Disgraced runner Seth Clevenger wins NCAA title after doping expulsion

From expulsion to victory: How a tainted past didn't stop this runner's redemption. The NCAA's flawed doping system faces fresh scrutiny.

, and Administrator

2026 March 24 . 1:02 PM

1 min read

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Disgraced runner Seth Clevenger wins NCAA title after doping expulsion

Seth Clevenger, a middle-distance runner at Rowan University, won the 5,000-metre race at the NCAA Division III Championships on 13 March 2026. His victory stands out because he was previously expelled from Iowa State amid doping allegations—though no formal case was ever confirmed.

Clevenger's career took an unusual turn after Iowa State removed him and three teammates in 2024 for breaking team rules. Reports suggested the use of banned substances like peptides (BPC-157) and EPO, but no failed drug test or official sanction followed. Despite this, he transferred to Rowan University in New Jersey and remained eligible to compete.

The NCAA manages its own anti-doping programme, relying on university-level testing rather than external oversight. Critics argue the system is underfunded and ineffective, with no involvement from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WAMA) or the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The Athletics Integrity Unit of World Athletics, which monitors elite track and field, has no jurisdiction over NCAA events, leaving a gap in enforcement. Only 10% of U.S. athletes in college and professional sports fall under the stricter protections of the World Anti-Doping Code. The NCAA's internal handling of cases has raised concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

Clevenger's win highlights ongoing questions about anti-doping measures in collegiate sports. Without independent oversight, the NCAA's system continues to face scrutiny over its ability to detect and deter doping violations. The case also underscores the limited reach of global anti-doping standards within U.S. university athletics.