Wake Forest Athletics
Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Land USTFCCCA Preseason National and Regional Rankings
9/1/2026 1:55:00 PM | Cross Country
The Demon Deacons men’s team ranks first among the Southeast Region ahead of the 2026 season.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest cross country has earned strong recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), as the organization announced its 2026 preseason national and regional rankings.
Nationally, the men's team enters the fall at No. 8, resting as the only ACC team within the top 10. Wake Forest has now been a preseason top-20 team on the men's side for three consecutive years:
The women's team landed a national ranking of No. 30, repeating from a year ago.
In the Southeast Regional rankings, the men were picked first among the preseason poll – a first such feat since 2022. Meanwhile, the women slid in at No. 6.
Last week, the men were recognized as ACC preseason favorites for a second-straight year. It also marked the third time in the last five years in which the men have been tabbed first in the poll. The women's team was picked eighth in the ACC Preseason Poll for the third year in a row.
By the conclusion of the 2025 season, the men finished 12th in the country after winning their first Southeast Regional Championship since 2021. Five Demon Deacons earned All-Region honors, led by All-American and ACC Performer of the Year Rocky Hansen. The women capped a historic fall with a berth to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2006. Angelina Perez and Brooke Wilson paced the way as All-Region runners, with Perez also attaining All-American and All-ACC awards.
The Deacs open their 2026 campaign next week, with the women first competing in the Virginia Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11.
Nationally, the men's team enters the fall at No. 8, resting as the only ACC team within the top 10. Wake Forest has now been a preseason top-20 team on the men's side for three consecutive years:
- 2026 – 8th
- 2025 – 10th
- 2024 – 19th
The women's team landed a national ranking of No. 30, repeating from a year ago.
In the Southeast Regional rankings, the men were picked first among the preseason poll – a first such feat since 2022. Meanwhile, the women slid in at No. 6.
Last week, the men were recognized as ACC preseason favorites for a second-straight year. It also marked the third time in the last five years in which the men have been tabbed first in the poll. The women's team was picked eighth in the ACC Preseason Poll for the third year in a row.
By the conclusion of the 2025 season, the men finished 12th in the country after winning their first Southeast Regional Championship since 2021. Five Demon Deacons earned All-Region honors, led by All-American and ACC Performer of the Year Rocky Hansen. The women capped a historic fall with a berth to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2006. Angelina Perez and Brooke Wilson paced the way as All-Region runners, with Perez also attaining All-American and All-ACC awards.
The Deacs open their 2026 campaign next week, with the women first competing in the Virginia Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11.
Players Mentioned
Monday, August 31
Friday, August 28
Wednesday, August 26
Tuesday, August 25