Defending Champion Rice tops 2026 American Preseason Poll

Irving – Defending American champion Rice has been named the favourite within the 2026 American Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll, as chosen by the league’s head coaches.

Rice earned 59 factors, together with 5 first-place votes. Liberty was picked second with 57 factors, adopted by FIU (54), Tulane (35), James Madison (34), East Carolina and Marshall (28), Florida Atlantic (15) and North Texas (14).

Rice took dwelling the 2025 American Championship after their addition of dive to the workforce.

“It is always fun to have a target on your back,” head coach Seth Huston mentioned. “We look forward to competing in the pool this upcoming season. I wish all the American swimming and diving programs the best this season.”

Rice opens its season Sept. 26 on the Seminole Fall Classic in Tallahassee, Florida.

The 2026 American Athletic Conference Swimming and Diving Championship is scheduled for Feb. 18–21 on the Greensboro Aquatics Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

2025-2026 American Swimming and Diving Preseason Coaches Poll

1	Rice (5)	59
2	Liberty (2)	57
3	FIU (2)	54
4	Tulane	35
5	James Madison	34
6	East Carolina	28
	Marshall	28
8	Florida Atlantic	15
9	North Texas	14