Full Breakdown
2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country Preseason Rankings Overview
8/27/2025, 12:37:47 PM
Top Rankings in Men's Cross Country
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll, highlighting Iowa State as the top-ranked team. This marks the first time Iowa State has held the No. 1 position in the poll, following a strong performance last season where they finished as national runners-up. The Cyclones received seven of the eleven first-place votes and return six of their seven athletes from last year's squad, including All-American Rodgers Kiplimo.
New Mexico follows closely in second place, achieving its highest ranking in program history. The Lobos return 2024 individual runner-up Habtom Samuel and several other strong athletes, enhancing their competitive edge. Oklahoma State, the defending national champion, starts the season ranked third, bolstered by returning All-Americans Brian Musau and Denis Kipngetich. BYU and Wisconsin round out the top five, with BYU returning only two athletes from their championship team.
Women's Cross Country Rankings
In the women's division, BYU leads the preseason rankings as the unanimous No. 1 team after winning the national championship last year. The Cougars return four key athletes, including All-American Riley Chamberlain. Oregon ranks second, its highest since 2017, followed by NC State, which aims to reclaim its title after finishing eighth last year. New Mexico and West Virginia complete the top five, with West Virginia achieving its highest ranking in program history.
Notable Regional Rankings and Performances
The Big 12 Conference showcases strong performances, with five teams in the top five of the USTFCCCA polls. Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and BYU are all represented in the top rankings, while Arkansas stands out in the South Central Region, ranked No. 1. The Razorbacks have consistently performed well, finishing on the podium in four of the last five NCAA Championships.
Missouri's men's team is projected to finish fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), while the women's team is ranked seventh. Both teams have shown improvement compared to last year's preseason rankings.
Upcoming Events and Championships
The 2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships are scheduled for November 22 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Missouri. Teams are gearing up for their season openers, with many scheduled to compete in various meets starting August 29.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rankings reflect current team strengths, some critics argue that preseason polls can be misleading, as they do not account for the unpredictable nature of cross country competitions. The performance of teams can vary significantly throughout the season, making early rankings a topic of debate among coaches and athletes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Expectations are justifiably high for the Cyclones, who received seven of 11 possible first-place votes from the electorate.” — USTFCCCA
- “The Cougars are a unanimous No. 1 in the preseason edition of the NCAA DI Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll.” — USTFCCCA
The 2025 cross country season promises to be competitive, with several teams poised to challenge for national titles as they head into their respective schedules.
