Full Breakdown
2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll – Week 5 Overview
11/5/2025, 1:15:30 AM
Conference Championships Impact Rankings
The latest NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll, released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), reflects significant changes following the Conference Championships Weekend. The poll is determined by votes from a group of 11 coaches, including representatives from each of Division I’s nine regions and two from the NCAA Cross Country Executive Committee.
Current Rankings and Key Performances
1. Brigham Young University (BYU) remains the top-ranked team for the sixth consecutive week after winning the Big 12 Championships with a team score of 38 points. BYU's Jane Hedengren set a course record of 18:29, leading her team to a dominant performance that included three runners in the top ten.
2. North Carolina State University (NC State) has emerged as a legitimate contender, claiming three first-place votes and securing first place at the ACC Championships. The Wolfpack scored 28 points, with Angelina Napoleon winning the individual title in a course-record time of 19:13.
3. University of Florida holds steady at third place after winning the SEC Championships, led by Judy Chepkoech’s second-place finish. The Gators scored 45 points, showcasing depth with four runners in the top ten.
4. University of Oregon ranks fourth, achieving a historic Big Ten title with an 18-point team score, the lowest in conference history. Diana Cherotich led the Ducks with a winning time of 19:31.
5. University of Notre Dame rounds out the top five, maintaining a strong presence in the rankings.
Rising Teams and Notable Returns
University of North Carolina has re-entered the rankings at 13th after a third-place finish at the ACC Championships, with Vera Sjoberg leading the team. University of Alabama climbed back to 15th place following a runner-up finish at the SEC Championships, where reigning national champion Doris Lemngole won the individual title.
Louisiana State University (LSU) made history by entering the national poll for the first time, ranking 26th after a strong performance at the SEC Championships. Duke University also joined the rankings at 29th, following a sixth-place finish at the ACC Championships.
Upcoming Events
The next significant event is the Regional Championships on November 14, where teams will compete for automatic qualification spots for the NCAA Championships scheduled for November 22 in Columbia, Missouri. Teams outside the top two in their regions will vie for 14 at-large spots to complete the 32-team field.
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country season is shaping up to be competitive, with several teams demonstrating their potential to challenge for national titles. The upcoming Regional Championships will be crucial in determining which teams secure their spots in the NCAA Championships.
