ACC Scorer Nick Radkov Transfers from UNC to Virginia, Staying in the ACC

After two years at the University of North Carolina, Nick Radkov will transfer and continue his collegiate career at the University of Virginia this fall. The rising junior will have two years of eligibility remaining at UVa, being part of the first class to miss the year that earned the bonus 5th year of COVID eligibility.

Virginia has hit the transfer portal hard over the last few years, picking up a number of big names (Tim Connery, Matt King, and Anthony Grimm, to name a few). This transfer, however, is notable because of the historic rivalry between UNC and UVa. Once among the most intense and hate-filled rivalries in college swimming, the cross-border contention has cooled with the diverging results of the two programs.

Radkov scored 12 points at the 2023 ACC Championships with a scoring finish of 15th place in the 200 free. He scored 13 as a freshman thanks to a 14th-place finish in the same event.

He was the 7th-best individual scorer for the Tar Heels last season, and 5th-best scoring swimmer. Another of the team’s 15 individual scorers, Dylan Citta, is also leaving with a transfer to UNC Wilmington.

The Tar Heels bring in a good class to fill those holes next season, led by 54/1:55 breaststroker Ben Delmar and 47.6/1:46.4 butterflier Colin Wehelehan. Specifically in the 200 free, Radkov’s best event, they bring in Keith Williams (1:38.33), Craig Bohlman (1:39.50), and David Quaresma (1:37.03).

Radkov swam the anchor leg on UNC’s 5th-place 800 free relay at ACCs last year, splitting 1:33.91. They’ll also have to replace the graduated Tomas Sungalia from that relay (1:34.88), though Louis Dramm (1:34.64 leadoff) and Patrick Hussey (1:32.93) both return.

That is the one relay on the schedule where Virginia has a bigger need than UNC. Last year, Virginia was 6th at ACCs in the event with two splits (Sebastien Sergile @ 1:35.66, Jack Wright @ 1:34.36) slower than Radkov’s swim.

Overall, though, he moves from a team that placed 8th at ACCs to one that placed 4th.

Best Times in Yards:

After having strong drops as a freshman, especially in the 200 free, Radkov regressed a little in his sophomore season. He also peaked pre-ACC Championship meet, including going his best time in the 100 free in a dual meet against Duke three weeks before ACCs.

The ACC, like most D1 conferences, have eliminated intraconference transfer rules, meaning that Radkov is eligible to compete for the Cavaliers immediately.

Prior to college, Radkov swam for the Peddie School in Highstown, New Jersey.