Lobos Cross Country Squads Ranked Second in Preseason Poll
Both the UNM men's and women's cross country teams are ranked No. 2 in the USTFCCCA preseason coaches poll. This marks the first time both teams have been ranked second simultaneously. The women have previously been preseason No. 1.
The University of New Mexico’s cross country programs open the season with matching preseason recognition, as both the men’s and women’s squads sit at No. 2 in the USTFCCCA coaches poll. This dual placement is a first for the Lobos, who have consistently been a national presence in distance running. The women’s team, in particular, has a history of high preseason expectations, having previously earned the top spot in an earlier poll. While the ranking signals strong projected performance, the actual season will determine whether these early assessments hold.
For a program like UNM, the simultaneous second-place marks underscore the depth of its cross country culture, which has produced multiple conference titles and national contenders in recent years. The preseason poll reflects coaches’ collective judgment based on returning talent and past results, but it is not a guarantee of postseason success. Both teams will now carry the weight of that expectation into their opening meets, with the goal of improving on their preseason standing by November.
This ranking could boost UNM’s recruiting visibility and fan engagement, as dual top-two status is rare and draws national attention to the program. For student-athletes, it may increase pressure to meet high expectations, but also provides motivation and a platform for individual recognition. The wider college sports community may view this as a sign of sustained excellence in distance running, potentially influencing future conference realignment or sponsorship interest. However, preseason polls are speculative, and actual impact depends on race results throughout the fall.