The LSU Tigers are roaring back to the NCAA Gymnastics National Championship, and they’ve got some uniquely spirited support fueling their run. After capturing the program's historic first national title in 2024 and narrowly missing the final in 2025, this year's squad is hungry to reclaim the crown.

Their path to Saturday's final was a nail-biter. On Thursday, the No. 2-ranked Tigers edged out a fierce challenge from the Georgia Bulldogs to secure their spot, where they'll be joined by SEC rival Florida, defending champion Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

While superstar rapper Lil Wayne provided a hype video, the most memorable pre-meet moment belonged to a different group: the LSU gymnastics dads. In a viral display of team spirit, the fathers took to the stands in LSU tanks and black shorts, performing an enthusiastic (and delightfully unpolished) routine of leaps and spins to pump up their daughters. Their efforts earned them cheers from the crowd, makeshift tiaras, and even a proud hug from head coach Jay Clark.

That infectious energy may have been just what the Tigers needed. After a slow start in the semifinal, clutch performances from stars like Konnor McClain on bars and beam kept LSU in the hunt. It was ultimately Kailin Chio's stellar 9.9625 on the floor exercise—the final routine of the night—that sealed the victory and punched their ticket to the championship.

The stage is now set for a spectacular finale. The NCAA National Championship begins Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN app, where the Tigers will look to channel that unforgettable dad-energy into a second national title.