US collegiate cross country season commencement

Collegiate cross country teams across the United States are beginning their 2026 seasons.

Concordia University, St. Paul, is preparing for the 15th annual Augie Twilight in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while the University of Minnesota teams are scheduled to compete at the Cyclone Preview in Ames, Iowa. Additionally, Florida Atlantic University is set to compete in the Florida Intercollegiate XC Invitational in Jacksonville, Florida, and Longwood University will participate in the USC Upstate Eye Opener in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

As the season officially commences on Friday, September 4, several Midwest programs are scheduled for early morning meets. The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) has adjusted its start time to 8:00 a.m. CT due to excessive heat. Iowa State is set to host its season opener at home, with its men’s team entering the year ranked third in the national preseason coaches poll.

Indiana State will travel to Illinois for the Fighting Illini Invitational, a program that is slated to host the NCAA Cross Country National Championships later this season. In the West, the University of Utah will compete at the UVU Invitational, while Sacramento State travels to the USF Invitational in Golden Gate Park. Portland State is scheduled to host its season opener at Milo McIver State Park, and Montana State will host the MSU Bobcat Twilight, which is expected to feature several regional competitors.