WASHINGTON – The five-time defending champions, the George Washington men’s swimming and diving team, was the unanimous favorite in the preseason poll, the Atlantic 10 Conference announced on Wednesday. The seven league coaches voted on the league poll.  

The Revolutionaries received all seven first place votes for a total of 49 points. St. Bonaventure tallied 38 points and slotted in at second in the poll. George Mason collected 32 points for third place.  

George Washington won its fifth consecutive title last season led by Coach of the Year Chico Rego.  Most Outstanding Rookie Shae Stratton returns for his sophomore season. He collected gold 200-yard backstroke at last year’s championship and placed fourth in the 100-yard backstroke.  

St. Bonaventure finished in second at last year’s championship. The Bonnies return Ben O'Neill who placed second in the 1-meter dive and third in the 3-meter diving event. George Mason, who was predicted to finish third, return Tate Anderson. Anderson earned three top three finishes at the 2025 championship. He was second in the 200-yard IM and 200-yard freestyle.  

Davidson was fourth with 31 points and La Salle was fifth with 22 points. Fordham and Saint Louis were sixth and seventh, respectively, to conclude the preseason poll.  

The 2026 Swimming and Diving Championship is set for February 18 – 21 at the Hampton Viriginia Aquaplex in Hampton, VA.  

Below is the complete Men’s Swimming and Diving Poll.  First place votes are in parentheses. 

Men’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll 

1. George Washington (7) - 49 points 

2. St. Bonaventure – 38 points 

3. George Mason – 32 points 

4. Davidson – 31 points 

5. La Salle – 22 points 

6. Fordham – 15 points 

7. Saint Louis – 9 points