Browsing: NCAA

For the first time this season, Mark Broadie’s NCAA Division I golf rankings are out.

The anticipation lasted a little longer than expected, too, as only the first five men’s teams went live around 3 p.m. ET, with the rest likely filtering in once the servers recovered from what was surely an influx of anxious coaches, players and fans.

Debuting at Nos. 1 are the Utah men and Wake Forest women. While the Demon Deacons, perfect through two events (the Annika Intercollegiate and Jackson T. Stephens Cup), are no surprise, the Utes edged Virginia, Vanderbilt and Auburn for the top spot without winning a tournament.

Utah was second at The Tindall and third at The Wohali, perhaps proving that playing only events starting with a definite article is some sort of cheat code. But seriously, the job that head coach Garrett Clegg has done in nearly a decade at Utah is remarkable. The Utes have made NCAA regionals in four of the last five seasons, and in 2022, they advanced to the NCAA Championship for the first time in almost 35 years. Last year, they finished No. 17 in Broadie’s ranking, though they failed to qualify for the 30-team field at La Costa.

Utah’s Gabriel Palacios is the top-ranked individual in the national rankings while his teammate Davis Johnson is fifth. Virginia’s Ben James is second, less than 13 average points behind Palacios.

Virginia, last season’s national runner-up won at Colonial and was second at Chattanooga’s event at the Honors Course, but with a four-way tie for first at the Hogan and T-8 just six shots back, the Cavaliers only mustered 71.99 points for that co-title, about 10 fewer points than what they received for their runner-up.

Arkansas rounds out the top five in the men’s ranking, while New Mexico and BYU are two fresh faces inside the top 10 compared to previous seasons. Another mid-major, Charlotte, is No. 16, a spot ahead of defending national champion Oklahoma State, which won at Olympia Fields but finished T-10 at Notre Dame’s tournament without its two first-team All-Americans, Preston Stout and Ethan Fang.

On the women’s side, Wake Forest is clear of USC, Stanford, Oregon and Texas A&M. The Demon Deacons beat the Cardinal at the Stephens Cup, in both stroke play and match play. That’s Stanford’s only tournament of the fall so far, though it hosts its home event this week. There are few surprises in the top 20, though Pepperdine at No. 8 stands out, with the Waves posting a respectable seventh at Annika before finishing a distant runner-up to USC at the Golfweek Red Sky Classic.

Among the teams in the top 25, Oklahoma jumps out in a good way, as the Sooners hold the 19th spot, their best national ranking in a long time, thanks to three top-5s, albeit no wins.

Individually, the annual Blessings bump went to Mississippi State’s Avery Weed, who won the event and received 180.78 points, well over double what she got for a runner-up at the Carmel Cup at Pebble Beach. Weed is ranked No. 1 nationally over Arkansas’ Maria Jose Marin, who – you guessed it – was second at the Blessings.

As with any ranking, once there is more data, some of the head-scratching rankings should sort themselves out. And hopefully, after weeks of waiting, there will be weekly updates.

Let the rankings debates begin!

For full rankings, click here.

The talk of the town in Pittsburgh right now might be 11th overall pick Ben Kindel, as he appears primed to make the final cut on the Penguins’ NHL roster.

But there is another Penguins’ 2025 first-round pick who is garnering some attention early on in his season as well.

Center Will Horcoff – selected 24th overall by the Penguins in this year’s draft – got off to a roaring start for the University of Michigan Friday night. Horcoff recorded a natural hat trick during an 11-1 win against Mercyhurst, and he did it in style.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Horcoff, 19, is playing in his first full season with Michigan. He joined the team mid-season last year and was the youngest player in the NCAA, compiling four goals and 10 points in 18 games.

The big centerman is expected to take a step forward with the Wolverines this season playing on the team’s first line alongside TJ Hughes and Jayden Perron. Other notable players suiting up for Michigan this season include Malcolm Spence – selected 43rd by the New York Rangers in 2025 – and Michael Hage, who was selected in the first round (21st overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 2024.

Horcoff – the son of NHL alumni Shawn Horcoff – was one of three first-round selections by the Penguins this season, with the others being Kindel and forward Bill Zonnon (22nd overall).

‘Weâ€re Thrilled With The Players That We Have’: 3 Takeaways From Penguins’ Day One Draft
Day One of the 2025 NHL Draft is officially wrapped, and the Pittsburgh Penguins were certainly one of the more active teams in the first round.

Bookmark THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!

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After Michael La Sasso polished off what he thought was a bogey-free, 6-under 66 to open the Sanderson Farms Championship on Thursday, the reigning NCAA individual champion was greeted in the scoring area by rules officials.

