CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Mid-American Conference has released its preseason men's and women's cross country coaches polls. Toledo was selected to place first on the women's side, while Miami was picked to finish on the men's side.
The Rockets enter the fall as the preseason favorite, securing 10 first-place votes and the top spot with 141 points. Toledo will look to continue their tradition of distance-running dominance after capturing the attention of league coaches with their depth and championship pedigree.
Close behind is Ohio, who earned three first-place votes and tallied 133 points to land in second place. The Bobcats appear poised to challenge Toledo with a strong returning core and the respect of their peers across the conference. Bowling Green rounds out the top three with 120 points, giving the Falcons momentum as they aim to push into title contention.
On the men’s side, the RedHawks the way as the preseason favorite, picking up six first-place votes and 78 points. Miami, consistent contenders in recent years, head into 2025 with high expectations and the inside track as the team to beat.
Toledo was right behind in second place, earning three first-place votes and 73 points, while Eastern Michigan, a perennial MAC powerhouse, grabbed one first-place vote and finished third with 67 points.
The MAC Cross Country Championships will take place on Saturday, November 1 at the University at Buffalo.
Women’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
First place votes in (x) – Coaches were not able to vote for themselves
1. Toledo – 141 points (10)
2. Ohio – 133 points (3)
3. Bowling Green --- 120 points
4. Miami – 91 points
5. Eastern Michigan – 90 points
6. Western Michigan – 88 points
7. Central Michigan – 83 points
8. Massachusetts – 67 points
9. Ball State – 61 points
10. Akron – 57 points
11. Buffalo – 39 points
12. NIU – 24 points
13. Kent State – 20 points
Men’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
First place votes in (x) – Coaches were not able to vote for themselves
1. Miami – 78 points (6)
2. Toledo – 73 points (3)
3. Eastern Michigan – 67 points (1)
4. Buffalo – 51 points
5. Ohio – 44 points
6. Massachusetts – 41 points
7. Central Michigan – 34 points
8. Akron – 33 points
9. Kent State – 17 points
10. Bowling Green – 12 points
