USC men claim a share of the National Title in NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
Track and field chaos unfolded at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, as the NCAA men's outdoor championships reached its thrilling climax. The trophy was snatched from USC's grasps just weeks earlier at the indoor championships, but the Trojans fought tooth and nail to secure a share of the title this time around. Their arch-rivals, Texas A&M, were equally determined, and it all came down to the final, nail-biting race of the night.
The sports world held its breath as the contestants took their marks for the 1600-meter relay. With USC and Texas A&M locked at 40 points each, and Arkansas trailing closely behind with 40 points, the stakes couldn't have been higher. The Trojans had won the indoor title earlier in the year but hadn't tasted outdoor glory in a whopping 49 years[5]. The Aggies, on the other hand, last clinched the outdoor title back in the 70s.
As the runners sprinted their hearts out, South Florida's anchor gave a Herculean effort, outpacing Texas A&M to cross the finish line first. The tension was electrifying as the clock read 3:42 - a hard-fought victory for the Bulls, cementing their spot on the podium.
The final scoreboard showed an exciting tie between USC and Texas A&M at 41 points apiece, knocking Arkansas down to third place – a heartbreaking outcome for the Razorbacks, who had been hot on their heels all evening. USC's impressive performance secured them a major victory, ending Florida's three-year reign as champions[4]. The team had struggled earlier in the meet, finishing a disappointing eighth – earning just one measly point[2]. However, their 10-point haul from the relay ensured a glorious share of the 2025 title[2][3][4].
Before the final race,Texas A&M had held a slight edge over USC, but a late surge by South Florida threw the race into chaos. If Texas A&M had won the relay, they would have taken the title outright, and Arkansas and USC would have shared second place. Despite Arkansas protesting that a USF runner hindered one of their own, the protest was ultimately dismissed[5].
The star performances from Max Thomas (third in the 100 at 10.10 seconds), William Jones (second in the 400 at 45.53), and Garrett Kaalund (third in the 200 at 19.96) helped USC accumulate valuable points[5]. The 4x100 relay team also secured a respectable second place with a time of 38.46.
With the men's title decided, attention now turns to the women's championship to be held on Saturday at Hayward Field on the Oregon campus. Keep an eye out for more incredible drama in the world of collegiate track and field!
Sources:[1] FloTrack[2] ESPN[3] NCAA.com[4] Race Results Weekly[5] LA Times
In an exciting turn of events at the 2025 NCAA men's indoor track championship, USC emerged victorious, claiming the title after 53 long years. Arkansas lodged a protest following the event, alleging that a runner from USF had impeded one of their athletes. However, the protest was unsuccessful, ensuring USC's win and leaving Arkansas and Texas A&M to split second place[5].
Throughout the competition, USC showcased their blazing speed and solid strategy. The Trojans notched up key performances, including Max Thomas' third place finish in the 100 (10.10 seconds), William Jones' second place finish in the 400 (45.53), and Garrett Kaalund's third place showing in the 200 (19.96)[5]. The 4x100 relay team also excelled, earning second place with a time of 38.46.
This incredible victory marked not only USC's triumph in the indoor division but also their first outdoor championship in 49 years[5]. The team had faced several challenges during the competition but their strategic allocation of points allowed them to outshine their opponents.
The triumph at the 2025 NCAA men's indoor track championship by USC didn't come without drama, as they overcame Arkansas' protest alleging interference by a USF runner, securing their win and sharing the second place with Arkansas and Texas A&M[5]. This victory, marked their end to a 53-year drought in the indoor division, and also set a precedent for their first outdoor title in California, following a 49-year gap[5].
