Syracuse Men's Cross Country Remained Ranked No. 9

The Syracuse men's team maintained its top-ten national standing following a second-place finish in New Jersey.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Track & Field

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a runner in motion on an autumnal wooded trail, featuring orange and navy colors. — Syracuse University's men's cross country team remains ranked No. 9 in the nation following their second-place finish at the Meadows Challenge. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Syracuse University men's cross country team has secured the No. 9 position in the latest USTFCCCA national poll. This ranking follows the squad's second-place performance at the Meadows Challenge held at Princeton.

Why it matters

National rankings provide critical context for the competitive trajectory of collegiate programs throughout the season. These standings indicate which teams are currently positioned for success as squads prepare for upcoming championship races.

Syracuse men's cross country holds the No. 1 spot in the Northeast Regional Poll, while the women's team is ranked No. 3 in the same region. The women's program also secured nine votes in the national poll following a fifth-place finish at the Meadows Challenge.

The players

Syracuse University

This is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, with a prominent NCAA Division I athletics program.

USTFCCCA

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association is the professional organization that oversees collegiate rankings.

The details

The men's team built their current standing on a strong second-place finish at the Meadows Challenge at Princeton. Meanwhile, the Syracuse women's team outperformed competitors like Villanova and Penn State during the same event.

The Meadows Challenge took place in September 2026.
The latest USTFCCCA Poll was released on September 29, 2026.
The Syracuse teams will compete at the NCAA Pre-Nationals in Indiana on October 16, 2026.
The squads will also compete at the Joe Handelman Princeton Fall Classic on October 16, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The current rankings establish Syracuse's position as a regional leader as they move toward high-stakes postseason competition. Maintaining this standing is essential for the program as it vies for favorable placement in the national NCAA field.

The men's No. 9 national ranking and No. 1 regional standing keep Syracuse on track for a high-seed path toward the NCAA championships. Fans can look for the team to translate this momentum into points at the upcoming Pre-Nationals meet in Indiana.

The takeaway

Consistent performance in early-season invitationals remains the primary driver for national ranking stability. Teams that secure top-five finishes, like the Syracuse men's squad, are better positioned for selection to championship events.