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McGraw YMCA’s Rayburn Kohl has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes for the fall of 2025.
I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim at The Ohio State University. I’d like to give a big thank you to my coaches and teammates who have helped me throughout my process. I’d also like to give a huge thank you to Coach Bill and Coach Graham for giving me this special opportunity. Can’t wait for the next four years! GO BUCKS!!🅾️🌰
The Chicago native was a three-time championship finalist at the YMCA National Short Course Championships back in March, where he touched 3rd in both the 100 backstroke (47.93) and 200 backstroke (1:44.27), and added a 6th-place finish in the 50 freestyle (20.26), setting lifetime bests in all three races.
Kohl swam at William Jones College Preparatory High School, where he finished 3rd at the 2025 IHSA Boys State Championship in the 100 free (44.69), paired with a 4th place finish in the 100 back (48.91).
Coming into 2025, Kohl sat at a 48.88 100 back lifetime best. Since then, he has taken off nearly a full second., While his 200 back has seen similar improvement, taking nearly two and a half seconds off of his all-time mark of 1:46.90.
Best SCY Times
- 100 Back- 47.93
- 200 Back- 1:44.27
- 100 Free- 44.44
- 50 Free- 20.26
- 200 Free- 1:40.89
The Buckeye men finished 3rd at the Big Ten Championships. Based on Kohl’s best times, he would have qualified for the ‘C’ final in the 100 back (22nd), just outside of the consolation final in the 200 back (18th), and his 50 free would have been 38th.
The Buckeyes add Kohl to their 2025 recruiting class, which also includes Aidan Levine, Gherman Prudnikau, Austin Hickok, Ethan Reniewicki, Cooper Burt, and Mason Francis.
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