2024 Men’s Division I NCAA Championships: Day 3 Finals Live Recap

2024 MEN’S NCAA SWIMMING AND DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

• March 27-30, 2024
• IUPUI Natatorium, Indianapolis, Indiana
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• Day 1 Finals Live Recap
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• Day 3 Prelims Live Recap

Day 3 Finals Heat Sheets

Welcome in and happy Friday everyone! The table’s been set and now it’s time for the third night of finals at 2024 Men’s Division I NCAA Championships. I’d say kick back and relax but based on the last two finals sessions, it seems like we’re in for another heart-pounding session.

Order of Events

• 400 IM (top seed: Leon Marchand, Arizona State — 3:35.75)
• 100 butterfly (top seed: Josh Liendo, Florida — 43.30)
• 200 freestyle (top seed: Luke Hobson, Texas — 1:29.75)
• 100 breaststroke (top seed: Liam Bell, Cal — 50.52)
• 100 backstroke (top seed: Destin Lasco, Cal — 44.00)
• 3-meter diving (top seed: Jack Ryan, Stanford — 432.90 points)
• 400 medley relay (top seed: Arizona State — 2:58.49)

The sesssion starts with the 400 IM, where defending champion Leon Marchand has already separated himself from the field. He posted a relaxed-looking 4:35.75 to lead the way after prelims by almost two seconds ahead of fellow Sun Devil David Schlicht. After going 2-3 in the 200 IM, ASU aims to upgrade for a 1-2 finish here in the 400 IM. Marchand ihe favorite, but it should be a close race for 2nd with Schlicht, Mason Laur, and Baylor Nelson the main contenders for the second step of the podium.

Then we move along to the 100 fly, where it took 44.99 to even earn a second swim. Newly crowned 50 freestyle champion Josh Liendo chopped a tenth off his personal best to secure lane 4 for the final in a blazing 43.30. That’s the first sub-44 prelims 100 fly. Liendo’s prelims swim and history of dropping from prelims to finals suggests that we all need to be on record watch here tonight. Also in the mix is Tomer Frankel, who broke 44 for the first time in prelims, the freshman star Ilya Kharun, Luke Miller, who’s having an under-the-radar excellent meet, and of course the defending champion Youssef Ramadan.

The pressure doesn’t let up in the next event, the 200 freestyle. This all junior championship final threw down some incredible prelims swims this morning. Luke Hobson led that campaign in a 1:29.75, putting up the first prelims 1:29 in history and also becoming the first swimmer to put up multiple 1:29s at the same meet. He’s aiming to reclaim the 200 free NCAA record after Marchand took it from him about 10 minutes after he set it on night 1 of this meet.

Jack Alexy went faster than his 800 free relay lead-off to take second seed in 1:30.38, and Jordan Crooks also put in the first 1:30 outing of his career (1:30.41). Those are the top three after prelims, but Charlie Hawke, Chris Guiliano, and Gabriel Jett are also lurking.

After the 200 free, we’re back into the 100s of stroke. First up is the 100 breaststroke, where the win could truly come from any lane. Liam Bell set a new pool record just .02 off his personal best with a 50.52, setting himself up as the man to beat. Earlier in the meet, he also swam the fastest 50 breast rolling split in history (22.25). Joining him under 51 seconds in prelims were Ron Polonsky (50.87), Brian Benzing (50.92), Julian Smith (50.94), and Noah Nichols (50.97). For Polonsky, Benzing, and Smith that was their first sub-51 outing. And another note: if Benzing wins, he’ll be the first mid-major swimmer to win the 100 breast since 1983.

The last individual event of the session is the 100 backstroke. 200 IM champion Destin Lasco scored the top seed with a 44.00. It took a 44.52 to make it back to the final, so just .52 separates the top 8 swimmers. There are also two returning champions in this field–Kacper Stokowski (2022) and Brendan Burns (2023). Florida and ASU both have a pair of swimmers in this final, with the Gators putting Adam Chaney and Jonny Marshall up and the Sun Devils getting 200 IM All-Americans Owen McDonald and Hubert Kos into the championship heat.

