Can Texas truly defend their NCAA title in 2026? That's the burning question on every swim fan's mind, and our latest Power Rankings have sparked some serious debate. Earlier this week, all seven SwimSwam writers unanimously crowned the Longhorns as the top contenders for the 2025-2026 season, but now it's your turn to weigh in. And this is where it gets controversial... Do you agree with our predictions, or do you think we've got it all wrong?
In our exciting new series, Over/Unders, we're handing the mic to you, the fans. Here's how it works: if you believe a team will perform better than or equal to our ranking, give them a + (upvote). If you think they'll fall short, hit the – (downvote). It's simple, fun, and completely free—no money involved, just friendly banter and spirited debate in the comments.
But here's the part most people miss... This isn't just about agreeing or disagreeing; it's about sparking conversations and challenging assumptions. For instance, if you think the Florida men will finish 5th or higher, upvote them. If you believe they'll slip to 8th or lower, downvote away. It’s a chance to let your voice be heard and maybe even prove our writers wrong!
To give you a taste of what’s at stake, here’s a sneak peek at our Pre-Conferences Power Rankings:
- Texas holds the top spot, but can they maintain their dominance?
- Arizona State and Indiana are hot on their heels, but will they close the gap?
- Georgia and Florida round out the top five, but are they overrated or undervalued?
Controversy alert: Some fans are already questioning why Cal is ranked 7th—is that too high or just right? And what about Stanford at 9th? Are they poised for a comeback, or is this ranking too generous?
For a full breakdown, check out our SwimSwam Men’s Power Rankings (Pre-Conferences). And don’t forget to revisit our Last Over/Unders Voting to see how the community voted last time.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Which team do you think is the most undervalued in our rankings, and why? Is it Tennessee, who’s sitting at 8th, or perhaps Michigan at 15th? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
About the author: Anya Pelshaw has been a SwimSwam staple since June 2021, serving as both a writer and social media coordinator. She’s covered the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Women’s NCAA Championships, as well as the 2023 US Summer Nationals and the 2024 European Championships. For more on Anya’s work, visit her bio page.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the debate, cast your votes, and let’s make some waves together!