La Sasso was ultimately penalized two shots for improving the conditions affecting his stroke on the Country Club of Jackson’s par-4 sixth hole, according to the Associated Press, which confirmed the reason for penalty with a PGA Tour official.

Rule 8.1a states “you must not take any of these actions if they improve the conditions affecting your stroke: move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object, or immovable obstruction, integral object or boundary object…; move a loose impediment or movable obstruction into position (such as to build a stance); alter the surface of the ground; remove or press down sand or loos soil; remove dew, frost or water.â€

It’s unclear the specifics of La Sasso’s violation, and he declined to speak to media after his round, per AP.

Instead of entering Friday’s second round a shot off the lead, La Sasso is 4 under after signing for a first-round 68, which reflected his par on No. 6 changing to a double bogey because of the penalty.

The Ole Miss senior, competing on a sponsor exemption, is making his sixth career PGA Tour start. He missed the cut in his Tour debut, at the U.S. Open, and has made just one weekend in his first five starts, at the 3M Open, where he tied for 44th.

Perennially unpredictable factors until the NCAA XC Championships arrive will be race day weather and course conditions. (MIKE SCOTT)

WHEN ASSESSING NCAA XC possibilities in September, hard data is relatively scarce. Evidence in the form of major meet results doesnâ€t arrive in volume until late October. Individual stars and full-strength squads more often than not race infrequently before then, and after that itâ€s off to the races over a 3-week stretch that begins with Conferences the last weekend of October.

For the first time in meet history, Missouri will host the Nationals, which will be run on November 22 over 6K for the women and 10K for the men. The Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, opened in â€19, is a spectator-friendly rolling route on grass. It is comprised of a pair of linked loops (2K and 3K) with 550m from the start line to its “first sweeping turn,†as described by Mizzou Athletics. And the finish? “Last 1800m of 3K loop with sweeping, graded turns… Finish straightaway of 300m is slightly uphill with elevated viewing berm.†Columbia temperatures on nationals race day â€24 were in the mid-to-high 30s.

Follow the links to the 4 detailed sections of our Div. I-based NCAA XC Preview:

â€25 Collegiate Cross Country Schedule

Major Invitationals

October

03
Piane Invitational
Notre Dame, Indiana

Short Invitational
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

10
Dellinger Invitational
Eugene, Oregon

17
Barrios Invitational
College Station, Texas

Bradley Pink Classic
Peoria, Illinois

Crimson Classic
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Nuttycombe Invitational
Verona, Wisconsin

Panorama Farms Invitational
Charlottesville, Virginia

Princeton Fall Classic
Princeton, New Jersey

18
Pre-Nationals
Columbia, Missouri

Div. I Conferences

October

17
IC4A/ECAC
Bronx, New York

27
SWAC
Tallahassee, Florida

31
ACC
Louisville, Kentucky

America East
Hopkinton, New Hampshire

Atlantic Sun
Jacksonville, Florida

Big 10
East Lansing, Michigan

Big 12
Lawrence, Kansas

Big East
Omaha, Nebraska

Big South
Farmville, Virginia

Big West
Honolulu, Hawaiâ€i

Coastal
Lakewood, New Jersey

Heps / Ivy League
Bronx, New York

Missouri Valley
Evansville, Indiana

Mountain West
Fresno, California

Ohio Valley
Charleston, Illinois

Patriot League
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

SEC
Knoxville, Tennessee

Southland
Natchitoches, Louisiana

Sun Belt
Foley, Alabama

WAC
Arlington, Texas

November

01
American Athletic
Concord, North Carolina

Atlantic 10
Cedarville, Ohio

Big Sky
Bozeman, Montana

Conference USA
Huntsville, Alabama

Horizon League
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Metro Atlantic
Montgomery, New York

Mid-American
Buffalo, New York

Southern
Mill Spring, North Carolina

Summit League
Ashland, Nebraska

West Coast
Spokane, Washington

Collegiate Nationals

November

08
JUCO Championships
Fort Dodge, Iowa

NCAA Div. II Regionals
8 sites

14
NCAA Div. I Regionals
9 sites

Great Lakes
Evansville, Indiana

Mid-Atlantic
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Midwest
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Mountain
Salt Lake City, Utah

Northeast
Contoocook, New Hampshire

South
Huntsville, Alabama

South Central
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Southeast
Charlottesville, Virginia

West
Sacramento, California

15
NCAA Div. III Regionals
10 sites

21
NAIA Championships
Tallahassee, Florida

22
NCAA Championships
Columbia, Missouri

NCAA II Championships
Kenosha, Wisconsin

NCAA III Championships
Spartanburg, South Carolina

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A pair of swift Kenyan additions should be crucial to the chances of No. 1 team pick, Oregon, as will â€24 Big 10 champ Åžilan Ayyıldız (227). (PAUL MERCA)

BYU AND NC STATE have had a stranglehold on the NCAA Womenâ€s XC Championships the past 5 years, sharing the half-decadeâ€s 5 titles. Will it be the same story in â€25, when teams converge on Gans Creek XC Course on November 22? Or will largely Kenyan-led rising (or rising again) powers from Oregon, New Mexico, Florida or Alabama break through and top the podium?