The session closes out with the 400 medley relay. Once again, Arizona State comes in as the top seed after they just missed the NCAA record at PAC-12s. But both Florida and Cal have won relays at this meet already and look ready to challenge the Sun Devils for the title.

400 Yard Individual Medley — Final

• NCAA Record: 3:28.82 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2023)
• Meet Record: 3:28.82 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2023)
• American Record: 3:33.42 — Chase Kalisz, Georgia (2017)
• U.S. Open Record: 3:28.82 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2023)
• Pool Record: 3:33.42 — Chase Kalisz, Georgia (2017)
• 2023 Champion: 3:28.82 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State

Top 8:

1. Leon Marchand (Arizona State) — 3:32.12 *Pool Record*
2. David Schlicht (Arizona State) — 3:35.27
3. Baylor Nelson (Texas A&M) — 3:37.46
4. Jack Hoagland (SMU) — 3:37.53
5. Jake Magahey (Georgia) — 3:37.64
6. Mason Laur (Florida) — 3:37.98
7. Gio Linscherr (Florida) — 3:39.90
8. Tristan Jankovics (Ohio State) — 3:40.57

The Sun Devils couldn’t have asked for a better start to the session. They got a 1-2 finish courtesy of Leon Marchand and David Schlicht, tallying 37 points for Arizona State.

As expected, Marchand dominated the race. He lost touch with his NCAA record pace fairly quickly, but maintained a dominant advantage over the rest of the field for the entire race. He split 47.26/53.11/59.44/52.31 en route to his second-straight 400 IM title in a pool record time of 3:32.12, breaking Chase Kalisz‘s mark.

His teammate Schlicht swam his second personal best of the day. Schlicht came into the meet with a 3:37.97 best from PAC-12s, which he brought down to 3:37.65 in prelims. He demolished that here in the final, dropping another 2.38 seconds.

Schlicht swam away from Baylor Nelson and Mason Laur. Nelson also shook off Laur during the breaststroke leg, then held off charges on the other side of the pool from Jack Hoagland and Jake Magahey for 3rd place. Schlicht and Nelson were 9th and 10th last year in this event. Like Schlicht, Nelson swam a personal best for his trophy. The Aggie cracked 3:38 for the first time in his career with a 3:37.46.

Both Hoagland and Magahey swam their second personal bests of the day for their steps on the podium. At the touch, Hoagland got the better of Magahey, 3:37.53 to 3:37.64.

100 Yard Butterfly — Final

• NCAA Record: 42.80 — Caeleb Dressel, Florida (2018)
• Meet Record: 42.80 — Caeleb Dressel, Florida (2018)
• American Record: 42.80 — Caeleb Dressel, Florida (2018)
• U.S. Open Record: 42.80 — Caeleb Dressel, Florida (2018)
• Pool Record: 43.30 — Josh Liendo, Florida (2024)
• 2023 Champion: Youssef Ramadan, Virginia Tech— 43.15

Top 8:

1. Josh Liendo (Florida) — 43.07 *Pool Record*
2. Tomer Frankel (Indiana) — 43.85
3. Luke Miller (NC State) — 43.90
4. Youssef Ramadan (Virginia Tech) — 43.95
5. Ilya Kharun (Arizona State) — 44.26
6. Aiden Hayes (NC State) — 44.39
7. Gal Cohen Groumi (Michigan) / Dare Rose (Cal) — 44.46
8. (tie)

Josh Liendo earned his second NCAA title of the meet, earning the 100 butterfly crown in a blazing 43.07. His time makes him the second fastest performer all-time, moving ahead of last year’s champion Youssef Ramadan. Liendo was out in 19.90, separating himself from the field early as the only man to go out under 20 seconds. He brought it home for the win in 23.17.

Liendo grimaced at the end of the race and in his post-race interview told Elizabeth Beisel that he was focused on his details during prelims and tonight he “went after it” a little more and didn’t have as much focus on those details. Liendo identified his turn and finish as places that he could improve; indeed, his finish was noticeably long as he was caught at an awkward distance that made it hard to pick between gliding and taking another stroke.

