Embry-Riddle's Men's and Women's Cross Country teams have garnered significant recognition in the 2026 preseason rankings, reflecting their potential for the upcoming season. The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) and the USA Track and Field & Cross Country Coaches Association (USATFCCCA) have both released rankings that highlight the teams' standing.

For the Embry-Riddle Men's Cross Country team, noteworthy placements include a 2nd position in the Sunshine State Conference and a 4th place in the South Regional Rankings by the USATFCCCA. Nationally, they are receiving votes, effectively placing them 32nd in the USATFCCCA Preseason National Rankings. The team will be looking to build on their 3rd place finish at the 2025 NCAA South Regional, which earned them their first National Championship appearance since 2022 and marked their fourth appearance in the NCAA Division II era. The Blue & Gold will rely heavily upon returners Nicholas Scarangelli, Taye Newman, Joseph Koraya, Henry Friedrichs and Rylan Malarchick.

The Embry-Riddle Women's Cross Country team is ranked 3rd in the Sunshine State Conference and 5th in the South Regional Rankings by the USATFCCCA. With a solid foundation returning, the team aims to improve upon their 8th place finish from 2025, bolstered by a healthy lineup, including key returners Taylor Roth, Cristina Soto, Leanna Rogers, Charlotte O'Brien and Emily Tubbs. 

Both teams are set to begin their 2026 campaign at the North Florida Invite in Jacksonville this evening, where they will compete in a 5k race. This marks the start of an eagerly anticipated season for the Embry-Riddle Eagles.
 

2026 Men's Cross Country SSC Preseason Poll

Rank	School	Points (FPV)
1	Florida Southern	9 (9)
2	Embry-Riddle	18 (1)
3	Tampa	24
4	Palm beach Atlantic	44
5	Nova Southeastern	45
5	Florida Tech	45
7	Barry	55
8	Lynn	65
9	Saint Leo	69
10	Eckerd	75

2026 Women's Cross Country SSC Preseason Poll

Rank	School	Points (FPV)
1	Tampa	8 (8)
2	Nova Southeastern	16 (1)
3	Embry-Riddle	25
4	Florida Southern	32
5	Palm Beach Atlantic	33
6	Barry	47
6	Saint Leo	47
7	Lynn	56
8	Eckerd	60