The Cougars got their campaign started off well with a triumph at the Cowboy Jamboree, tallying 34 points — even without legendary prep recruit Jane Hedengren and Jenna Hutchins. Riley Chamberlain and Taylor Rohatinsky, in 2nd and 4th, led the charge.

Meanwhile, many teams took an early opportunity to run at Gans (September 26), with Florida prevailing with 102 points, led by Judy Chepkoech in 7th. In 6th, Oregon debuted — without Kenyan recruit Diana Cherotich and veteran mid-distance star Şilan Ayyıldız. Texas Tech transfer Juliet Cherubet led their effort in 5th, a solid XC debut after she ran for the Ducks in the spring.

Some exciting openers, but a lot still to learn in the two months ahead.

1. Oregon

Coach Shalane Flanagan may have found a solution in setting up the Ducks for a chance at nailing the top spot on the podium for the first time since â€16. Or two solutions, in the above-mentioned Cherubet and Cherotich. The former already has 11th- and 18th-place NCAA finishes, plus 15:25 and 32:02 track PRs. Cherotich is even faster on the track at 15:01 and 31:45, but unproven in NCAA XC. Add them to Ayyıldız, in 13th the Ducks’ best as they finished 9th in Madison last fall, and Anika Thompson (32nd), Mia Barnett (44th in â€22) and Ali Ince and the makings are there for an NCAA championship team.

2. BYU

Coach Diljeet Taylorâ€s Cougars will feature the best womenâ€s prep distance recruit of all time in Hedengren. Among her many records and victories were the Nike Cross Nationals crown and a 14:57.93 5000 HSR that is just over five ticks off the CR. But BYU will need all of its depth to repeat and that starts with Chamberlain (31st) and continues with returnees Taylor Rohatinsky (43rd), Jenna Hutchins, Jacy Farmer, Lexi Goff, Nelah Roberts (83rd), Taylor Lovell (88th) and frosh Zariel Macchia. Chamberlain improved her 1500 to 4:02.03 over the summer.

3. NC State

The Wolfpack, which finished 8th last fall after three straight titles, return their entire squad in its hopes of getting back to the podium. They are led by Grace Hartman and Hannah Gapes, who surprised many by ascending all the way to 5th and 8th. Hartman went on to run 31:20 on the track and Gapes, after suffering a stress fracture in track, is already showing a great return to form. Angelina Napoleon, coming off making the Tokyo steeple final, and frosh Sadie Engelhardt lead a great group behind them for Coach Laurie Henes.

4. Stanford

Whether Stanford can approach the podium this fall may have a lot to do with whether it can get a low stick again from Amy Bunnage, whose stunning 4th was followed by a checkered track season plagued by injury. The Cardinal, however, also have five other returnees from their 6th-place nationals squad, including Sophia Kennedy (33rd, plus 3rd in NCAA outdoor 5000), Riley Stewart (58th), Julia Flynn (119th) and Nicola Hogg (199th). Stellar California prep Hanne Thomsen leads Coach J.J. Clarkâ€s frosh class.

5. New Mexico

As do their male counterparts in Albuquerque, the Lobos have an ultra-low-stick leader who is already an NCAA all-time great. Pamela Kosgei followed her runner-up finish as a frosh last fall with NCAA 5000 and 10,000 titles outdoors, plus No. 2 all-time marks in each. Coach Darren Gausonâ€s squad lost three seniors from its 7th-place squad, but Mercy Kirarei (35th) leads the rest of the returnees and Marion Jepngetich is the promising newcomer. Arriving last winter, she was 4th in the Outdoor 5000 and opened last weekend with a 3rd at the Cowboy Jamboree.

6. Florida

With Hilda Olemomoi and new Arizona State transfer Judy Chepkoech, the Gators have a 1-2 punch that can match almost anyone. Olemomoi trailed only Alabamaâ€s Doris Lemngole and New Mexicoâ€s Kosgei at NCAAs last fall (her 3rd top 6 finish) and is coming back from some injury issues in track. In Floridaâ€s Gans victory, the duo ran in a pack with teammates Tia Wilson (No. 2 returnee from NCAAs in 63rd) and frosh Desma Chepkoech. Coach Will Palmer also has frosh Claire Stegall and Isobelle Jones.

