Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where we rank the pre-season top 25 cross country teams and individuals heading into the NCAA season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 25 men's spot goes to Middle Tennessee State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SO Jacob Choge (13:39 5K; 28:42 10K; 40th at '16 NCAA XC)
JR Kigen Chemadi (4:01 Mile; 8:01 3K; 13:56 5K; 149th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Amos Cheruiyot (14:34 5K; 29:53 10K; 194th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Geoffry Cheruiyot (3:42 1500; 8:48 3K SC; 234th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Sampson Laari (1:46 800; 3:58 Mile; 14:02 5K; DNF at '16 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Vincent Kibet via Kenya (Stats Unknown)
Betwel Kimutai via Kenya (Stats Unknown)

Analysis:

The Blue Raiders return all five scorers from their 2016 NCAA squad rife with Kenyan-born talents. Led last year by coach Keith Vroman, the team only had seven XC runners on their roster -- making their trip to nationals and 28th-place finish all the more impressive. Their frontrunner in freshman Jacob Choge was considered a dark horse pick for the win at last year's NCAA XC meet, but ultimately the team fell short. Choge is coming off a good outdoor season, making the finals of both the 5K and 10K at NCAAs, and he'll be looking to improve upon his All-American showing from last year.

One of the unknown factors facing MTSU will be that of their new freshman recruits. The school is no stranger to recruiting excellent Kenyan talents, and though we can't find any results for new freshmen Vincent Kibet and Betwel Kimutai, they'll be on the top seven 'by default' and will thus have a chance to score big points for the team. The real question facing Middle Tennessee is one of depth, and without any known distance recruits or transfers coming their way in 2017, the Raiders will have to pray for a consistent and injury-free season to crack the top 20 at NCAAs.

FULL MEN'S RANKINGS HERE