LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Returns for Fifth Collegiate Season

After months of speculation, gymnast Olivia Dunne has announced her return to LSU for her fifth collegiate season. Dunne, who won a national championship with the Tigers in 2024, has become one of the most recognizable athletes in the NCAA and has the highest NIL valuation in college sports.

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Gymnastics superstar Olivia Dunne is returning to LSU for her fifth collegiate season.

LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Returns for Fifth Collegiate Season

The announcement, made via an Instagram post on Monday, ends months of speculation about her future. Dunne, who has become one of the most popular and marketable athletes in the NCAA, had been linked with a potential move to professional gymnastics or a lucrative NIL deal.

However, in her Instagram post, Dunne made it clear that her heart is still with LSU.

LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Returns for Fifth Collegiate Season

"Dear LSU, these past four years have changed my life," she wrote. "There’s something about putting on a purple and gold leotard. There’s something about competing in front of 13,000 screaming Tiger fans. There’s something about being pushed by your coaches to be your very best. And there’s something about being a part of a team that made school history. And no matter how many opportunities come my way off the mat, there’s just something about LSU."

"And that’s why I’m here to say, I’m not ‘Dunne’ yet."

LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Returns for Fifth Collegiate Season

Dunne's decision to return to LSU is a major boost for the Tigers' gymnastics program. The team won the national championship in 2024, and Dunne was a key contributor. She had eight floor routines this past season, matching her career-best of 9.9 twice. She also helped LSU to an SEC title with her performance on the uneven bars.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Dunne has also become a major figure in the world of NIL. She has the highest NIL valuation across college sports, according to On3 Sports. The outlet puts her valuation at $3.9 million – just below Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Dunne's NIL success is due in part to her massive social media following. She has over 2 million followers on Instagram and over 1 million followers on TikTok. She has used her platform to partner with brands such as Forever 21, Vuori, and Amazon.

Dunne's return to LSU is a major win for the university. She is one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in the country, and her presence will help to raise the profile of the gymnastics program and the university as a whole.