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. 10 DI NCAA champions fit the bill this winter, all looking to defend their indoor crowns against a deep field of challengers.
I’ll only be highlighting the indoor returning champions, saving the 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
High Jump (sweep): Romaine Beckford | Arkansas (Won at South Florida)
Top Challengers
- Trey Allen | Louisville
- Shaun Miller Jr. | Ohio State
Romaine Beckford transferred to Arkansas from South Florida this offseason after sweeping the high jump titles. If Beckford is to repeat in his new threads, he’ll have to outjump Louisville’s Trey Allen and Ohio State’s Shaun Miller Jr., who both have personal-best marks above 2.20 meters.
Triple Jump (sweep): Jaydon Hibbert | Arkansas
Top Challengers
- Apalos Edwards | Arkansas
- Jeremiah Davis | Florida State
Jaydon Hibbert is the reigning Bowerman winner after a dominant freshman year. While all signs point to him only getting better, he’ll still have challengers in…
