Texas Men's Swimming and Diving Eyes NCAA Dynasty in Atlanta

Longhorns look to defend 2025 title and cement their status as a collegiate swimming powerhouse

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:34am

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The Texas men's swimming and diving team will travel to Atlanta for the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Swimming Championships, aiming to defend their 2025 national title and solidify their status as a collegiate swimming dynasty. Led by head coach Bob Bowman, the Longhorns have one of the most versatile and talented rosters in the sport, with standout swimmers like Rex Maurer, Nate Germonprez, and Campbell McKean poised to make a major impact.

Why it matters

Texas men's swimming has been a dominant force in collegiate swimming for years, but the 2026 NCAA Championships represent an opportunity for the Longhorns to cement their legacy as a true dynasty. With strong competition from programs like Florida and Arizona State, the Longhorns will need to bring their best to fend off challengers and retain their national title.

The details

The Longhorns have several key swimmers who are expected to lead the charge in Atlanta. Junior Rex Maurer is the top seed in the 500-yard freestyle and sixth seed in the 400-yard individual medley, while junior Nate Germonprez is the top seed in the 100-yard breaststroke, followed by freshman Campbell McKean and junior Will Modglin. The Longhorns also boast one of the fastest breaststroke groups in the nation. However, the Florida Gators, bolstered by the addition of two world champion distance swimmers from Tunisia, pose a significant threat, especially in the longer freestyle events. Additionally, Arizona State has the top times in the country in the 400-yard freestyle relay and other events, setting up a thrilling battle for the national title.

  • The NCAA Championships will open with the 1650-yard freestyle on Wednesday and conclude with platform diving on Saturday.

The players

Bob Bowman

The head coach of the Texas men's swimming and diving team, who is aiming to capture his third consecutive NCAA Championship.

Rex Maurer

A junior swimmer for the Texas Longhorns, who is the top seed in the 500-yard freestyle and sixth seed in the 400-yard individual medley.

Nate Germonprez

A junior swimmer for the Texas Longhorns, who is the top seed in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Campbell McKean

A freshman swimmer for the Texas Longhorns, who is seeded fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Ahmed Jaouadi

A world champion distance swimmer from Tunisia who has joined the Florida Gators, posing a threat to the Longhorns in the longer freestyle events.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The 2026 NCAA Men's Swimming Championships in Atlanta will be a true test of the Texas Longhorns' dominance in the sport, as they look to defend their 2025 title and cement their status as a collegiate swimming dynasty. The competition from programs like Florida and Arizona State will be fierce, but the Longhorns' depth and versatility make them the favorites to retain their crown.