IRVING, Texas – Defending American champion Rice has been selected as the favorite to defend its title in the American Women’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll, as voted on by the coaches.
 
American swimming and diving expands to nine teams this season with the addition of affiliate members James Madison, Liberty and Marshall, joining full members East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, Tulane as well as affiliate member FIU.
 
In a tight vote, Rice earned five first-place votes and a total of 59 total points to be named the favorite. Liberty, the 2025 Atlantic Sun champion, was second, earning 57 points, including two first-place votes. FIU, the 2024 American champion, was picked third with 54 points and the remaining two first-place votes. Tulane was picked fourth with 35 points, followed by James Madison, the 2025 Sun Belt champion, with 34 points. East Carolina and Marshall tied for sixth with 28 points, followed by Florida Atlantic (15 points) and North Texas (14).
 
Rice captured a very close 2025 American Championship by 1.5 points over second-place FIU. Tulane placed third, followed by East Carolina, North Texas and Florida Atlantic.
 
The 2026 American Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship will be held February 18-21 at the Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
 
American Women’s Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll

1.	Rice (5)	59
2.	Liberty (2)	57
3.	FIU (2)	54
4.	Tulane	35
5.	James Madison	34
6.	East Carolina	28
	Marshall	28
8.	Florida Atlantic	15
9.	North Texas	14

 First-place votes in parenthesis