes, Sr., Penn State
