Ilya Kharun Leads Rebuilt Arizona State Men's Swim Squad
Arizona State enters the 2026-27 season ranked fourth, relying on Ilya Kharun to fill the gap left by six major departures.
Key points
- Ilya Kharun scored 52 points for Arizona State last season, leading the team to a fourth-place finish.
- The Sun Devils lost six key swimmers, including Remi Fabiani, Jonny Kulow, and Adam Chaney, who combined for over 80 points.
- Eight new swimmers joined the roster, including international athletes from France, Spain, Lithuania, and Sweden.
The Arizona State men’s swimming team enters the 2026-27 season ranked fourth nationally. Ilya Kharun now anchors a roster that lost significant depth last spring. The Sun Devils face a steep climb without their previous scoring core.
Coach Herbie Behm inherited a squad that jumped from sixth to fourth in one year. That rise relied heavily on transfers and veteran leaders. Now, the weight of expectation shifts entirely to one junior. Kharun must carry the torch for a program in transition.
Kharun Bears the Weight
Kharun scored 52 points for the Sun Devils last season. He finished first in the 200 butterfly and third in both the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle. His speed and consistency made him the team’s engine. That dominance is now the baseline for the entire roster.
Replacing the Departed Stars
Six swimmers left the program, taking their points with them. Remi Fabiani contributed 37 points, while Jonny Kulow added 27. Adam Chaney provided 19.5 points, and Andy Dobrzanski chipped in 1.5. These losses create a significant hole in the depth chart.
The team also lost individual qualifiers Tommy Palmer and Jordan Tiffany. Their absence thins out the sprint and distance options. SwimSwam notes that this exodus represents a major shift in the team’s identity. The remaining roster must step up quickly.
New Faces Join the Pool
Arizona State addressed the gaps with eight new additions. Jake Lloyd arrives from Ohio as a free and all-around sprinter. Tyler Porter brings sprint freestyle and butterfly skills from California. London Rising adds depth in the free and fly events.
International talent also strengthens the lineup. Nathan Muratory joins from France, while Sergio de Celis comes from Spain. Kristupas Trepocka represents Lithuania, and Oliver Munn brings breaststroke expertise from Sweden. Nick Simons transfers from Tennessee to bolster the backstroke group. This influx aims to replace the lost scoring power.
