Jacob Johnson Is Making Waves and Breaking Records at Minnesota

Minnesota freshman Jacob Johnson isn’t just making a splash—he’s creating a tidal wave. The 200-yard butterfly phenom is carving out his place in Golden Gophers history by smashing the school record not once, not twice, but three times in his first semester of collegiate swimming. If breaking records was a paid gig, Johnson would be swimming in cash faster than his butterfly stroke.

Let’s talk about the record in question. The previous best for the 200 fly at the University of Minnesota was a 1:42.47, set by current fifth-year swimmer Kaiser Neverman during last year’s Big Ten Championships. Neverman’s record earned him a trip to the NCAA Championships, where he finished 30th in the 200 fly. But Johnson? He’s not just dipping his toes into collegiate swimming—he’s cannonballing in, breaking that record again and again with jaw-dropping consistency.

Three Records in Three Months

Johnson wasted no time making a name for himself. The first crack at the record came during a dual meet against Army on October 11, where he clocked in at 1:42.41 in front of an electrified crowd. That was just the start. Three weeks later, Johnson obliterated his own mark with a 1:41.70, not only smashing the school record but also besting his personal high school record of 1:42.29.

And just when you thought he might take a breather, Johnson did it again at the Minnesota Invite on Saturday evening. He clocked in at 1:41.56 during the finals, securing his spot at the NCAA Championships. For context, that time would have placed him 6th at last year’s Big Ten Championships, a remarkable feat for a team that didn’t produce a single A-finalist at that meet.

A Fly-ing Future

Johnson’s latest time narrowly missed the cut for last year’s NCAA Championship B-Final (1:41.38), but it sets him up as a strong contender to score points this year. The Minnesota men’s team hasn’t seen an All-American in the 200 fly since Kyler van Swol finished 16th in 2014. Johnson is not just breaking records; he’s reigniting hope for the program.

What makes Johnson’s progression so exciting is how much room he still has to grow. His consistent improvements suggest that he’s just getting started, and Minnesota fans can’t wait to see what’s next. Could an All-American finish be in his near future? If his current trajectory is any indication, it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.”

Big Swims, Big Impact

Johnson’s meteoric rise comes at a time when Minnesota swimming could use a morale boost. The Golden Gophers men’s team has been looking for standout performances, and Johnson is delivering in a big way. His success is not only a win for the program but also a source of inspiration for teammates and fans alike.

Watching Johnson perform feels a bit like witnessing the dominance of Armand “Mondo” Duplantis in pole vaulting—minus the hefty financial bonuses, of course. Like Duplantis, Johnson keeps inching closer to perfection with each swim, proving that greatness is often achieved one centimeter (or, in this case, one hundredth of a second) at a time.

What’s Next for Johnson?

With the NCAA Championships on the horizon, the sky—or the water—is the limit for Jacob Johnson. His relentless pursuit of excellence has already left a mark on the Minnesota swimming program, and his story is just beginning. As he continues to refine his technique and build on his impressive debut season, there’s little doubt that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.

So, what’s next for Minnesota’s new butterfly king? More records? An All-American title? A meteoric rise to national stardom? One thing is certain: Jacob Johnson is a name to watch. And if he keeps up this pace, we might need a bigger trophy case at Minnesota.