SURE, IT’S EARLY. And while we haven’t at this writing seen the top squads bringing their best to the line and doing battle, it’s coming soon. The Big Show is set for November 23 on the Zimmer Championship Course at Wisconsin. Prior to that, many of the nation’s top teams will make the visit to Verona, Wisconsin, to test themselves on the course. The Nuttycombe Invitational is set for September 27 and Pre-Nats will be October 19 — both invites will tell us much.
For now, we’re reading tea leaves like everybody else. What we know for sure is that we have solid returning programs with promising runners who are continuing to develop. Throw in some exciting new foreign talent and we can be assured that when the dust settles (or the snow, like the last time the meet was held in Wisconsin), the team atop the podium will have vanquished some amazing programs and earned every right to call themselves champions.
1. Oklahoma State
The unanimous favorite in the coaches’ preseason poll won last year over 3-time champ Northern Arizona by 22 points in a race we thought would be a lot closer. This year, Dave Smith’s Cowboys return 6 of 7 from that squad, led by Denis Kipngetich (4th last year), Brian Musau (8th), Fouad Messaoudi (10th) and Victor Shitsama (12th). Adisu Guadia (50th) and Will Muirhead (85th) will join them, and senior Ryan Schoppe, the 13:37.06 performer who anchored the winning distance medley last March, returns to the XC team after a year away. And don’t forget to factor in Laban Kipkemboi, who ran a 3:56.04 mile last winter.
2. BYU
Perennial powerhouse BYU also returns 6 of 7. Olympic steepler James Corrigan led the squad last year with his 32nd-place finish. Creed Thompson (28:04.15), Joey Nokes (28:05.38), Lucas Bons (3:54.82y), Isaac Hedengren (13:46.85) and Aiden Troutner (13:45.09) are all back, minus Olympic medalist Kenneth Rooks, who went pro. Another plus for Ed Eyestone’s squad is the return of senior captain Casey Clinger (13:17.36/27:57.90) after missing last season injured.
3. Arkansas
Now in his 17th season as Razorback coach, Chris Bucknam has guided his team to 4th three times, but never higher. This may be the year. Last year’s 4th-placers return Patrick Kiprop (7th), Kirami Yego (13th), Ben Shearer (42nd) along with Elias Schreml (13:43.82 PR) and Reuben Reina (3:59.91). Add to that some notable transfers, including Yaseen Abdalla, who was 4th in the SEC for Tennessee, Camren Fischer, the Mid-Atlantic region champ from Princeton, and a pair of Mid-American champs from Akron, Timothy Chesondin (10,000) and Brian Masai (1500/5000).
4. Northern Arizona
This will be the last year for Mike Smith at the helm, as he will put on a Nike hat after the ’25 track season. Four big stars are gone and the Lumberjacks will be rebuilding, with help from Aaron and Colin Sahlman, Kang Nyoak, Corey Gorgas (62nd) and Santiago Prosser (21st). Grad transfer David Mullarkey from Florida State and Britain will make a difference.
5. New Mexico
Just 18th last year in Darren Gauson’s first season at the helm, the Lobos look much stronger this year, with a team that is entirely foreign. They boast a low stick in top contender Habtom Samuel, runner-up last year. Others include 28:08.26 man Evans Kiplagat (33rd), plus Lukas Kiprop (7:41.97/13:28.23) and Thomas Termote (28:58.77). This will also be the first XC season for mid-year recruit Vincent Chirchir (28:19.01), plus new frosh Collins Kiprotich (13:58.43A).
6. Notre Dame
The Irish, under coach Chris Neal, are looking much better than their 14th last year. From that squad they return their top finisher in Ethan Coleman (48th). Others expected to contribute are Daelen Ackley (3:40.77/13:52.17), Robbie Cozean (28:52.66), Brody Hartley and Carter Solomon (13:26.11). Plus they’ve picked up grad transfer Michael Danzi from Columbia (3:40.87 PR).
7. Iowa State
The Cyclones placed 5th past year under coach Jeremy Sudbury and return 5 from that squad, including Rodgers Kiplimo (37th), Gabe Sepierda (43rd) and Said Mechaal (55th). New on the team this season is last year’s JUCO indoor 5000 champ, Hanibal Haile, and frosh Robin Kwemoi Bera, a Kenyan who has reportedly run 13:58.
8. North Carolina
Chris Miltenberg’s Tar Heels gave a hint of their power in winning the Virginia Invitational without Parker Wolfe, one of the nation’s top runners. Senior Ethan Strand won that race. Last season, the squad finished 6th at the NCAA, with Wolfe (9th) and Strand (45th) leading the returnees. Patrick Anderson (28:54.99), Will Coogan (13:44.64) and Colton Sands (28:49.31) should be among the key contributors.
9. Alabama
Last year, the Crimson Tide didn’t qualify as a team with just Viktor Kiprop (20th) and Hillary Cheruiyot (98th) competing at Nationals. Those two are back with even stronger résumés, Kiprop the NCAA 10,000 runner-up and Cheruiyot having run 7:45.90 in the indoor season. Coach Dan Waters can also count on Dennis Kipruto (27:50.45, 60:17 Half) and new recruit Dismus Lokira (28:36.77A).
10. Wisconsin
The Badgers finished 10th last year after crushing the Big 10 meet with just 19 points. Look for them to want to do much better on their home course. Returning for coach Mick Byrne are Olympian Adam Spencer (3:31.81), Bob Liking (13:09.31), Josh Truchon (13:57.33), Micah Wilson (29:13.98) and Rowen Ellenberg (13:44.27). New Zealand recruit Christian de Vaal is likely to help out also, along with Johnny Livingstone.
Others To Watch:
Butler, Eastern Kentucky, Iona, Stanford.
