The 2026 NCAA Men's Swimming Title Race: A Wide-Open Battle with Texas Leading the Charge
The swimming world never sleeps, and as the leaves turn, the NCAA season dives into action. But here's the twist: this year, it's not just about who will claim the championship title. The real intrigue lies in the battle for the top ten, where the competition is fiercer than ever. And this is the part most people miss: while SwimSwam’s writers predict a clear Texas victory, the race for the remaining spots is anyone's game. Will California rebound from their losses? Can Virginia’s high-powered recruits turn things around? These are the questions that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Power Rankings Breakdown: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling?
These rankings are a snapshot of where teams stand now, with an eye toward their potential at season’s end. They’re subjective, sure, but they’re also a starting point for debate. Disagree with a team’s placement? Make your case in the comments—we’re all ears!
Contributors: James Sutherland, Braden Keith, Madeline Folsom, Robert Gibbs, Sophie Kaufman, Anya Pelshaw, and Terin Frodyma.
25. SMU (+10)
After finishing 35th in 2025, SMU is on the rise. Sophomore diver Luke Sitz, who scored 12 points at last year’s NCAA Championships, could be the catalyst to propel the Mustangs into the top 25. Freshmen Grant Cates and RJ Snyder add depth, with Cates already making waves in platform synchro events.
24. Georgia Tech (+1)
The return of Max Fowler is a bright spot, but the loss of their 200 medley relay team leaves a significant gap. Distance specialist Lukas Vetkoetter and sprinter Ricky Balduccini will need to step up as the team rebuilds.
23. Wisconsin (-1)
Dominik Mark Torok, last year’s 5th place finisher in the 400 IM, is the Badgers’ key scorer. However, their path back to the top 25 won’t be easy, with stiff competition within the Big 10 and beyond.
22. Yale (-2)
Noah Millard’s stellar performance at the 2025 NCAA Championships, including a 4th place finish in the 1650 freestyle, gives Yale hope. If he can replicate that form, the Bulldogs could reclaim a top 25 spot.
21. Virginia Tech (-11)
After graduating key swimmers, Virginia Tech faces an uphill battle this season, despite some strong newcomers.
20. Kentucky —
Carson Hick and Levi Sandidge are the Wildcats’ scoring powerhouses, with Hick finishing 6th in the 1650 freestyle last year. Their performances will be crucial for Kentucky’s success.
19. North Carolina (+4)
18. Florida State —
Michel Arkhangelskiy’s return and a strong recruiting class position Florida State well, especially after defeating Florida in dual meets last season.
17. Texas A&M (-5)
The Aggies are in rebuild mode but retain key relay swimmers. Connor Foote, Ben Scholl, and Jaxon Bowshire will lead the charge, though the loss of Baylor Nelson leaves a hole in the IM events.
16. USC (-1)
Krzysztof Chmielewski’s silver medal in the 200 fly at Worlds highlights his potential. Whether he pursues the 1650 free/200 fly double remains a key question.
15. Purdue (+2)
With six divers on the roster, including Junior National Champion Nathaniel Grannis, Purdue is poised to match or exceed their 2025 NCAA scoring total.
14. Louisville —
Jacob Eccleston’s 7th place finish in the 200 breast as a freshman signals big things ahead. Tommy Breid will also aim to improve on his 15th place finish in the 400 IM.
13. Ohio State (+3)
Tristan Jankovics is a favorite for the podium in the 400 IM, making this a pivotal year for the Buckeyes.
12. LSU (+7)
LSU retained their entire NCAA scoring roster and added strong recruits, including Texas transfer Luke Stribrich, setting them up for a breakout season.
11. Stanford (-3)
The loss of key relay swimmers like Andrei Minakov and Ron Polonsky will test Stanford’s depth, though they remain a formidable program.
10. Michigan (+1)
Luka Mladenovic and Antoine Sauve are game-changers for the Wolverines. Mladenovic’s LCM 50 breast time is the fastest among NCAA swimmers this season, while Sauve set a Canadian record in the LCM 200 free.
9. Virginia (+23)
After a rough few seasons, Virginia’s strong recruiting class could propel them back into the top ten. Their success will hinge on developing beyond their top swimmers.
8. Tennessee (-3)
The loss of Jordan Crooks and other key swimmers makes this a transition year for Tennessee. Gui Caribe and Martin Espernberger will be critical to their success.
7. Georgia —
Returning the 4th-most individual points from last year and adding a strong recruiting class, the Bulldogs are poised for a strong season.
6. NC State (+3)
The return of Aiden Hayes and Arsenio Bustos boosts the Wolfpack’s relays, but they’ll need more swimmers to step up for a higher ranking.
5. California (-3)
Cal faces a tough challenge after graduating most of their relay swimmers. Yamato Okadome, Keaton Jones, and newcomer Ryan Erisman will be under pressure to maintain their top-two streak.
4. Arizona State (+2)
ASU’s relays are their strongest asset, with potential NCAA titles in the 200 and 400 free relays. Kharun and Chaney’s sprint prowess makes them a force to be reckoned with.
3. Florida (+1)
Despite key losses, the addition of World Champion Ahmed Jaouadi and the return of Josh Liendo and Jonny Marshall keep the Gators in contention for a top-five finish.
2. Indiana (+1)
Indiana’s roster overhaul, bolstered by Olympian transfers Luke Whitlock and Aaron Shackell, makes them a strong contender. Freshman Josh Hedberg could dominate platform diving.
1. Texas —
With most of last year’s roster returning and a talented influx, Texas is the favorite to reclaim the title. Hubert Kos, Rex Maurer, and Nate Germonprez are names to watch.
Controversial Take: Is Texas’s Dominance Overrated?
While Texas is the clear favorite, some argue that their reliance on a few star swimmers could be their Achilles’ heel. What do you think? Are the Longhorns unstoppable, or is there a team that could dethrone them? Sound off in the comments!
