2025 Men’s NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships
- March 26-29, 2025
- Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center, Federal Way, Washington
- Short Course Yards (25 yards)
- Start Times: Prelims: 10 AM ׀ Finals: 6 PM (Pacific Daylight Time)
- Psych Sheet
- Eligible Relays
- SwimSwam Preview Index
- Live Results
- Live Recaps
Jordan Crooks swam 17.91 (#5 all-time) to win the 50 freestyle in finals on Day 2, and followed that up with a 17.82 leadoff (#3 all time) as Tennessee came within four hundredths of their own NCAA record in the 200 free relay. This was their first relay title since 1996, and could be followed by a second in the 400 free relay later on in the week.
Two sub-18 swims in a single day is impressive. Only two men have ever broken 18 seconds from a flat start – Caeleb Dressel and Jordan Crooks – with eight total swims between them. Josh Liendo is third-fastest in history with an 18.07.
- 17.63 – Caeleb Dressel – 2018 NCAAs, 50 free final
- 17.81 – Caeleb Dressel – 2018 NCAAs, 200 free relay
- 17.82 – Crooks – 2025 NCAAs, 200 free relay
- 17.85 – Crooks – 2025 SECs, 50 free final
- 17.91 – Crooks – 2025 NCAAs, 50 free final
- 17.93 – Crooks – 2023 SECs, 50 free final
- 17.96 – Crooks – 2025 SECs, 200 free relay
- 17.99 – Crooks – 2024 SECs, 50 free final
Prior to today Crooks had never been sub-18 at an NCAA championships, with four of his six swims coming at SECs. Notably, he has never swum faster in the individual 50 at NCAAs than in the same event as SECs.
2025 was the first year where he has dropped time from prelims to finals at NCAAs too, something he’s struggled with at both college and international level. His best swims have previously come in the round before finals, whether that be prelims or semi-finals, including his 50 free world record of 19.90 done in the semis at 2024 SC Worlds. The fact that he’s dropped time this year is both a sign of improvement and maturity, and should serve him well once he leaves Tennessee and focuses on the international stage.
The four fastest swimmers in history: Dressel, Crooks, Liendo and Gui Caribe, are all from the SEC. The fastest Non-SEC swimmer is Bjorn Seeliger, who led off Cal’s 2022 NCAA 200 free relay in 18.27.
Although Crooks has six of eight swims under the barrier, Dressel’s 2018 NCAA campaign is still unmatched. His 17.63 swim looks like it will remain the NCAA record for a while longer.
I think Dressel will be back. He just signed a new deal with DeBoer Swim. I wonder why no one is talking about that?
I believe Caeleb has a third 17. time that should be on this list…if it is a top-time list.
I looked at multiple sources and couldn’t find a third one. If you track it down let me know…
You’re right – my mistake! Definitely a case of strong emotions of that day negatively impacting my memory. I remember being hyped three times for his record-breaking 50 free, but the first time was “only” 18.1.
Anyone remember when people thought Dressel’s record was in danger?
lol
Better to shoot for the stars and miss, Saltie, than sit at home submitting SwimSwam comments all day
You must be fun at parties. Heat winner ribbon at summer league doesn’t count as an athletic achievement. Keep it moving!
Why you gotta hate on summer league?
Granted 19 hundredths at this speed is more than you’d think, but it’s close enough to warrant the record being placed on record watch.
It was very reasonable to assume Dressel’s record might have been in danger.
All said and done, his 17.82 is just 0.19 slower than Dressel’s 17.63. It was definitely conceivable it could have happened.
Was Dressel even fully tapered for ISL?