The 33-year-old totalled 8,526 points to secure his third national title, finishing 95 points clear of defending champion and 2025 World Championships bronze medallist Kyle Garland (8,431 points). Hakim McMorris took third with 8,312 points.
It is Scantling’s first US outdoor crown since 2022, following earlier triumphs in 2021 and 2022. His winning score stands as the highest decathlon total by an American athlete in 2026.
Scantling’s event-by-event marks
- 100m: 10.87s
- Long jump: 7.58m
- Shot put: 16.07m
- High jump: 2.04m
- 400m: 49.09s
- 110m hurdles: 13.86s
- Discus: 46.27m
- Pole vault: 5.00m
- Javelin: 62.49m
- 1,500m: 4:43.78
Scantling took control in the latter stages of the competition, producing the best javelin throw of the field and a strong pole vault to pull clear of Garland. The Florida-based athlete, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics with a then-personal best of 8,611 points, owns a lifetime best of 8,867 points set in 2022.
The championships run from 23-26 July at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island.