7. Oklahoma State

With frosh Isca Chelangat and Maureen Rutoh bolstering a squad that was 27th in Madison in â€24, the Cowgirls suddenly look like a top 10 contender — not far off the podium squads of â€22 and â€23. Chelangat was victorious in the home opener, the Cowboy Stampede, beating some of powerhouse BYU and New Mexicoâ€s better runners (even if the likes of Kosgei and Hedengren sat out). The return of Billah Jepkirui (7th in â€23) and Victoria Langat (72nd last year) will help move Coach Dave Smithâ€s squad back up as well.

8. Northern Arizona

The Lumberjacks sport four returnees from their 4th-place group from Madison: Keira Moore (60th), Alex Carlson (84th), Nikita Moore (95th) and Karrie Baloga (97th). But Baloga, a 9:37 steepler with numerous excellent track creds, could be the leader. Or it could be Florida State transfer Agnes McTighe (7th in Outdoor 5000). First-year coach Jarred Cornfield also has rising star Ava Mitchell and Ohio State transfer and former 2x Big 10 champ Addie Engel.

9. Washington

The Huskies lost three strong seniors from the middle of last yearâ€s NCAA 13th-place finishers, but will welcome back three returnees with All-American potential in Maeve Stiles (59th), Julia David-Smith (73rd) and Chloe Foerster (183rd, after a very good season). Coach Maurica Powell also brings in transfer Mia Cochran from Arkansas (41st in â€24). If Washington can develop some of its depth, with names like Josephine Welin and Samantha Tran, the top 10 is possible.

10. Alabama

Doris Lemngole was already on her way to becoming an all-timer when she won in Madison last fall. She cemented her legacy with her historic first collegiate sub-9 steeple last June. Sheâ€s backed up by Brenda Tuwei (29th, 8th in NCAA 10,000) and newcomers Caren Kiplagat and Cynthia Jemuta. The latter two were sorely needed as the Tide suffered some transfer losses that would have thinned out Coach Nick Stenufâ€s crew.

Others To Watch:

Colorado, Georgetown, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Penn State, Providence, Virginia. ◻︎

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Twice a team winner, way back in â€89 and â€94, Iowa State with Robin Kwemoi Bera (bib 626) and Joash Ruto (635) key to the effort, has a chance to return to the podium top. (MIKE SCOTT)

A TEAM THAT MAY finally be in a position to win its first NCAA title in 31 years — after a runner-up spot last fall continued its run of high finishes since â€19 — was not shy about showing its cards the last weekend in September. Powerhouse programs donâ€t often run with serious intent this early, but Iowa Stateâ€s showing at the Gans Creek Classic — home of this fallâ€s NCAA Champs — shows itâ€s serious about finally topping the podium in â€25.

Led by runner-up Joash Ruto, the Cyclones tallied 47 points, 60 ahead of a very strong Virginia team and a Colorado squad that seeks a return to prominence not far behind.

Meanwhile, even without big dogs Brian Masau (Cowboys) and Habtom Samuel (Lobos), Oklahoma State and New Mexico put on a show at the formerâ€s annual Stampede, the hosts winning, 36–41. Both teams showed off the depth that will make or break them in November.

Meanwhile, teams like defending champ BYU, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wake Forest, Oregon are taking stock of how they can develop to challenge this possible “Big 3†and make their own runs at a podium spot — while also navigating tough conferences and regional qualifiers. Buckle up, it should be fun.

1. Iowa State

It seems like finally the Cyclones might have what it takes to push them over the top to an NCAA title. Coach Jeremy Sudburyâ€s squad was just 13 points short last year, their fourth top-5 finish in half a dozen seasons. Yes, ISU lost three from that group, but Kenyan sophs Robin Kwemoi Bera (37th) and Joash Ruto (34th) are running like veterans. Getting uber-experienced senior Sanele Masondo (23rd) back for a final year is a big bonus. So is the improvement of Rodgers Kiplimo to 4th in the NCAA 10,000 last spring after a modest autumn.

2. Oklahoma State

Some folks might think that when you start with two guys who have run 12:59 and 27:20 on the track, a trophy is there for the taking. But as Coach Dave Smith knows, even with Brian Musau (5th last fall) and Denis Kipngetich (11th after 4th in â€23), youâ€re still not going to beat your rivals if you canâ€t go five-strong. The Cowboys fell short of their lofty aspirations last fall, taking 8th, and need a return to form from standout Fouad Messaoudi (222nd), plus support from Adisu Guadia, Laban Kipkemboi and Ryan Schoppe to make their podium dreams come true.

