It’s been nearly a decade since these two programs last faced off in a dual meet—making this matchup an especially anticipated return. Coming off an impressive "Excite Night" win over No. 11 Auburn in front of a packed Historic Memorial Coliseum, the Wildcats are riding a wave of confidence. That victory saw Kentucky shatter the 197-team score barrier for the second time this season, with standout performances across the board. Here is how you can follow along
Date Friday, February 7
Time 8:30 PM
Streaming: The meet will not be broadcast on tradtional tv and is only available online through SEC Network+ on the ESPN+ app. The app can be downloaded onto your phone or Smart TV. You must have a cable provider who offers access or purchase a subscription through ESPN to be able to watch live.
Kentucky’s Shining Stars
- Skylar Killough-Wilhelm has been nothing short of spectacular. The fifth-year All-American dazzled on the uneven bars, tying for the second-highest score in the SEC this season with a season-high 9.950. She also clinched the all-around title with a score of 39.400—propelling her to a No. 13 national ranking.
- Makenzie Wilson continued her winning streak on vault, earning her second consecutive Excite Night title with a brilliant 9.925 on a stuck front handspring pike ½. The All-American from Clinton, Tenn., ranks among the nation's elite on vault.
- Hailey Davis led the floor rotation with grace and power, tying her season best with a 9.925 to secure her second floor title this season. With a national ranking of No. 9 on floor, Davis is a key piece of Kentucky’s offensive puzzle.
- Isabella Magnelli brings versatility and consistency, ranking in the top ten on both beam (No. 7) and vault (No. 10). The four-time All-American hasn’t dipped below a 9.9 on beam this season, making her a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ lineup.
Oklahoma: A Formidable Foe
On the other side of the mat, No. 1 Oklahoma enters the meet with an unblemished record. The Sooners, the newest member of the SEC gymnastics community, have already racked up victories in quad meets and swept all three of their SEC duals. Under the seasoned leadership of Head Coach K.J. Kinder, Oklahoma boasts a pedigree that includes six national championships and consistent appearances at the NCAA Championships.
Key performers for the Sooners include:
- Audrey Davis, the 2024 NCAA Bars and Beam Champion, whose performances continue to set high standards.
- Faith Torrez, the reigning NCAA Beam Champion, whose precision and artistry make her a perennial threat.
- Jordan Bowers, a perennial All-American who consistently posts all-around scores exceeding 39.700. This week, both Bowers and Torrez earned SEC Co-Gymnast of the Week honors, underscoring their impact on the national stage.
The Historical Edge
While Kentucky boasts impressive individual achievements and a recent win over Auburn, the series history tells a challenging tale—Oklahoma holds a 13-0 advantage in head-to-head meetings against the Wildcats. Last season, the two teams met at the Mean Girls Super 16 Championships in Las Vegas, with Oklahoma clinching a 197.850 score over Kentucky’s 196.775 in the season opener against powerhouse Michigan programs.
What’s Next?
After this marquee SEC duel, Kentucky will kick off its only multi-meet homestand with a non-conference showdown against Temple on Valentine’s Day. That meet, starting at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 14 at Historic Memorial Coliseum, will also be streamed live on SEC Network+ as well.
Don’t Miss the Action!
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET and tune into SEC Network+ for a spectacle that promises to deliver electrifying performances, nail-biting scores, and the intense rivalry between two of the nation’s elite gymnastics programs. For the latest updates on Kentucky gymnastics, follow @UKGymnastics on X(formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, and visit UKAthletics.com.
Get ready for a night of elite gymnastics—where every twist, flip, and score counts in the battle for supremacy!