NCAA MEN’S GYMNASTICS: Meet the Stanford Freshman

NCAA MEN’S GYMNASTICS: Meet the Freshmen

The 2026 men’s NCAA season will feature one of the most exciting incoming classes in recent memory, featuring three current U.S. senior National Team members (Jun Iwai, Sasha Bogonosiuk and Nathan Roman), along with two international junior champs (Sam Rakita, Canada and Ritam Malik, Australia). We’ve also got a slew of second-generation stars, with Iwai, Bogonosiuk and Adam Lakomy all boasting Olympian parents.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including how many of the state’s own are featured here (six). Four freshmen on our list were developed by coach Nori Iwai at the Kim Zmeskal-owned Texas Dreams, including all three service academies. Region 3’s 2025 Elite Team Cup championship squad is also well represented, with the NCAA saying howdy to three of its eight members in 2026.

As we inch closer to January and the start of the NCAA men’s gymnastics season, Inside Gymnastics will introduce you to 2026’s most anticipated newcomers!

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See the 2026 Men’s NCAA Schedule Here!

Stanford

Jun Iwai (Class of 2028 Recruit Rating, deferred: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Hometown: Lewisville, Texas

Major: Undeclared

Junior Career Highlights: 2024-25 senior National Team Member, 6^th all-around and 3^rd on floor at 2025 USA Champs

More About Me: Born in Japan but having lived in the USA since he was a toddler, Iwai speaks fluent Japanese. He also comes from a family of gymnasts. Dad and junior coach, Nori, was a 2000 Olympian for Japan, and mother, Akko, is also a former National Team member. Sister Momo recently graduated from Denveri, where she was the Big 12 champ on beam.

Why Stanford?

Not only is Stanford University an amazing school, but the main thing that stood out to me was the commitment I saw from both the coaches and the athletes to the sport of gymnastics. The level of gymnastics at Stanford and the high standards that are upheld both in and out of the gym are why I chose Stanford University.

Most Looking Forward To:

I am most looking forward to competing alongside my teammates, the people I spend everyday training with in the gym. Competing as a team, knowing that we’ve all put in the time and effort together, will definitely be an amazing experience.

What are your first impressions of college life and training with the program, preparing for what’s ahead?:

Honestly, adjusting to the training plan along with classes has not been easy. But as the quarter has progressed, I’ve definitely found a good rhythm and have learned to appreciate the struggle, knowing that all the hard work is for a reason, to bring that NCAA title back to Stanford.

Inside Take: Iwai shot straight to the top of the U.S. National Team ranks, immediately earning a senior National Team berth. Having delayed college for a year, Iwai should make an immediate and significant impact on Stanford’s lineup and greatly increase the Card’s chances of returning to the top of the team podium.

Divier Ramos (Class of 2029 Recruit Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Hometown: Methuen, Massachusetts

Major: Undeclared

Junior Career Highlights: 18^th at 2025 Winter Cup in senior session, 5^th at 2024 USAs (jr. division)

Why Stanford?

I chose Stanford because the opportunities here, both athletically and academically, align perfectly with what I want for myself. Academically, attending such a prestigious university allows me to explore my interests in depth and prepares me for a future career I can feel confident in. Athletically, the amazing coaching staff and team culture at Stanford provide the ideal environment for me to grow, improve, and become the best version of myself.

Most Looking Forward To:

This year, I am especially looking forward to fully returning to the sport I love. I am incredibly grateful for all the resources Stanford has provided to support me through my injury, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I also cannot wait to experience this upcoming season with Stanford.

First Impressions:

My first impressions of college life have been fantastic. Although my classes at Stanford are challenging, they are also interesting and rewarding. The coaches and my teammates have been very supportive throughout this transition, and I already feel like I have grown and learned so much in a short time. Training with the coaches has already helped me improve both physically and mentally, and I can tell that their guidance is pushing me toward reaching my full potential.

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