With many of the nation’s top programs splitting between the annual Nuttycombe Invitational in Wisconsin and Pre-Nationals in Missouri, this weekend offers a clear look at how the country’s best stack up heading into championship season. 

In Columbia, the top-ranked BYU women and No. 4 Florida headline a deep field, while Oklahoma State and Arkansas lead a men’s lineup loaded with nationally ranked contenders.

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Clash Of The Titans: No. 1 BYU Meets No. 4 Florida In Top-Ranked Showdown

The last time the Florida women traveled to Columbia, they left with four top-10 finishers and a dominant team title over several programs that had been ranked ahead of them.

Led by Judy Chepkoech (19:22) in sixth, along with Tia Wilson (19:25.4), Hilda Olemomoi (19:30.8), and Desma Chepkoech (19:34.8), the Gators showcased impressive pack running to seal the win.

The only lingering question lies in the gap between their fourth and fifth runners, which sat just under a minute three weeks ago. Fortunately, a few new faces could help close that margin — Claire Stegall, Reagan Gilmore, and Isobelle Jones are set to make their season debuts, joining Caroline Wells and Bethan Morley to bolster Florida’s depth.

Three weeks removed from their statement victory, the Gators have had time to reset and refocus before facing their toughest challenge yet — BYU, the defending national champions.

If you missed it last year, Diljeet Taylor’s squad secured its second NCAA title in five years, and after passing its first major test this season, BYU remains the team to beat.

Last month, while most top programs previewed the national championship course, the Provo-based Cougars took their talents to Stillwater for the Cowboy Jamboree. Led by Riley Chamberlain and Taylor Rohatinsky, who finished second and fourth, BYU placed seven runners in the top 15 en route to a 34–57–65 win over Oklahoma State and New Mexico.

While national champion and multiple-time All-American Jenna Hutchins is staying on the sidelines just a little while longer, Coach Taylor appears ready to play arguably her biggest card — Jane Hedengren.

Keep in mind, there’s always a chance Hedengren is listed in the entries but won’t actually make her debut, though fingers crossed we see her in action.

Less than six months removed from one of the greatest high school seasons in history — a run that included eight national records and multiple North American U20 marks — Hedengren now makes her collegiate debut.

The last time she raced cross country, she shattered the course record at Nike Cross Nationals, clocking 16:32.7 and winning by 41 seconds. Another record seems unlikely this time around, but don’t be surprised if Hedengren makes an immediate impact from the gun.

The Cougars will also welcome back Carmen Alder for her season debut, adding yet another layer of depth to a roster already built to repeat.

In addition to a pair of the greatest teams in the country, seven other ranked programs will be in attendance, including No. 9 Oklahoma State, No. 10 Villanova, No. 24 Missouri, No. 27 Arkansas, No. 29 Clemson, No. 31 Texas, and No. 32 Tennessee.

Oklahoma State Men Looking For Statement Win At Gans Creek

A few weeks ago, the Cowboys took care of business and defended their home turf, winning the Cowboy Jamboree over a New Mexico squad that was without Habtom Samuel, the top-ranked man in FloTrack's College XC Rankings.

Led by Denis Kipngetich, who pulled away late to break the tape, Dave Smith’s squad placed six in the top 15 and never looked back, holding off New Mexico 36–41.

This weekend, Oklahoma State is taking a different approach, keeping Kipngetich, Ryan Schoppe, Adisu Guadia, and Will Muirhead at home in favor of a national course preview.

Instead, the Cowboys will send a six-man lineup of Will Conway, Jacob Deacon, Ayden Granados, Laban Kipkemboi, David Mora, and Oliver Patton to face a field loaded with ranked programs.

Two weeks removed from their win over No. 31 Texas at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival, tenth-ranked Arkansas enters Pre-Nationals in a strong position. Timothy Chesondin, Brian Masai, James Sankei, and Ben Shearer will look to execute just like they did in Fayetteville, when they went 1–2–4–5.

Also in the mix are three more teams ranked in FloTrack’s College XC Rankings: No. 21 Georgia, No. 22 Tennessee, and No. 30 Missouri.

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