3. New Mexico

Having a warrior like 2x NCAA runner-up and 26:51 track performer Habtom Samuel to lead your charges is great. Surrounding him with guys who can lift you from 9th in â€24 to challenging for the podium is even better. Coach Darren Gauson might have the horses now with returnees Collins Kiprotich (35th), Vincent Chirchir (off-form 148th) and Evans Kiplagat (40th) joined by frosh (and 8:17 steepler) Mathew Kosgei. Others, like Iker Sánchez Lopez may need to rise up to provide that final piece of the puzzle.

4. BYU

You can never count Coach Ed Eyestone and his defending champ Cougars out of a national title hunt, but the departure of low stick Casey Clinger (6th) and three other seniors means another podium run will take some development. NCAA steeple champ James Corrigan (62nd last fall) could lead the way with support from Lucas Bons (39th), Davin Thompson (50th), and Stanford grad transfer Thomas Boyden (13:21/28:06 track PRs). Frosh Tayvon Kitchen from Oregon (13:53 track 5K) could make a big impact sooner rather than later.

5. Virginia

Senior and 3:48 miler Gary Martin (13th in â€24) is the face of the Cavs, but the rise of legendary coach Vin Lanannaâ€s program is the group of veterans heâ€s built around them. Virginia was just 21st last fall, but seniors Will Anthony, Justin Wachtel, Nathan Mountain and Brett Gardner are coalescing into a group that knows its time is now. The first 3 were outside the top 100 at NCAAs, but their runner-up finish at Gans Creek shows high top 10 potential.

6. Wake Forest

Wake was 7th last year despite star Rocky Hansen finishing just 100th. If the 13:07 soph can get to the front, the prospects with returnees Charlie Sprott (32nd), JoJo Jourdon (46th), Joseph Oâ€Brien (56th) backing him up look good. The Demon Deacons will miss Aidan Ross (injury) and Luke Tewalt (graduation), but if a mix of newcomers and veterans can fill in at the back, Wakeâ€s big 4 could carry John Hayes†crew a few spots higher.

7. Wisconsin

Coach Mick Byrneâ€s Badgers have two big guns to replace from graduation in Bob Liking and Adam Spencer from their stellar 4th-place squad which showed out well on their home course. But the good news is the cupboard is far from empty in Madison. Top returnees Micah Wilson (53rd), Matan Ivry (59th) and Christian de Vaal (69th) could all potentially lead the perennial powerhouse. Johnny Livingston is the best of several rising contributors and incoming frosh who will vie for remaining spots.

8. Oregon

After taking just 14th at NCAAs last fall, this feels like a season where Coach Jerry Schumacherâ€s crew might sneak back into the top 10 again. Aiden Smith returns as the Ducks†leading scorer in Madison (29th) and itâ€s a good bet 1500/5000 standout Simeon Birnbaum can improve on his 74th from â€24. Super steepler Ben Balazs and former prep 5000 record-holder Connor Burns return to harrier action as well. Transfers Evan Bishop (Wisconsin) and Michael Mireles (UCLA) could make a big splash too.

9. Alabama

Kenyan Dismus Lokira, 37th last fall but then a 27:47 performer on the track, will try and lead the Tide back into the top 10 after an 18th-place finish last year. Coach Dan Waters lost Victor Kiprop to graduation, but returns Dennis Kipruto (74th, 13:37/27:58) and welcomes Ezekiel Pitireng, Ahmed Ibrahim, Timothy Kibet and Nelson Pariken. Alabama was a promising 4th at Gans Creek.

10. Colorado

Is Colorado — 19th at NCAAs last fall — possibly on its way “back†to championship contention? A 3rd-place finish for Coach Sean Carlsonâ€s crew at Gans Creek was certainly promising, led by Toledo transfer Dominic Seremâ€s strong 5th-place finish. Dean Casey was “only†the Buffs†No. 4 man at Gans, but is its leading nationals returnee at 30th. Nike Cross Nationals runner-up TJ Hansen was a big recruiting get who could pay early dividends.

Others To Watch:

Arkansas, Butler, Cal Baptist, Northern Arizona, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Washington State.

