Michigan State's Nikki Smith named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week
Smith shines all around against Auburn to earn her the title of best in the Big Ten this week
It is no secret that Nikki Smith has been a driving force for the No. 11-ranked Michigan State gymnastics team. On Tuesday, the 2025 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year received another honor.
Smith was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week for the sixth time in her career. The recognition follows her season-high 39.725 all-around performance against Auburn. That score ranks among the three highest all-around totals in Michigan State history. Smith reached the mark with scores of 9.925 on floor, bars, and beam, along with a 9.950 on vault.
Credit: Marvin Hall / Spartans Illustrated
Along with Smith’s season-high performance, the rest of the Spartans rose to the occasion against Auburn. Michigan State posted a season-high team score of 197.700 in the meet, defeating Auburn’s 196.975. The total ranks as the eighth-highest team score in program history for the 2025–26 squad.
Smith consistently commands attention on the floor and is often seen encouraging teammates on the sidelines. She, along with five other seniors, will lead the Spartans into their final regular-season meet Sunday at Jenison Field House, which begins at 2 p.m. The meet will be streamed on B1G+.
Credit: Marvin Hall / Spartans Illustrated
After their final meet at Jenison, the Spartans will travel to Champaign, Illinois, for the 2026 Big Ten Championships on March 21 at 6 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena. The championships will be televised on Big Ten Network.
