Winning a national title in a track and field event brings a trophy and a spotlight as perks, but also a new target on one’s back. 16 DI NCAA champions fit the bill this winter, all looking to defend their crowns against a deep field of challengers.
I’ll only be highlighting the indoor returning champions, saving the 12 returning outdoor champions for the outdoor season. I also will not include relay champions. That said, let’s look at the potential title defenses.
Men
Combined Events (sweep) — Defending Champion: Ayden Owens-Delerme | Arkansas
Top challengers
- Kyle Garland | Georgia
- Leo Neugebauer | Texas
- Marcus Weaver | Arkansas via Wisconsin Eau Claire
Kyle Garland and Leo Neugebauer were Ayden Owens-Delerme’s biggest challengers last year, where Owens-Delerme swept the indoor and outdoor titles for combined events. All three return this year and we should see some exciting battles.
Owens-Delerme could also face a challenge for his new teammate, Marcus Weaver, who swept the DIII decathlon and javelin for the last two years.
TRANSFERS: 30 impact transfers to watch in the 2022-23 track and field season
Long jump (sweep) — Defending Champion: Wayne Pinnock | Arkansas (won titles at Tennessee)
Top challengers
- Jeremiah Davis | Florida State
- Johnny Brackins |…