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1. Pamela Kosgei (New Mexico)

Kosgeiâ€s runner-up finish at the NCAA last fall was just the beginning of her fantastic frosh campaign. The Kenyan would go on to finish 3rd in the Indoor 5000, then sweep the 5000 (15:33.96) and 10,000 (31:17.82) at the Outdoor. That followed a tremendous 14:52.45 and a 31:02.73 PR performances earlier in the spring, each No. 2 all-time on the collegiate list. The Lobo was undefeated in cross before Lemngole outran her at Nationals in Madison last fall. This season, she might win that last one, too. Having run the steeple at the WC in mid-September, Kosgei sat out the Cowboy Jamboree

2. Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Thereâ€s little to suggest that Lemngole (who was 2nd as a frosh in â€23) wonâ€t be up front in the mix as she mounts a title defense this fall. She enjoyed continued success throughout the track season, winning the 5000 crown indoors then smashing the steeple CR with her historic sub-9:00 outdoors (8:58.15). In fact, in defending that title, she ran 9:20 or faster over barriers four times during the collegiate season. Then she finished a long season by representing Kenya at the WC, where she was 5th in 9:02.39. Another battle against Kosgei should be one for the ages.

3. Grace Hartman (NC State)

Hartmanâ€s outstanding junior season, leading the Wolfpack after the graduation of Katelyn Tuohy, was only just beginning when she delivered her 5th-place finish in Madison last fall. She earned a pair of A-A finishes at indoor nationals, hammered her 10,000 and 5000 PRs down to 31:20.60 and 14:58.11 outdoors, then powered her way to a runner-up finish in the longer race outdoors behind Kosgei.

4. Paityn Noe (Arkansas)

Few runners improve more from their frosh to sophomore years than Noe did in 2024–25, rocketing up 94 spots to finish 7th in Madison. The Razorbackâ€s success continued all year as she hacked a big chunk off her 5000 PR at SEC Indoors (15:11.27), scored two top-8 finishes at the NCAA Indoor, then rolled to a 31:36.91 PR outdoors in scoring her highest NCAA finish yet at 4th in Eugene. Look for her to challenge Hartman as the top U.S.-born collegiate distance runner this fall.

5. Hilda Olemomoi (Florida)

Olemomoiâ€s transfer from Alabama to Florida a year ago was probably the sportâ€s most significant in. She had already scored NCAA XC finishes of 6th and 4th in â€22 and â€23, then 2nd in both the 5 and the 10 at the â€24 NCAA Outdoor for the Tide. She excelled for the Gators last fall in finishing 1st or 2nd every race until a 3rd in the championship behind Lemngole and Kosgei. Olemomoiâ€s track season, however, was compromised by an injury at Regionals that prevented her from running the final. Can she return to top form as a senior?

6. Jane Hedengren (BYU)

No U.S.-born frosh XC/distance runner has come into NCAA competition with the credentials of Hedengren. While her dominant, recordsetting Nike Cross Nationals win in tough conditions was superlative, it was the blizzard of track HSRs that followed from winter through spring that cemented her status as the greatest woman prep distance runner ever. Her longest record effort, a jaw-dropping 14:57.93 5000 at the Clay meet racing collegians, was the one that made it clear she should already be able to compete with the best collegians from the gun.

7. Joy Naukot (West Virginia)

Naukotâ€s outstanding frosh season last fall progressed steadily and strongly, from a 10th at Pre-Nationals to 3rd at Big 12s and then culminating with a 17th-place finish at NCAAs to help the Mountaineers to a runner-up podium spot as a team. That backed up now-graduated teammate Ceili McCabeâ€s 6th-place stick. But Naukot became even better on the track, improving all spring until she seized 3rd in the NCAA 10,000 at 31:34.34, more than a 47-second improvement over her previous best.

8. Hannah Gapes (NC State)

After a 73rd at NCAAs her frosh year, Gapes improved steadily and then dramatically at the end of her soph XC campaign, all the way up to 8th — giving the Wolfpack with Hartman a great 1-2 punch in the post-Tuohy era. After a promising indoor campaign that included an 8:48.96 for 3000 at ACCs, she had to cut short outdoor with a stress fracture. During the summer, however, the New Zealander recovered, qualified for World XC and then started off her junior harrier campaign in Raleigh with a solid 5K win.

9. Juliet Cherubet (Oregon)

This will be Cherubetâ€s first XC season as a Duck after transferring over from Texas Tech in January. She had taken 18th at the â€23 NCAA XC, then 5th in the outdoor 5000 as a frosh. Then as a soph, she improved to 11th in Madison before heading to Eugene. She had some promising races, including 15:28.86 and 32:02.78, but nagging injury issues led to a 10,000 DNF at Big 10s and then ended her spring. She led the Ducks at Gans with a 5th-place finish to show sheâ€s on the road back.

