Luke Vickers will join the Oakland men’s program for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Vickers just finished his sophomore season at Ohio State.
“I am excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic careers at Oakland University! Thank you to Coach Mitch Alters for giving me this opportunity and believing in me from day one. I can’t wait to help contribute to the history of excellence here at OU.
Finally, thank you Ohio State for these last two years. My friendships and memories made there will last a lifetime.
Onto new beginnings 🔜 Go grizz 🐻”
Originally from Massillon, Ohio, Vickers arrived on campus in Columbus in fall 2024. He was a member of Ohio State’s non scoring roster at Big Tens as a freshman and swam lifetime bests in all three of his events. He swam to a 52.76 100 breast, 1:53.71 200 breast, and a 1:48.44 200 IM. Back in March 2025, he swam to a CSCAA National Invite title in the 100 breast with a 53.28 as well as a 1:55.43 200 breast.
He returned to the Buckeyes for his sophomore season and had a huge lifetime best 52.58 in the 100 breast during prelims at the 2026 Big Ten Championships where he was a member of Ohio State’s non scoring roster. He also swam a season best 1:56.87 200 breast.
Vickers’ Time Progression:
| High School | Freshman | Sophomore | |
| 100 breast | 53.83 | 52.76 | 52.58 |
| 200 breast | 1:57.51 | 1:53.71 | 1:56.87 |
The Oakland men captured the 2026 Horizon League title with 904 points. Breaststroker Christopher Palvadre went on to represent the team at the 2026 NCAA Championships after swimming a 52.20 100 breast at the Horizon League Championships to earn an automatic invite to NCAAs.
Based on his best times, Vickers is a huge addition to the Oakland men. Vickers’ best time in the 100 breast would have been 2nd, just behind Palvadre at the Horizon League Championships. Vickers best time in the 200 breast would have also been 2nd at the Horizon League Championships, only behind Logan Kelly of IU-Indianapolis. Palvadre just finished his senior season while Kelly just finished his graduate season so Vickers will look to be a strong contender next spring for the breaststroke titles.
The automatic qualifying times stood at a 52.58 in the 100 breast and a 1:54.95 in the 200 breast, both of which Vickers have been under. Vickers would need to win the conference title to earn an automatic bid. It is expected that these times will get faster this upcoming season.
And example of where fit and culture trumps ranking. Best of luck to Luke, it’s a great program.