Still, Liendo earned his second title of the meet in style. He broke the pool record that he swam this morning and dominated the field, winning the race by .78 seconds.

Everyone in the championship final improved from this morning. Tomer Frankel, who broke 44 seconds for the first time in prelims, lowered his school record even further with a 43.85. He was 2nd at the halfway point (20.39) and though Luke Miller was ahead of him with just 25 yards remaining, was able to rally to secure 2nd place. NC State’s Miller joined him under 44 for the first time in his career, taking 3rd in 43.90. Ramadan also got under the 44 second barrier with a 43.95 for 4th.

In the ‘B’ final, it looked like the Wolfpack had gone 1-2 with Arsenio Bustos and Kacper Stokowski going 1-2. After the race, Stokowski was initially disqualified for a 15-meter underwater violation, but the disqualification was overturned.

200 Yard Freestyle — Final

• NCAA Record: 1:28.97 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2024)
• Meet Record: 1:28.97 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2024)
• American Record: 1:29.13 — Luke Hobson, Texas (2024)
• U.S. Open Record: 1:28.97 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2024)
• Pool Record: 1:28.97 — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (2024)
• 2023 Champion: Luke Hobson, Texas — 1:30.43

Top 8:

1. Luke Hobson (Texas) — 1:28.81 *NCAA, Meet, American, U.S. Open, Pool Record*
2. Jack Alexy (Cal) — 1:29.75
3. Chris Guiliano (Notre Dame) — 1:30.38
4. Charlie Hawke (Alabama) — 1:30.58
5. Rafael Miroslaw (Indiana) — 1:30.84
6. Jordan Crooks (Tennessee) — 1:31.03
7. Gabriel Jett (Cal) — 1:31.16
8. Murilo Sartori (Louisville) — 1:32.12

Wow. Luke Hobson reclaimed his NCAA record and defended his title in the 200 freestyle. Hobson first claimed the record during heat 2 of the 800 freestyle relay timed finals on night 1. But after Marchard swam in the next heat and dropped a 1:28.97, Hobson only laid claim to the American record (1:29.13). 

He got his revenge here in the individual event, joining and surpassing Marchand in the sub-1:29 club. Hobson let Jack Alexy, more known for his sprints, take control for the first part of the race. Alexy opened in 20.45, ahead of Chris Guiliano (20.70) and Hobson (20.82). Hobson closed the gap on Alexy during the second 50, splitting 22.54.

The Longhorn really made his move on the third 50, splitting 22.71 and closing in 22.74 to take the title. Alexy became the 7th fastest performer in the event, breaking 1:30 for the first time in his career with a 1:29.75.

100 Yard Breaststroke — Final

• NCAA Record: 49.69 — Ian Finnerty, Indiana (2018)
• Meet Record: 49.69 — Ian Finnerty, Indiana (2018)
• American Record: 49.69 — Ian Finnerty, Indiana (2018)
• U.S. Open Record: 49.69 — Ian Finnerty, Indiana (2018)
• Pool Record: 50.52 — Liam Bell, California (2024)
• 2023 Champion: 50.00 – Max McHugh, Minnesota

Top 8: 

1. Liam Bell (CAL) – 49.53 *NCAA, Meet, American, U.S. Open, & Pool Records* 
2. Brian Benzing (TOWS) – 50.59
3. Denis Petrashov (LOU) – 50.91
4. Noah Nichols (UVA) – 50.93
5. Carles Coll Marti (VT) – 51.06
6. Josh Matheny (IU) – 51.07
7. Julian Smith (FLOR) – 51.18
8. Ron Polonsky (STAN) – 51.25

California’s Liam Bell charged through the first 50 in a time of 23.15 and never relinquished his lead. He cleared the field by over a full second en route to securing the fastest time in history (49.53). He took down the previous record of 49.69, which Ian Finnerty put on the books at the 2018 NCAA Championships.

