NAIA Releases Third Men's Cross Country Top 25 Rating
Cumberlands holds the top spot while several other programs rise in the national rankings ahead of the final season events.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Running
The NAIA released its third regular-season men's cross country top 25 rating, with Cumberlands maintaining the top position. Several schools climbed the ranks following successful performances in recent invitationals and head-to-head meets.
Why it matters
These regular-season ratings are essential for tracking team performance as schools aim to qualify for the championship. The movement in the rankings reflects how recent race results, such as those at the Ray Bullock Invitational, directly influence a team's standing.
The NAIA released the third regular-season rating featuring 25 teams, with Cumberlands securing 19 of 20 available first-place votes versus Southern Oregon's single vote. The exact composition of the championship field remains to be determined pending final events.
The players
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics governs collegiate sports programs and oversees championship qualification.
Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands maintains the top-rated men's cross country team.
Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon University currently holds the No. 2 position in the national ratings.
Madonna
Madonna University moved to the No. 5 position following a win at the Ray Bullock Invitational.
Haskell
Haskell Indian Nations University entered the top 25 after defeating Saint Mary.
The details
Rankings are determined by performance across the cross country season, which typically features 8k races. Teams like Madonna earned higher ratings after winning the Ray Bullock Invitational on October 9, while Haskell advanced following a victory against Saint Mary in Kansas. Oklahoma City dropped out of the top 25 in this latest assessment.
Timeline
• October 9, 2026: Madonna won the Ray Bullock Invitational.
• October 10, 2026: Haskell defeated Saint Mary in Kansas.
• October 15, 2026: The NAIA released the third cross country rating.
• October 29, 2026: The final regular-season rating is scheduled.
• November 10, 2026: Championship qualification concludes.
Health Landscape
This rating release follows the established cycle for the NAIA championship qualification criteria. It serves as a benchmark for programs preparing for the competitive transition toward end-of-season championships.
Readers interested in collegiate athletics should monitor these ratings to understand how competitive performance impacts postseason opportunities. Fans and athletes can track the final regular-season update on October 29 to see which programs secure their place in the championship.
The takeaway
These ratings provide a clear view of how mid-season performances dictate team advancement. Coaches and athletes should focus on the final rating scheduled for October 29 as the primary marker for postseason prospects.
Further reading
For more on collegiate athletic developments and training standards, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NAIA.
