FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 1, 2026) – The 2026 Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s cross country seasons will begin this week, with all 11 teams competing in a variety of meets.
Northern Arizona Receives Top 10 Rankings
The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its Preseason National Rankings today, which tabbed the Northern Arizona men No. 7 in the NCAA and the Lumberjack women No. 8.
Both teams were projected third in the NCAA Mountain Region.
Northern Arizona will be in action tomorrow as they host the George Kyte Invitational.
USTFCCCA Region Rankings (Aug. 31)
Men’s Mountain Region
3. Northern Arizona
8. Weber State
10. Montana State
12. Southern Utah
14. Idaho State
15. Montana
Women’s Mountain Region
3. Northern Arizona
11. Weber State
12. Montana State
14. Southern Utah
15. Idaho State
Northern Arizona Named Preseason Conference Favorites
As the Big Sky enters a new era with 11 full-time members, the conference office has released the results of its 2026 Preseason Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coaches’ Polls, which has tabbed the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks as favorites going into the season.
These polls were voted on by the league’s head coaches, and coaches were permitted to vote for their own teams.
The Lumberjack men have claimed five-consecutive team titles dating back to 2021, and nine of the last 10 with the only team breaking up that streak being Southern Utah (2020). Additionally, they’ve claimed 10-consecutive individual titles with eight different student-athletes claiming the league’s top spot over that time span.
Last season the Lumberjacks scored just 20 points en route to a Big Sky title, led by Colin Sahlman, who went on to win a trio of individual national championships on the track. At the National Championship, Northern Arizona finished in eighth place.
NAU received nine of the available first-place votes. Montana State was voted second on the men’s side, while Weber State was picked third. Southern Utah was slotted fourth in their first season back in the Big Sky Conference since 2021.
On the women’s side, the Lumberjacks hold a longer team title streak, winning seven in a row dating back to 2019. They’ve also won nine of the previous 10 titles, with Southern Utah taking one home in 2018. The NAU women have claimed six-consecutive individual titles, with four different student-athletes sitting atop the Big Sky at different points.
The Lumberjack women scored just 16 points at the 2025 Big Sky Championships, led by individual champion Hayley Burns, who is set to return this season. They also finished in eighth place at the National Championship meet last season.
NAU received nine of the available first-place votes. Montana State was selected second, while Weber State was picked third. Southern Utah was also slotted in fourth on the women’s side.
The projected order of NAU, MSU, WSU and SUU was consistent across both polls.
2026 Men’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches’ Poll (Aug. 20)
- Northern Arizona (9) – 118
- Montana State – 98
- Weber State (1) – 97
- Southern Utah – 85
- Idaho State – 64
- Montana – 62
- Idaho – 61
- Utah Tech (1) – 48
- Eastern Washington – 46
- Portland State – 24
- Northern Colorado – 23
2026 Women’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches’ Poll
- Northern Arizona (9) – 118
- Montana State (1) – 100
- Weber State – 96
- Southern Utah – 82
- Idaho – 74
- Idaho State – 65
- Utah Tech (1) – 60
- Eastern Washington – 43
- Northern Colorado – 36
- Montana – 28
- Portland State – 24
Coaches are permitted to vote for their own team(s)
() – Designates First-Place Vote(s)
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Weekly Schedule
Wednesday, September 2
Event: George Kyte Classic
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Host: Northern Arizona
Participants: NAU, UT
Friday, September 4
Event: Clash of the Inland Northwest
Location: Spokane, Washington
Host: Gonzaga
Participants: EWU, UI
Event: MSU Bobcat Twilight
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Host: Montana State
Participants: UM, MSU
Event: Wyoming Invite
Location: Laramie, Wyoming
Host: Wyoming
Participants: UNC
Event: Lewis & Clark XC Opener
Location: Estacada, Oregon
Host: Lewis & Clark
Participants: PSU
Event: UVU Invite
Location: Orem, Utah
Host: Utah Valley
Participants: SUU
Saturday, September 5
Event: Utah State Alumni Challenge
Location: Logan, Utah
Host: Utah State
Participants: ISU, WSU