Full Breakdown
2025 NCAA Cross Country Rankings: Week 3 Overview
10/2/2025, 5:51:07 AM
NCAA Division I Men's Cross Country Rankings
The latest NCAA Division I Men's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll, released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), reflects significant competition across the nation. Iowa State retains its top position after a commanding victory at the Gans Creek Classic, scoring 47 points and defeating No. 4 Virginia by 60 points. Oklahoma State follows closely in second place after narrowly defeating New Mexico, 36-41, at the Cowboy Jamboree. Virginia improved to fourth place, showcasing strong performances from its top runners, including Gary Martin, who finished ninth.
Colorado made a notable jump from 13th to 8th place, benefiting from a solid showing at Gans Creek, while Alabama, Butler, North Carolina, Michigan State, Tulane, Arkansas, and Georgetown also saw improvements in their rankings. Missouri entered the poll for the first time since 2012, securing the 20th spot.
NCAA Division II Men's Cross Country Rankings
In the NCAA Division II Men's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll, Wingate remains the top-ranked team, preparing for its debut at the Paul Short Run. The Colorado School of Mines secured second place after a close victory over Adams State at the Lucian Rosa Invitational, with both teams demonstrating competitive depth. Grand Valley State and Lee (Tenn.) round out the top five, with Lee achieving its highest ranking since 2022.
Notably, several teams improved their standings, including Western Washington and Walsh, who both moved up two spots. The upcoming NCAA DII Cross Country Championships are scheduled for November 22 at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country Rankings
The NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll sees UW-La Crosse maintaining its top position, although it did not compete recently. Wartburg follows closely in second, having captured one of UW-La Crosse's first-place votes. SUNY Geneseo and Pomona-Pitzer hold third and fourth places, respectively, while Johns Hopkins rounds out the top five.
The rankings are expected to shift as teams prepare for the upcoming Paul Short Run, where several top-ranked teams will compete. The NCAA DIII Cross Country Championships are set for November 22 at the Roger Millikin Cross Country Course in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country Rankings
In the NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll, Colorado School of Mines ascended to the top spot after a dominant performance at the Lucian Rosa Invitational. West Texas A&M and Grand Valley State follow in second and third, respectively. Notably, Wingate remains in fifth place despite not competing recently.
The rankings reflect a competitive landscape, with several teams, including Northern Michigan, making significant gains. The NCAA DII Cross Country Championships are also scheduled for November 22 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
NCAA Division III Women's Cross Country Rankings
The NCAA Division III Women's Cross Country National Coaches' Poll is led by MIT, with Williams and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps tied for second. Chicago and NYU complete the top five. Most teams held their positions, but Claremont-Mudd-Scripps made a notable rise after a strong performance at the UC Riverside Invitational.
As teams gear up for the Paul Short Run, the rankings are likely to experience further changes. The NCAA DIII Cross Country Championships will take place on November 22 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA Cross Country season is heating up, with teams across all divisions preparing for critical meets leading up to the championships. The rankings reflect the competitive nature of the sport, with several teams making significant strides as they approach the season's climax.
