Official NWC Release

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Northwest Conference office released its preseason coaches' poll for the sport of men's swimming on Monday with Pacific Lutheran University picked to finish fifth at the 2026 NWC Championships.
 
The Lutes earned 32 points in the poll, securing fifth overall. PLU held a one-point edge on sixth ranked Lewis & Clark College (31 points) and sits eight points shy of fourth place Linfield University (40 points).

Two-time defending Conference Champion Whitworth University is the prohibitive favorite with 64 points and eight of the nine first place votes. University of Puget Sound is second with 54 points and the remaining first place endorsement. Whitman College is third with 50 points.

Willamette University (26 points), George Fox University (19 points), and Pacific University (eight points) round out the poll, sitting seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively.

Pacific Lutheran finished sixth overall at the 2025 NWC Championships held at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Washington.
 
The Lutes opened the 2025-2026 season with an unscored exhibition back on Oct. 16 and begin the NWC dual meet season on Saturday on the road against George Fox. The 2026 NWC Championships are set for Feb. 12-15 back at the KCAC in Federal Way.