The midseason invitationals have come and gone. Up to this point, the season's form reflected unrested college dual meets. That is no longer the case. 

Having a chance to put their best foot forward, the true contenders on the national landscape have more clearly emerged, and the powerhouse schools have yet again risen to the top following the midseason invites.

Many individual swims that shape the rankings came against other top competition, but the select group leading the polls raced in different meets. Compile the swims and these most recent rankings are the result.

Dec. 6 CSCAA Rankings

Delayed Entry, Enter Texas

It took until now for the preseason No. 2-ranked Longhorns to post swims worthy of a top two ranking. After dropping 4 of 5 dual meets to open the year, the Texas Invitational brought out the best in the Longhorns.

Following its invitational, Texas leads the nation in individual "A" qualifying standard swims with eight. Three schools are tied for the next best total with four swims. The Longhorns' lowest-ranking relay, the 200 medley relay, currently sits fourth in the nation. 

Texas dropped significantly in the second and third polls — to No. 9 overall — but these most recent swims show the Longhorns' true colors. 

California Returns To No. 1

The Golden Bears men's team opened in the preseason as the favorite but quickly slipped beneath Indiana to the No. 2 slot. Cal's swims at the Georgia Invitational were enough to convince the voting coaches that the Golden Bears needed to be No. 1 again.

California's relays are the team's biggest strength. The Golden Bears lead all but the 800 free relay, which belongs to Texas. Individually, only Andrew Seliskar holds a top ranking. His 200 breast from Georgia, despite not being an "A" standard swim, leads the field.

With 300 points in this poll, California was the unanimous No. 1 selection. This was the first men's poll with a unanimous top team this season. Indiana was a single point short in the November poll.

Top 10 Shifts

Every team in the top 10 relocated in this poll. In fact, every team in the poll moved at least one spot. Despite the massive jump from Texas, the top 10 experienced small inclines and declines. Five schools rose slightly and four fell a few spots. 

The next poll will likely reflect this version much more than the previous editions. The shifting is the top 10 sorting itself out before championship season rolls around. 

Trending 

Up — No. 2 Texas, No. 15 Missouri

Texas returns to its rightful spot near the top and Missouri, in their home pool, swims to a ten spot jump. The No. 15 Tigers nearly fell from the previous rankings.

Down — No. 20 Notre Dame, No. 13 Auburn

Notre Dame took a big hit, dropping seven spots to No. 20 after a third-place finish at the Ohio State Invitational. Auburn has declined gradually since the second polls. First it was one spot; now it is three. For the TIgers' sake, hopefully that trend doesn't continue.

Newcomer — No. 23 Denver

The Pioneers, from the Summit League, make their first appearance in this year's rankings following the Tennessee Invitational in Knoxville. Backstroker Anton Loncar contributed greatly to the ranking with his 1:39.75 performance in the 200 back.