Josh Liendo’s Pursuit of History at the 2026 NCAA Men’s Swimming Championships
The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships, held at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, GA, from March 25th to March 28th, will showcase a compelling battle in the 100-meter butterfly as Florida’s Josh Liendo aims to break Caeleb Dressel’s longstanding NCAA record.
Liendo’s Quest for a Three-Peat and the Record
Josh Liendo, a standout performer for the Florida Gators, is on the verge of achieving a historic feat in the 100-meter butterfly. He has already secured victories in the event at the 2025 and 2026 SEC Championships, both times clocking a time of 43.06 seconds [SwimSwam]. This time matches his personal best and positions him as the second-fastest performer in history, trailing only Caeleb Dressel’s NCAA, American, and U.S. Open record of 42.80 seconds, set in 2018 [SwimSwam].
Liendo’s dominance in the event is evident in his hold on six of the top ten fastest times ever recorded [SwimSwam]. His consistent performance, with four of those times achieved within the last year, underscores his dedication and potential to surpass Dressel’s record.
Beyond the 100 Fly: Liendo’s Versatility
Josh Liendo’s talent extends beyond the 100-meter butterfly. He has earned six All-American Honors and contributed significantly to Florida’s success, accounting for 60 individual points and 94 relay points [Florida Gators]. In 2025, he achieved a rare feat by winning the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 100-meter butterfly at the NCAA Men’s Swimming Championships, and swimming on at least two championship relay teams [Florida Gators]. This accomplishment places him among an elite group of swimmers, the first to do so since 1996.
Liendo is also aiming for a fourth consecutive title in the 100-meter freestyle, a feat only accomplished by Gustavo Borges of Michigan in the 1990s [Swimming World Magazine].
Competition and Rising Stars
While Liendo is a clear frontrunner, several other swimmers are poised to challenge for top positions. Arizona State’s Ilya Kharun, seeded alongside Liendo in the 50-meter freestyle at 18.40, presents a significant threat [SwimSwam]. Notably, Kharun recently announced his intention to change his international citizenship from Canada to the United States in October 2026.
Other contenders include Tennessee’s Gui Caribe, NC State’s Quintin McCarty, and Louisville freshman Nikita Sheremet, all of whom have demonstrated strong performances throughout the season [SwimSwam].
Key Takeaways
- Josh Liendo is aiming to break Caeleb Dressel’s NCAA record in the 100-meter butterfly.
- Liendo is also pursuing his fourth consecutive title in the 100-meter freestyle.
- Ilya Kharun and Gui Caribe are expected to be Liendo’s primary competitors.
- Liendo’s versatility is highlighted by his success in multiple events and relay contributions.