The rivalry between University of Minnesota and Ohio State University took center stage once again at the 2025 UDA College Nationals, especially in Pom and Jazz divisions. After another weekend of tight scores and high-pressure performances, fans and dancers were left debating results long after awards ended.
In Division IA Pom, Minnesota and Ohio State continued a rivalry that has been building for years. Last season, the two teams finished extremely close in scores, setting expectations for another intense matchup. During finals this year, a noticeable moment occurred when a Minnesota dancer fell. Despite the mistake, Minnesota still earned the national title. This result immediately sparked debate online, with many viewers questioning how a routine with a fall could still place first. Supporters of Minnesota pointed to the team’s overall difficulty, synchronization, and strong execution across the rest of the routine.
Adding to the attention in Pom, University of Tennessee caught the crowd’s eye when a dancer performed a team back tuck during finals. The skill stood out and quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, with many praising the risk and athleticism. While Tennessee placed third, the moment became one of the most talked-about highlights of the entire competition.
In Division IA Jazz, Ohio State continued its dominance by winning the national title for the third year in a row. Their routine featured a fresh and creative concept that many fans described as clean, confident, and well-paced. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s jazz routine also drew attention for its music choice. The song included lyrics that clearly reflected the team’s goal of winning the Jazz division, which viewers interpreted as a confident statement heading into finals.
One of the biggest improvement stories this year came from Louisiana State University. Last season, LSU barely qualified for finals, making their return to the national stage uncertain. This year, however, the team showed major growth and consistency. LSU placed second in Division IA Hip Hop and second in Division IA Jazz, proving they had closed the gap with the top programs.
Overall, the 2025 UDA College Nationals showcased top collegiate dance talent and brought intense competition to every floor.
