USC Wins 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Title; Records Fall in Multiple Events
The 2025 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships concluded on Saturday, March 15, at the Virginia Beach Sports Complex, delivering a thrilling display of athletic excellence. Southern California claimed the men’s indoor team title for the first time since 1972, scoring 39 points without winning a single event. Their biggest boost came in the 200 meters, where Garrett Kaalund—who was added to the meet as a late replacement—played a crucial role.
Several meet records fell over the weekend, with four events seeing new benchmarks. In two races, at least five athletes ran faster than the previous record, highlighting the depth of competition. Here’s a breakdown of the key performances from the men's events.
5000 Meters: Seven Athletes Break Meet Record
Oklahoma State’s Brian Musau won the 5000 meters in 13:11.34, leading a historic race where seven runners finished under the previous meet record of 13:19.01 set by Abdihamid Nur in 2022. New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel was runner-up in 13:11.78, while Wake Forest’s Rocky Hansen (13:12.65) was one of five athletes to set personal bests.
Distance Events: Virginia and North Carolina Trade Titles
The men’s distance medley relay and 3000 meters provided two of the most exciting finishes of the meet. On Friday, Virginia’s Gary Martin anchored his team to a meet-record victory in the DMR, clocking 9:15.12 after outkicking North Carolina’s Ethan Strand. But the next night, Strand turned the tables, avenging his DMR loss by surging past Martin in the final meters of the 3000m, winning in 7:52.03.
Meanwhile, the 800 meters saw a dramatic finish of its own. Matthew Erickson took control with just under 100 meters to go, holding off the field to capture the title in 1:46.43.
Weight Throw: Wyoming’s Daniel Reynolds Dominates
Wyoming’s Daniel Reynolds delivered a commanding performance in the weight throw, surpassing the previous meet record three times. His best mark of 25.08m (82-3½) moved him to No. 2 on the all-time collegiate list. CSUN’s Trey Knight (24.49m/80-4¼) edged Iowa’s Ryan Johnson (24.48m/80-3¾) for second place.
Mile: Abel Teffra Surges to Victory
Georgetown’s Abel Teffra took down the mile meet record, outkicking Washington’s Nathan Green, the 2023 NCAA outdoor 1500m champion, to win in 3:53.60. His time broke the previous record of 3:53.71 set by Cole Hocker in 2021. Green finished second in 3:53.99.
200 Meters: Makarawu Matches World-Leading Time
Kentucky’s Carli Makarawu equaled the fastest time in the world this year, clocking 20.13 in the 200 meters. He avenged his SEC Championship loss to Auburn’s Makanakaishe Charamba, who finished second in 20.16.
60m Dash
The men’s sprint events delivered high-intensity races, starting with a thrilling 60-meter prelim on Friday. JC Stevenson clocked a world-leading indoor time of 6.46 seconds, edging out Jordan Anthony (6.47) and Kayinsola Ajayi (6.48). However, Saturday’s final was a different story. In a razor-close finish, Anthony surged at the line to claim the title in 6.49, just holding off the competition.
400m
Georgia’s Will Floyd had a standout weekend, winning two NCAA titles. He first captured the 400 meters in 45.43 seconds before returning to lead his team to victory in the 4x400-meter relay, crossing the line in 3:03.44. Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp also shined in the hurdles, setting a personal best of 7.45 seconds to claim the 60-meter hurdles title.
Field and Multi Events Events
The field events saw impressive performances, with personal bests leading to national titles. Idaho State’s Peyton Bair dominated the heptathlon, amassing 6,013 points to take gold. In the long jump, Kelsey Daniel soared to 8.16m, securing the win with a lifetime best. The triple jump also produced a personal best, as Jonathan Seremes landed a winning mark of 17.04m.
Drama in the Men's 4x400m Drama:
