Conference season is here, and we’re breaking down our full 2026 ACC, SEC, and Big Ten previews. We debate Cal vs. NC State vs. Stanford on the men’s ACC side, how dominant Texas can be in the SEC, and whether IU or Michigan takes control in the Big Ten. We also highlight the must-watch races—Huske vs. Curtis in the 50 free, Liendo vs. Caribe in the sprints, Delmar vs. Okadome in the 200 breast, and stacked women’s 200 frees across conferences. Plus, full team-by-team placement predictions from both of us. Championship season starts now

Big January duals are in the books, and we’re breaking down where the top programs really stand. From Zona vs. ASU fireworks and NC State’s distance dominance to UVA’s women flexing elite depth and Cal’s puzzling approach to big meets, we hit all the major Power Four matchups. We also dive into breakout swims, midseason transfers making waves, conference outlooks, and the big question: who’s actually trending toward NCAA hardware? It’s a full January stock report on college swimming—who’s rising, who’s steady, and who should be a little concerned heading into championship season

Join hosts Casey Stowe and Desmon Sachtjen on the DFL Swimming Podcast as they welcome back Max McHugh, a four-time NCAA champion and current assistant swimming coach at the University of Notre Dame. Dive into Max's journey from champion swimmer to coach, explore the dynamics of coaching at Notre Dame, and discover the balance between athletics and academics. This episode is packed with insights, reflections, and advice for aspiring swimmers and coaches.