BYU Starts 2028 Recruiting With Verbal From Freestyler Josh Pendleton
NEW COMMIT: Brigham Young University has received its first public verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from Josh Pendleton of Columbus, Ind. Pendleton is a Junior National qualifier who excels in distance freestyle.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Brigham Young University! I am so grateful for my family, teammates, and friends for always supporting me. I’d also like to thank all my high school and club coaches, especially my first coach, Coach Jennifer Brinegar, for helping me get to where I am today. Special thanks to all the BYU coaching staff for this opportunity. GO COUGS!!”
Pendleton, who trains year-round with Center Grove Aquatic Club, finished 18th in the 1500m free at Junior Nationals this past summer after taking fifth in that event, plus winning the B-final of the 400m free, at Madison Futures. He had three top-20 finishes at Indianapolis Speedo Sectionals in March, highlighted by a 15th-place showing in the 400m free.
His best times include:
- 200 free – 1:41.79
- 500 free – 4:32.58
- 1000 free – 9:44.08
- 1650 free – 16:13.13
Currently a junior at Columbus East High School, Pendleton placed sixth in the 500 free and ninth in the 200 free at the 2026 Indiana State Championships. He won both of those at the IHSA Columbus North Sectional Championships.
BYU finished fifth at the 2026 Big 12 Conference Championships. Pendleton’s
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
