Competing on his home turf against Binghamton, McLaughlin opened his 2025 campaign career by competing in two long distance events. The freshman secured a second place finish in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 9:54.87, ranking him second in the conference. Additionally, the Inveruire, Scotland native swam to another second place finish in the 500 freestyle, clocking a time of 4:51.60.