Vault can be one of the most exciting events to watch in NCAA gymnastics, and there is a growing sentiment that it can make or break a team’s chances at winning a national title. With just one skill for judges to critique, it’s no wonder that we see little variety amongst vault lineups. Although a well-executed Yurchenko layout full or one-and-a-half twist always shines, it is also important to celebrate creative risks. Here are 10 unique vaults that broke the mold in the 2026 season
1. Yurchenko half on, layout full
Joscelyn Roberson made NCAA history when shedebutedher Yurchenko half on, layout full for Arkansas. It’s no surprise that Roberson, the reigning worlds bronze medalist on vault, has continued to push the level of difficulty being performed at the collegiate level.
2. Yurchenko double twist
The double-twisting Yurchenko is one of the most difficult vaults performed in NCAA gymnastics. We’ve been graced with a few well-executed Yurchenko double twists recently, thanks to the likes of Jordan Chiles and eMjae Frazier. However, it was Sophia Bell who made history this season when she became Auburn’s first gymnast tosuccessfully completethis vault in competition. History aside, it was a commanding performance with a stick and a score of 9.925
3. Front handspring pike half
This vault is becoming an increasingly popular choice in college, and we saw a few notable debuts this season. Grace Murray left her mark when shecompetedit for the first time in Ithaca’s program history.
Kaelyn Tally made similar waves at Simpson. She not onlycompeted this vaultfor the first time in program history; she competed Simpson’s first 10.0 start value vault ever
4. Tsukahara full
Physics does not favor Tsuk-entry vaults, which take additional power from the run and hurdle compared to other vault entries. This makes them prone to deductions for height, amplitude, and distance. However, Georgia’s Nyla Aquino proved the scoring potential of this vault, notching a NQS of 9.900 andtop 7 score at NCAA nationals
Shoutout to Brie Clark, who learnedthe same vaultin a single pre-season. Clark became a mainstay in Clemson’s vault lineup during her senior season
5. Yurchenko tucked one-and-a-half twist
Tucked vaults are a rarity in NCAA gymnastics and can garner more scrutiny from judges.Madison Minnerhas competed a steady Yurchenko tucked one-and-a-half twist for Clemson since the team’s inaugural season in 2024. In 2026,Reese Baechleadded this vault at Nebraska and was a solid contributor in every meet
6. Tsukahara tucked one-and-a-half twist
Rutgers’ Reagan Schenkle made a statement in hercollegiate vault debutthis season. Notching her career-high 9.875 with a stuck landing, Schenkle showed promising scoring potential with the Tsuk tucked one-and-a-half twist
7. Yurchenko half on, pike half (Podkopayeva)
The Podkpayeva complicates the Yurchenko entry with a half twist onto the table. Ryan Noonan (Kentucky) stood out in the SEC withthis unique skill. During the 2026 season, Noonan set a new career-high NQS of 9.860 and individual vault score of 9.900
8. Yurchenko half on, layout half
As an elite with many options, Skye Blakely had everyone wondering what vault she would choose to compete for Florida. Blakely took it up a notch from the Podkopayeva,staying in the laid-out position. Though still highly challenging, this is only a fraction of the difficulty Blakely’s capable of competing. Do yourself a favor and go rewatch hernight one vaultfrom the 2024 U.S. national championships
9. Yurchenko full on, pike
The “full on” component of this vault really sets it apart. It takes great precision to ensure enough of a block off the table to rise in flight.Sophie Schriever(Iowa) andAva Jorgensen(BYU) were mainstays in their teams’ vault lineups, providing consistent scores despite this tricky entry
10. Front handspring front tuck
Aaliyah Krause is making a name for herself at Rhode Island. Blind landings are never easy, but Krause showed impressive consistency last season, scoring every vault within a one-tenth range of each other
Honorable Mentions (vaults that have broken the mold for a few seasons now):
- Yurchenko half on, front pike (Omelianchik), competed byMakenna Smith(Utah) andAva Piedrahita(Penn State).
- Front handspring onto the board, handspring front pike, competed byPaige Zancan(Auburn).
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