10. Diana Cherotich (Oregon)

The heralded Kenyan makes her harrier debut for Oregon this fall after a frosh track campaign that included ups and downs. The highlights included a 31:45.22 10,000 at Stanford in her first race, and an impressive Big 10 title over the same distance; the lowlights an NCAA 10,000 DNF. She came to Eugene with credentials that included a 5th in the World XC U20 champs in â€24 and a 15:01.80 5000 track best, though, so her potential is high.

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1. Brian Musau (Oklahoma State)

It feels like it just might be Musauâ€s time this fall. The Kenyan Cowboy had a pretty super soph campaign, taking 5th in Madison (three spots up on his frosh year), then kicking to both the NCAA Indoor (13:11.34) and Outdoor (13:20.59) 5000 crowns. He also lowered his mile and 5000 PRs on the track to 3:54.78 and 12:59.82 — the latter the second-fastest mark by a collegiate athlete (even if out of season). Heâ€ll also be looking for his third straight Big 12 title.

2. Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Or might this fall be Samuelâ€s time to top the podium? A strong argument can be made after the Lobo junior has been the bridesmaid in five NCAA distance finals: The last 2 years in XC, then finishing 2nd to Musau in both NCAA 5000s and in the Outdoor 10,000 to Ishmael Kipkurui, as well. Of course, the Eritrean does have the â€24 track title at 10K to his name. He famously ran most of last fallâ€s champs in Madison with one shoe.

3. Denis Kipngetich (Oklahoma State)

Itâ€s hard to match the Cowboys†1-2 punch of Musau and Kipngetich. Along with his NCAA XC finishes of 4th in â€23 and a moderately disappointing 11th last fall, the Kenyan junior is No. 6 on the all-time collegiate track 10,000 list for his 27:20.10 last March at The TEN. And while he was a strong 3rd in the NCAA indoor 5000 (PR 13:13.71), his 9th in the outdoor champs 10,000 might leave him wanting some redemption. His win in OSUâ€s home opener was a strong first step.

4. Evans Kurui (Washington State)

Kurui, who sat out the Gans Classic after edging his teammate in a low-key home opener, is with Kipchoge half of another ridiculously talented 1–2 punch. But before Texas Tech transfer Kipchoge joined him, he carried the torch as a frosh last fall with a stellar season that peaked with a West Regional win. He was just 36th at Nationals, but then had a spring that featured 13:16.01 and 27:37.32 track PRs and finishes of 10th in the Indoor 5000 and 5th in the Outdoor 10,000.

5. Valentin Soca (Cal Baptist)

After progressing to 33rd last fall at NCAAs, Soca put up some big marks at 10,000 (27:37.65 at The TEN) and 13:13.10 before taking 4th in the NCAA 5000. Then this summer, he got down to 13:02.85 in Belgium before representing his native Uruguay in Tokyo (15th in the 5000 final). So with the late track season, look for Soca, 23, to possibly start up a bit later this fall for the Lancers.

6. Solomon Kipchoge (Washington State)

One of the nationâ€s most intriguing frosh a year ago at Texas Tech, Kenyan Kipchoge came in as a 59:37 half-marathoner (2023) entering NCAA competition at 28. He ran 4 outstanding races (Big 12 runner-up, Mountain Region champ) before a DNF at Nationals due to injury. After struggling through track, Kipchoge is now in Pullman. After an early, low-key runner-up finish to established teammate Kurui, he ramped up his fall in a huge way by winning the Gans meet.

7. Ernest Cheruiyot (Texas Tech)

After finishing a very strong 4th in the â€24 NCAA 10,000 as a Red Raider frosh, Cheruiyot had very high hopes for last fall, especially after good showings at the Piane Invitational (1st), Big 12 (5th) and the Mountain Region (3rd). But he didnâ€t have it at NCAAs and took 131st. This past spring, though, he improved his NCAA track 10,000 to make the podium in 3rd, trailing only Samuel and Ishmael Kipkirui, and also ran 27:45.65.

8. Gary Martin (Virginia)

Martin holds the distinction of being not just the first U.S.-born returnee from Madison at 13th, but also No. 4 overall behind Samuel, Musau and Kipngetich. Heâ€s one of only 3 in our top 10 who does not feature in the 10,000 on the track. In fact, heâ€s by far the fastest miler (3:48.82i/3:32.03 1500), not to mention 7:36.09 3000 and 13:16.82 5000 PRs. He finished runner-up in the indoor 3000 and 5th outdoors in the 1500 as a junior. Heâ€s the only senior in the top 10.