Bell’s win marks the first Golden Bear victory in this race since Damir Dugonjic went 3-for-3 from 2009 to 2011. Bell is now the 4th Cal representative to win this event at NCAAs, joining Dugonjic, Henrique Barbosa, and David Graham Smith.

Bell was faster than Finnerty on both the first AND last 50. See a full splits comparison below.

Splits Comparison:

Towson’s Brian Benzing recorded his first ever sub-51 outing during today’s prelims (50.92) and dropped another chunk of time tonight to bag 2nd place. He touched in 50.59, opening in a strong 23.70 before finishing in 26.89. Benzing is slated to join the Indiana Hoosiers next season, where he will utilize his fifth year of eligibility.

Denis Petrashov of Louisville and Virginia’s Noah Nichols also dipped under 51 seconds, touching in 50.91 and 50.93, respectively.

100 Yard Backstroke — Final

• NCAA Record: 43.35 — Luca Urlando, Georgia (2022)
• Meet Record: 43.35 — Luca Urlando, Georgia (2022)
• American Record: 43.35 — Luca Urlando, Georgia (2022)
• U.S. Open Record: 43.35 — Luca Urlando, Georgia (2022)
• Pool Record: 43.99 — Ryan Murphy, Cal  (2017)
• 2023 Champion: 43.61 – Brendan Burns, Indiana

Top 8: 

1. Brendan Burns (IU) – 43.86
2. Kacper Stokowski (NCST) – 43.89
3. Adam Chaney (FLOR) – 43.99
4. Hubert Kos (ASU) – 44.13
5. Destin Lasco (CAL) – 44.22
6. Owen McDonald (ASU) – 44.46
7. Ruard Van Renen (UGA) – 44.75
8. Jonny Marshall (FLOR) – 44.86

Indiana 5th-year Brendan Burns defended his title from a year ago, notching a winning time of 43.86. He led a trio of sub-44 performances, as Kacper Stokowski (43.89) of NC State and Florida’s Adam Chaney (43.99) also entered that realm. Burns was slightly off his winning time (43.61) from 2023, but was able to pull off the win from lane one.

Hubert Kos of ASU earned 4th place status tonight in 44.13, while 200 IM champion Destin Lasco (44.22) settled for 5th. Kos’ 43.75 from last month’s Pac-12 Championships would’ve been enough to win tonight’s final, had he replicated the mark. Kos and Lasco will have another showdown in tomorrow’s 200 back, where Kos is the NCAA record holder. Both Kos and Lasco have been sub-1:36 in the 200-yard distance.

ASU’s Owen McDonald, who scorched a big best time of 44.25 during today’s prelims, clocked in at 44.46 for 6th tonight. Ruard Van Renen (UGA) and Jonny Marshall (FLOR) placed 7th and 8th, posting times of 44.75 and 44.86.

3-Meter Diving

• Meet Record: 529.10 — Samuel Dorman, Miami FL (2015)
• 2023 Champion: 522.60 — Andrew Capobianco, Indiana

Top 8:

1. Carson Tyler (IND) – 476.85 points
2. Quentin Henninger (IND) – 461.75 points
3. Jack Ryan (STAN) – 444.20 points
4. Cameron Cash (PITT) – 409.20 points
5. Bryden Hattie (TENN) – 406.95 points
6. Victor Povzner (TA&M) – 404.50 points
7. Lyle Yost (OSU) – 404.05 points
8. Yutong Wang (MINN) – 365.90 points

The Junior divers were dominant in tonight’s 3m event, as they swept the top four places.

After placing 3rd in Thursday’s 1-meter diving event, Indiana junior Carson Tyler scored 476.85 points en route to 3m gold. It was a 1-2 finish for the Hoosiers, as fellow junior Quentin Henninger scored 461.75 points for silver.

Henninger was 2nd in the 3m diving event earlier in the meet, so he now has two runner-up finishes. He’s ranked 1st in tomorrow’s platform diving event.

Earning bronze tonight was Stanford junior Jack Ryan, who put up a respectable score of 444.20 points to clear the rest of the field by 35 points. He was 4th in the 1m diving event.

