Get ready for some exciting swimming strategy talk! The new NCAA schedule has created quite a stir, especially for our men's swimmers. It's a game of choices and consequences, and we're about to dive into the fascinating decisions these athletes have to make.
The Big Clash: 200 IM vs. 200 Fly/Back
Imagine being a swimmer and having to decide between two of your strongest events on the final day of the meet! This is the dilemma facing our champions, Hubert Kos and Luca Urlando. Both are NCAA champions in their own right, but the new schedule forces them to make tough choices.
Hubert Kos: The Reigning Champion's Dilemma
Kos, the reigning NCAA champion in both the 200 backstroke and 200 IM, has a tough decision to make. With both events now scheduled for the last day, he'll likely have to choose one over the other. His best bet? The 100 fly, where his impressive time of 44.05 seconds would have secured him a spot in the 'A' final last year. But it's not just about the times; it's about strategy and energy conservation too!
Luca Urlando: A Final Season Decision
Urlando, entering his last season, has a similar choice to make. Last year's 200 fly champion also won the 'B' final in the 200 IM. He's likely to drop the 200 IM and focus on one of the day three events, such as the 100 back, to pair with his strong 100 fly performance on day two. His best time in the 100 back, achieved at the 2022 NCAA Championships, showcases his potential to be a top contender in this event as well.
The NCAA's Gift and Curse: Scotty Buff's Story
For Florida's Scotty Buff, the new format brings both good news and challenges. Last season, he tackled the 100 fly and 100 back double on day three, along with the 50 free on day two. This year, the 100 fly and 100 back are on different days, which is a relief. But now he faces a new conflict with the 50 free and 100 back on day three. Will he attempt the double again? Or will he opt for one of the day four events, like the 200 IM or 100 free?
Benefiting from the Shift: Michel Arkhangelskiy and Kyle Peck
The 100 fly and 100 back shift also benefits swimmers like Michel Arkhangelskiy from Florida State and Kyle Peck from Texas. Both swimmers can now focus on their strengths without the clash of events.
The Full List of Male Athletes with Event Conflicts
Here's a comprehensive list of male athletes facing event conflicts with the new NCAA order. Note that this list only includes athletes who were invited in both events and are returning this season:
| Athlete | School | Event (2025 Finish) | Event (2025 Finish) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Danny Schmidt | Auburn | 200 IM (18th) | 200 fly (33rd) |
| Scotty Buff | Florida | 50 free (23rd) | 100 back (32nd) |
| Luca Urlando | Georgia | 200 IM (9th) | 200 fly (1st) |
| Miroslav Knedla | Indiana | 200 IM (33rd) | 200 back (22nd) |
| Owen McDonald | Indiana | 200 IM (3rd) | 200 back (6th) |
| Colin Geer | Michigan | 200 IM (10th) | 200 fly (8th) |
| Daniel Diehl | NC State | 200 IM (28th) | 200 back (14th) |
| Quintin McCarty | NC State | 50 free (8th) | 100 back (13th) |
| Mitchell Schott | Princeton | 200 IM (17th) | 200 fly (28th) |
| Hubert Kos | Texas | 200 IM (1st) | 200 back (1st) |
| Will Modglin | Texas | 200 IM (DQ'd in 'A' final) | 200 back (8th) |
| David King | Virginia | 500 free (33rd) | 100 back (26th) |
So, what do you think? Are these swimmers making the right choices? Do you see any potential surprises or upsets in the new schedule? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this exciting development in the world of swimming!
