Golden Bears Land Another Big 2026 Verbal From JD Thumann
NEW COMMIT: The University of California, Berkeley has scored another big verbal commitment for its growing Class of 2026 recruiting cohort, this time from U.S. Open qualifier JD Thumann of Norman, Oklahoma.
He will join Baylor Stanton and Aiden Hammer in Berkeley as a member of the Golden Bears’ Class of 2030.
Thumann owns top-8 times in his class in the 50 free, 100 fly and 200 fly.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am excited to announce I will be jumping in to the next chapter of my academic and athletic career at the University of California, Berkeley! I want to thank my tremendous support system, to include my family and my coaches, specifically Kent Nicholson, Hogan Thomas, Ben Hayes, and Jack Carter, for their unwavering support over the past 10 years. None of this would be possible without you all. Also, I want to extend my gratitude to a few special teammates. @jonathantang123, your mentorship means the world to me. @hay.its.aiden, I’ll always be chasing the bar you set! I am beyond grateful to the Cal coaches for this incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to be a part of the 🐻 family! LET’S GO!!!”
Thumann trains year-round with Sooner Swim Club. He won the 200m fly this past summer at Columbia Sectionals where he also earned silver in the 100m fly and bronze in 100m back. He then went on to win the B-final of the 50m free at Speedo Summer Championships.
Last December, Thumann three top-24 finishes at Juniors West highlighted by an 11th-place showing in the 100 fly. He also won five events at Columbia Sectionals in March.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 20.15
- 100 free – 45.21
- 100 fly – 47.86
- 200 fly – 1:47.34
- 100 back – 49.06
- 200 back – 1:48.20
Currently a junior at Norman High School, Thumann won the 50 free and 100 fly at the 2025 Oklahoma 6A State Championships. He earned gold in the 100 fly and 200 free at the state meet during his freshman season.
The Golden Bears finished second at the 2024 NCAA Championships. Cal now competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
