Flo 25: NCAA DI Mens Preseason Rankings #15-11

This article features 2017 NCAA Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Top 25 preseason rankings.

Aug 25, 2017 by Maclin Simpson

Flo 25: NCAA DI Mens Preseason Rankings #15-11

With the NCAA season rapidly approaching, we decided to come up with our own preseason NCAA Division I Top 25 rankings. First up, we will release the men's rankings -- five teams per day. Next, we will release the women's rankings -- five teams per day.

So how did we create with the rankings?

The Formula

First, we compiled a rankings list of all returning swims in each event from last season. Next, we added the best times from each incoming freshman to the event lists to complete the preseason time projections for each race. From there, the events are scored two different ways: First is a top 50 points system to analyze depth -- starting with the top-ranked team receiving 50 points and descending to one point. Second is the NCAA's top 16 scoring system. Relays are included into this as well. Combining those factors, we found the average of each team to create the final top 25 preseason rankings.

In case you missed Nos. 25-16, visit the links below.

Flo 25: NCAA DI Men's Preseason Rankings #25-21

Flo 25: NCAA DI Men's Preseason Rankings #20-16

15) Tennessee

2017 NCAA Finish: 20th

The Volunteers are another team hanging on the edges of a breakthrough at the championships level. A vast majority of UT's roster is returning, including everyone who swam relays at NCAAs. Upperclassmen Sam McHugh and Kyle Decoursey have the most promising outlook as they are ranked among the nation's best. Tennessee will likely move its relays into scoring position and hopefully avoid any disqualifications at NCAAs this year (UT disqualified one last season). The Vols also have four swimmers entering the year under 15 minutes in the mile with David Heron and Marc Hinawi at 14:54 and Taylor Abbott and Sam McHugh at 14:55. The X-factor here is going to be the loss of UT distance leader and coach Tyler Fenwick, who joined Todd DeSorbo at Virginia.

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14) Louisville

2017 NCAA Finish: 11th

The Cardinals' wealth is spread around fairly evenly. Louisville has a collection of talent that covers multiple events, including Zach "The Dark Knight" Harting, who returns as a contender in the 200 butterfly. In addition, distance swimmer Marcelo Acosta will contribute high-ranking swims in the 500 and 1650, and breaststroker Carlos Claverie will be a major factor in the 100 and 200. Two top 50 recruits are joining the Cardinals as well with flyer Spencer Carl and jack-of-all-trades Nicolas Albiero -- son of UL head coach Arthur Albiero.

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13) Arizona

2017 NCAA Finish: 24th

A Busch is back coaching the Wildcats after former coach Rick DeMont retired earlier this year. Augie Busch, son of legendary UA coach Frank Busch, will head the program. Arizona isn't going to return to its glory days instantly, but the team will be improved from last year. Every relay swimmer from NCAAs is returning for the Wildcats. Justin Wright enters the year with top five ability in the 200 fly, and Chatham Dobbs has strong potential in the sprint free, fly, and back. Newcomer Brooks Fail, a versatile 200 swimmer, will have an immediate impact in the fly, back, and freestyle events.

12) Alabama

2017 NCAA Finish: 10th

A bit of sour placement for Alabama -- one spot below bitter rival Auburn. On the bright side, it will make for an exciting dual meet when the two face off on October 27. As far as the Crimson Tide's outlook is concerned, it isn't much different than years past. Alabama is still the sprint-dominated team that smashed onto the scene in Iowa City, Iowa, in 2015 and has remained in the top 10 ever since. The Tide graduated All-Americans Anton McKee and Connor Oslin. Their loss will undoubtedly hurt, but returners Luke Kaliszak, third fastest in the 100 back, and Christopher Reid, sixth-best returner in the 200 back, will lead the team. Bama will also return Zane Waddell, Robert Howard, and Laurent Bams, who all contributed heavily to the Tide's sprint relay success at NCAAs.

11) Auburn

2017 NCAA Finish: 12th

Brett Hawke's sprinters showed up when it counted this summer. Junior Zach Apple swam onto Team USA's 4x100m freestyle relay in Budapest, Hungary, and Hawke's group of international swimmers (Bruno Fratus and Marcelo Chierighini most notably) swam fast as well. Translating that into the collegiate season with a well-rounded team beyond the sprint corps is the next step. Stud backstroker and IM'er Joe Patching is gone and so is breaststroker Michael Duderstadt. The weight is now on Apple's and Peter Holoda's shoulders to continue the rejuvenation of Auburn's historic sprinting traditions. The Tigers are the highest-ranked team without a top 50 recruit.

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