9. Dismus Lokira (Alabama)

Like Kipchoge, Lokira arrived at the NCAA level with great interest and intrigue in â€24, thanks to his 28:36 performances on the track in Nairobi earlier in the year. He would place 4th in the SEC, 1st in the South Region, but then 41st at NCAAs. And while he finished “only†11th in the outdoor 10,000, he ran PRs of 27:47.20 and 13:25.16 during the spring. He finished a promising 4th behind Kipchoge at Gans Creek.

10. Rocky Hansen (Wake Forest)

Can the Demon Deacon close his XC season this fall the way heâ€s done in track? A runner-up finish at Nuttycombe in September of â€24 behind Parker Wolfe portended big things, but he struggled with the heat at ACCs, then wound up 100th at NCAAs. But his finishes in the Indoor (3rd, 13:12.65) and Outdoor (5th) NCAA 5000s reminded everyone of his true abilities. He even added an exclamation point on his outdoor season with a 13:07.77 PR behind Musauâ€s 12:59 at the Sunset meet.

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Indiana safety Louis Moore may continue to play for the remainder of the 2025 season after Texas judge Dale Tillery, who presides over the 134th Civil District Court in Dallas County, signed off on an injunction Wednesday prohibiting the NCAA from counting the Hoosier’s playing days at Navarro Junior College toward his eligibility.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich, Jared Kelly of Peegs.com and Michael Niziolek of The Herald-Times were among those who reported on the development.

Per Dinich, Moore filed a lawsuit in August that challenged the NCAA’s five-year eligibility rule, which in essence gives athletes a five-year window to complete four athletic seasons. Moore played two seasons at Navarro Junior College (2020 and 2021) before transferring to Indiana in 2022. He played for the Hoosiers in 2022 and 2023 before transferring to Ole Miss for the 2024 season.

On paper, that final season exhausted his eligibility over a five-year span. However, there was an opening for Moore to have one more year. ESPN’s Eli Lederman provided more information on December 23, citing a case involving current Vanderbilt quarterback (and ex-JUCO star) Diego Pavia.

“The NCAA Division I Board of Directors on Monday approved a blanket waiver granting an additional year of eligibility to former junior college transfers in similar positions to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, opening the door for a wave of college athletes across all sports to spend one more year in college athletics.

“According to an NCAA memo, the waiver extends an extra year of eligibility in 2025-26 to athletes who previously ‘competed at a non-NCAA school for one or more years’ and otherwise would have exhausted their NCAA eligibility following the 2024-25 season.”

Five days later, Moore transferred back to Indiana. However, his eligibility waiver to play in 2025 was denied last summer.

Of utmost importance, though, was Moore’s action on August 9 to set the stage for him playing this year. Ben Gillard of Hoosier Huddle provided a thorough and detailed breakdown of the Moore case that explains it from all corners.

“On August 9th, Indiana Hoosiers safety Louis Moore added his name to the ever-growing list of FBS players who are suing the NCAA for another year of eligibility under the newly created “Diego Pavia Rule,” which grants a blanket waiver of eligibility to JUCO transfers. Moore, who spent 2020 and 2021 at Navarro Community College, had his eligibility waiver for a sixth year denied earlier this summer. As a result, he has sued the NCAA in the 134th District Court of Texas, seeking an injunction granting him an extra year of eligibility.”

On Aug. 13, Judge Tillery granted Moore a Temporary Restraining Order against the NCAA, with a full hearing scheduled for Aug. 27. On that date, Judge Tillery granted a 14-day extension of the TRO until Sept. 10, allowing Moore to play in the Hoosiers’ first two games of the season (both wins).

That court date was then pushed to Sept. 24, allowing Moore to play in an additional two games.

At long last, a conclusion was reached in favor of Moore. Gillard provided more information.

“After an almost five-hour long hearing which ended without a decision, Judge Dale Tillery signed an order on Wednesday night granting Louis Moore an injunction which will allow him to remain eligible for the remainder of the 2025 season. Specifically, the injunction states that the NCAA is ‘enjoined from enforcing the Five-Year Rule as it applies to Moore’s time at a junior college’ until after the conclusion of the trial, scheduled for January 29, 2026 (10 days after the conclusion of the FBS season).”

Naturally, this is fantastic news for Moore (who gets to play this one final year in its entirety) and the No. 11 Hoosiers, who have started 4-0 and just crushed previously ninth-ranked Illinois, 63-10. Moore has been at the forefront of Indiana’s great season, leading the team in tackles (23), solo tackles (15) and interceptions (two).

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Location: Allen FieldhouseThe annual men’s scrimmage as part of the Late Night in the Phog event represents an opportunity for…