CANTON, Ga. - The Trinity Tigers were selected as the 2026-27 preseason favorite for the Southern Athletic Association title.
Trinity captured six first-place votes for a comanding lead in the preseason poll while Centre captured one top vote for 40 points. Rhodes come in third just three points behind the Colonels with 37 points and Berry and Sewanee round out the top five with 34 and 28 points, respectively.
Voting was conducted among the SAA’s seven head coaches.
2026-27 MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING PRESEASON POLL RESULTS
1. Trinity - 48 (6)
2. Centre - 40 (1)
3. Rhodes - 37
4. Berry - 34
5. Sewanee - 28
6. Southwestern - 26
7. Millsaps - 18
Trinity took over the pool at the 2026 championship, defeating all opponents with 984 total points, more than 200 points ahead of the second-place finisher. The Tigers were led by a strong showing across the championship, earning three major awards: Men’s Swimmer of the Meet, Men’s Rookie of the Meet, and Men’s Swimming Coaching Staff of the Year.
Centre finished as last season’s runner-up with 754 points. The Colonels were led by an outstanding diving performance, earning Men’s Diver of the Meet and Men’s Diving Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Centre’s diving team swept the top three spots in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives.
Rhodes captured third place at last year’s championship after winning the previous two titles. The Lynx had a standout performance in the 100 fly and 200 IM during the championship. Rhodes also showcased its talent on the national stage, with its 400 medley relay team finishing in the top eight.
The 2027 SAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championship is slated for February 10-13 in Danville, Kentucky, hosted by Centre College.
For more information on all things SAA, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the SAA's home on the internet at
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