400 Yard Medley Relay — Timed Final

• NCAA Record: 2:58.32 — Florida (A. Chaney, D. Hillis, J. Liendo, M. McDuff), 2023
• Meet Record: 2:58.32 — Florida (A. Chaney, D. Hillis, J. Liendo, M. McDuff), 2023
• American Record: 3:01.51 — Cal (R. Murphy, C. Hoppe, M. Josa, M. Jensen), 2017
• U.S. Open Record: 2:58.32 — Florida (A. Chaney, D. Hillis, J. Liendo, M. McDuff), 2023
• Pool Record: 2:59.22 — Texas (J. Shebat, W. Licon, J. Schooling, J. Conger), 2017
• 2023 Champion: 2:58.32 — Florida (A. Chaney, D. Hillis, J. Liendo, M. McDuff)

Top 8:

1. Arizona State – 2:57.32 *NCAA, U.S. Open, & Pool Records*
2. California – 2:58.30
3. NC State – 2:59.71
4. Indiana – 3:00.20
5. Stanford & Tennessee – 3:01.97
6. –
7. Virginia Tech – 3:02.34
8. Texas – 3:02.44

DQ: Florida – 2:57.52

What looked to be the closest race of the meet turned out to be inconsequential, as Florida was disqualified in this relay. Their anchor, Macguire McDuff, jumped a bit early (reaction time: -0.05). ASU’s anchor, Jonny Kulow, almost left too early as well. His reaction time was -0.01, just undercutting the -0.03 threshold.

The Gators touched 0.20 behind Arizona State at the finish, with the original top three all undercutting the NCAA record. Arizona State’s winning squad consisted of Hubert Kos (44.61), Leon Marchand (48.73), Ilya Kharun (43.44), and Jonny Kulow (40.54). The split from Marchand represents the fastest split in history, as he took down his previous unofficial record split of 49.23 from last year.

California (2:58.30) also dipped under the previous record by 0.02, with Destin Lasco (44.13), Liam Bell (49.70), Dare Rose (44.17), and Bjorn Seeliger (40.30) slotting in for the Bears tonight.

NC State’s Kacper Stokowski had the fastest backstroke lead-off, as his time of 43.57 would’ve won the individual 100 back earlier in the night by 0.29. The Wolfpack ultimately finished 3rd in a sub-3 minute effort (2:59.71).

Florida State, Virginia, and Notre Dame all notched new school records. FSU took 12th overall while Virginia was 10th and Notre Dame was 9th.

Besides the big DQ from the Gators, Auburn and Georgia were also issued disqualifications. Auburn’s breaststroker, Henry Bethel (-0.13 reaction time) and Georgia’s butterflier Bradley Dunham (-0.04 reaction time) jumped too early.

Fastest Splits:

• Backstroke — Kacper Stokowski, NC State (43.57)
• Breaststroke — Leon Marchand, Arizona State (48.73) **Fastest Split In History**
• Butterfly — Josh Liendo, Florida (42.57) ** **Fastest Split In History**
• Freestyle — Bjorn Seeliger, California (40.30)

Scores Thru Day 3

1. Arizona State — 343
2. Cal — 286.5
3. Florida — 273
4. Indiana — 247
5. NC State — 206
6. Texas — 165
7. Tennessee — 147
8. Stanford — 144
9. Virginia Tech — 116
10. Georgia — 88
11. Notre Dame — 79
12. Auburn — 72
13. Louisville — 69
14. Michigan — 68.5
15. Ohio State — 65
16. Texas A&M — 62
17. Alabama — 50
18. SMU / Virginia — 41
19. —
20. Florida State — 34
21. Minnesota — 28
22. Miami (FL) — 21
23. Missouri / Arizona — 19
24. —
25. Towson — 17
26. Pitt — 15
27. LSU — 11
28. USC / UNC — 9
29. Penn St — 8
30. BYU — 7
31. Utah — 6
32. Purdue — 5
33. George Washington — 1