NEW ORLEANS – The USTFCCCA announced the 2026 Preseason Poll Wednesday afternoon, placing Anderson University Men's Cross Country team at No. 22 with the women seated at No. 28.
 
"It's great to be nationally ranked in the preseason poll, but we know that we have a lot of work to do before the national meet if we want to hit the goals that we have laid out in front of us." said Director of Cross Country / Track & Field Kevin Eagle.
 
After finishing 8th at the 2025 NCAA National Championships in Kenosha, Wis. the men have earned the No. 22 spot in the poll. Anderson is joined in the rankings by fellow South Atlantic Conference opponent and 2025 National Champion No. 1 Wingate. Regional counterpart Flagler was also listed in the rankings, receiving votes as the Saints enter the 2026 campaign.
 
On the women's side, the Black and Gold are seated no. 28 behind conference rivals No. 3 Wingate and No. 22 Catawba. Regional competitor Tampa was also included in the preseason poll and sits ahead of the Trojans at No. 18.
 
"We have ambitious goals for the year, so this ranking is a great starting point of what is to come." added Eagle.
 
The Black and Gold officially kickstart the upcoming season on Saturday, Sept. 19 in Spartanburg, S.C. at the Converse XC Classic.