Owls Voted Favourite in American Preseason Coaches Poll

Irving – Back-to-back American Conference champion Rice has been chosen as the favourite within the 2026-27 American Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league’s head coaches.

Rice earned 63 factors and 7 first-place votes. Liberty obtained two first-place votes and was picked second with 58 factors, adopted by Tulane (43), FIU (42), East Carolina (36), James Madison (32), Florida Atlantic (26), North Texas (15) and Marshall (9).

Rice claimed its second consecutive convention title with 1,404.5 factors, essentially the most factors the Owls have scored since becoming a member of the American.

The Owls will open the season at dwelling Oct. 9-10 with the Rice Fall Splash in Houston.

The 2027 American Conference Swimming and Diving Championship is scheduled for Feb. 17-20 on the Liberty Natatorium in Lynchburg, Virginia.

2026-27 American Conference Women’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Coaches Poll

1	Rice (7)	63
2	Liberty (2)	58
3	Tulane	43
4	FIU	42
5	East Carolina	36
6	James Madison	32
7	Florida Atlantic	26
8	UNT	15
9	Marshall	9

 
Note: First-place votes denoted in parenthesis