Toledo leads Mid-American Conference preseason cross country poll

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has released its 2026 preseason coaches' poll for men's and women's cross country. The University of Toledo was selected as the preseason favorite for both programs.

In the women's poll, Toledo earned 121 points and 11 first-place votes. Ohio University was projected to finish second with 101 points, followed by Western Michigan in third with 87 points. The Toledo women's team features several returning First-Team All-MAC honorees, including Karina James, Melody Jebiwot, Dorcas Kiptanui, and Lianna Surtz.

In the men's poll, Toledo also took the top spot with 81 points and nine first-place votes. Miami University was picked second with 72 points, while Akron was projected to finish third with 60 points. Ohio University's men's team was ranked fourth with 53 points.