Mountaineers Ranked No. 7 Nationally in USTFCCCA Preseason Poll
September 02, 2026 12:45 PM | Cross Country
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University cross country team will begin the 2026 season ranked No. 7 nationally in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) preseason poll.
The Mountaineers also earned the No. 1 ranking in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
West Virginia enters the 2026 campaign as the two-time defending Mid-Atlantic Regional champion after claiming consecutive regional titles in 2024 and 2025.
"Early-season rankings tend to be more reflective of the end of last year's roster and how they performed during the championship season," West Virginia coach Sean Cleary said. "I would say that we have a few advantages this year. We return almost the entire top seven and we've had some development during the track season to add some depth. I would say the rankings will be more reflective in six weeks, but for now, we'll continue to work hard and get ready for the upcoming races."
The Mountaineers finished ninth at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships and return this fall looking to continue their success at the regional and national levels.
WVU opens the 2026 season at the RMU Invitational on Sept. 11 in Clinton, Pennsylvania.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUXCTF on X, Facebook and Instagram.
The Mountaineers also earned the No. 1 ranking in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
West Virginia enters the 2026 campaign as the two-time defending Mid-Atlantic Regional champion after claiming consecutive regional titles in 2024 and 2025.
"Early-season rankings tend to be more reflective of the end of last year's roster and how they performed during the championship season," West Virginia coach Sean Cleary said. "I would say that we have a few advantages this year. We return almost the entire top seven and we've had some development during the track season to add some depth. I would say the rankings will be more reflective in six weeks, but for now, we'll continue to work hard and get ready for the upcoming races."
The Mountaineers finished ninth at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships and return this fall looking to continue their success at the regional and national levels.
WVU opens the 2026 season at the RMU Invitational on Sept. 11 in Clinton, Pennsylvania.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUXCTF on X, Facebook and Instagram.
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