Following a record-setting 2025 season, Northwestern cross country checked in at No. 11 in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Preseason National Coaches’ Poll, which was announced by the organization on Tuesday.
The Wildcats, who climbed to a program-best No. 8 ranking last season, are one of four Big Ten Conference schools represented in the national rankings, joining No. 5 Oregon, No. 10 Penn State, and No. 22 Washington.
Preparing to begin her eighth season in Evanston, reigning USTFCCCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year Jill Miller led the ‘Cats to an 18th-place finish at last season’s NCAA Championships, a showing that marked the program’s top finish of the modern era.
In addition to a highly acclaimed group of first-years and transfers, Miller welcomes back an experienced core from 2025, a nucleus that includes USTFCCCA All-Midwest Region honorees Skye Ellis and Jackie Holman, along with Second Team All-Big Ten Conference pick Ava Criniti.
Northwestern opens the 2026 season on Friday, September 4, making the trek north to Madison, Wis. for the Badger Classic.