The Calvin men's swimming and diving team has been picked as the favorite in the MIAA preseason coaches' poll released Thursday afternoon.

The Knights received three first place votes and a total of 15 points. Rival Hope is a close second. The Flying Dutchmen received two first place votes and a total of 14 points.

Calvin finished second at the 2026 MIAA Men's Swimming and Diving Championships with 1,125 points and looks to challenge for the conference crown with several All-MIAA performers returning.

Sophomore Jackson Merkel headlines the Knights' returning group following a standout first season. Merkel tied the MIAA meet record in the 100 back with a time of 47.53 and won the 200 back in 1:45.70. He also contributed to the MIAA record-breaking 800 free relay and the winning 200 medley and 400 free relays. At the NCAA Championships, Merkel placed fifth in the 100 back (47.20), 16th in the 200 back (1:49.25), and 25th in the 200 free (1:39.11).

Sophomores David Gabrielle and Evan Haney also return after earning All-MIAA honors last season. Gabrielle helped Calvin win the 200 medley relay and finish first in the 400 medley relay. Junior Andrew Taulbee, another returning All-MIAA honoree, also contributed to the Knights' first-place 400 medley relay.

Calvin is currently ranked 13^th nationally by the College Swim Coaches Association. The Knights host Division II Grand Valley State and Saginaw Valley State this Saturday in a triangular at 1 p.m. at the Venema Aquatic Center.

Conference competition begins with the MIAA Fall Invite, hosted by Hope at the Holland Aquatic Center on October 24 at 11:00 a.m. The MIAA Winter Invite will follow at Calvin on January 23 at 11:00 a.m.

MIAA Men's Swimming and Diving Preseason Poll
1. Calvin University - 15 points (3 first-place votes)
2. Hope College - 14 points (2 first-place votes)
3. Kalamazoo College - 8 points
4. Albion College - 7 points
5. Alma College - 6 points