Syracuse Men’s Cross Country Climbed to No. 9
The team moved up four spots in the latest national poll following two early-season victories.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Track & Field
The Syracuse men’s cross country team advanced to the No. 9 position in the USTFCCCA national rankings. This jump follows successful performances at the Harry Lang Invitational and the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational.
Why it matters
The ranking improvement reflects the team's strong start to the season and confirms its status as the top-ranked program in the Northeast region. These early results provide a momentum boost as the team heads into mid-season competition.
The men's team holds the No. 9 spot after climbing 4 positions in the latest poll. Meanwhile, the women's team sits 8 points behind No. 25 Boise State and holds the 3rd spot in the Northeast region.
The players
Syracuse University men's cross country team
This collegiate athletic program competes in the Northeast region and currently holds a top-10 national ranking.
Syracuse University women's cross country team
This collegiate athletic program is currently ranked third in the Northeast region and recently defeated Penn State.
The details
The men's team solidified its standing after winning both the Harry Lang Invitational and the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational. The women's team also saw success, rising to third in the regional rankings after defeating Penn State at the Spiked Shoe meet.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The USTFCCCA national poll was released.
September 26, 2026: The team is scheduled to race at the Princeton Invitational.
Season Trajectory
This climb marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the Northeast region as Syracuse establishes itself as a serious contender for national honors. The team's trajectory now depends on maintaining this performance level throughout the upcoming invitational schedule.
The men's team holds the top rank in the Northeast region, which helps in securing higher quality invitations for future championship meets. The women's team remains just 8 points behind the No. 25 ranked Boise State team, making their next performance critical for breaking into the national top 25.
The takeaway
Consistent early-season victories are the most reliable way for college teams to influence national poll voters. Fans and observers should watch the upcoming Princeton Invitational to see if the team's momentum continues against tougher competition.
What happens next
The Syracuse men's and women's teams are scheduled to compete against Princeton at the Princeton Invitational on September 26, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on regional and national performance, visit the Track & Field section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Orange.
