2026 NCAA ‘A’ finalist in both the 100 free and 100 fly Julian Koch has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Koch just finished his sophomore season at Pitt.
Koch made huge strides over the last year as his highest finish at the 2025 ACC Championships as a freshman was 16th in the 100 free (42.97). He did not qualify for the 2025 NCAA Championships.
He started off his sophomore campaign strong, already swimming to lifetime bests in October at Pitt’s dual meet against Penn State. There he swam a 19.20 50 free, 41.85 100 free, and a 46.66 100 fly. At midseason, he posted a 41.15 in the 100 free to lead the ACC at the time.
In February, at the 2026 ACC Championships, Koch swam to 3rd place finish in the 100 fly with a 44.56. He also was 4th in the 100 free (41.26) and 9th in the 50 free (18.87) to score a total of 73 individual points, the 12th highest scorer for all ACC programs, and the highest for Pitt.
Koch went on to lead the team at the 2026 NCAA Championships last week, posting lifetime bests in all of his events. He was highlighted by a 4th place finish in the 100 free swimming a lifetime best 40.43 and was the top seed after prelims as he swam a 40.52. He also was 8th in the 100 fly, swimming a lifetime best 43.85 in prelims and also was 15th in the 50 free.
In addition to his individual impact, Koch also helped Pitt’s relays to 10th in the 400 free relay and 14th in the 800 free relay. The men’s team finished 20th overall, their highest finish in 73 years.
Koch’s Time Progression:
| Freshman | Sophomore | |
| 50 free | 19.41 | 18.65 |
| 100 free | 42.41 | 40.43 |
| 200 free | 1:34.68 | 1:31.95 |
| 100 fly | 46.76 | 43.85 |
Koch is the latest NCAA ‘A’ finalist to enter the portal. Also in the portal are Michigan’s Luka Mladenovic who made the ‘A’ final of the 100 and 200 breaststrokes and Minnesota’s Jacob Johnson who was 4th in the 200 fly at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Welcoming Julian to TN
Pitt seems to have some problems lol. First of all of their assistant coaches left just a couple of seasons ago. And now their only hope is leaving
Wow, was hoping this was a belated April Fool’s joke. Unfortunately, this is the landscape and as a proud Pitt alum, it breaks my heart but it is what it is. It’s all that’s wrong with college sports, but he has every right. I wish him all the best. It was an absolutely fantastic season for both the men and women. Chase and the staff are to be commended for their incredible success. Let’s not forget, it wasn’t too long ago where we were begging to make a relay for NC’s and placing wasn’t even a consideration. Great job and on to the next one!
Hit the nail on the head with this one. I hope there’s some money that can make him stay, or something else. But I’m looking forward to seeing what Chase can keep building!
What deserves more attention is the development of Pitt Swim under Chase and his staff… Koch, Jansen, Gring, Shannon all through the roof, especially this past season. Sucks to see kids just chase money instead of sticking to a plan that has proven to work. Can’t blame him, not in his shoes
University of Freestyle needs a new sprinter…
Didnt UVA get a big donation to its mens team?!? Just saying lol
Slap in the face to UPitt who made him
Gimme money!
I don’t care nothin about my school or teammates.
Money and swimming faster is all that matters.
It is ALL about ME.
You tell them “Koch”.
Wow this is such a crazy thing to say
Wonder what kind of NIL this guy will warrant? Bummed for Pitt but I get it