The Atlantic Sun Conference selected the University of North Florida men’s and women’s cross country teams second in the 2026 ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll. Each program received 56 points in its respective poll. It marked the second consecutive season that both University of North Florida programs received second-place selections.
The University of North Florida placed third in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the 2025 ASUN Cross Country Championships. The programs return four honorees from the postseason meet. Men’s fifth-year runner Cole Perry earned 2025 Third Team All-ASUN honors, while sophomores Alejandro Romagosa and Parker Banzhaf earned 2025 ASUN All-Freshman Team honors; women’s senior Annika Buser returns after earning 2025 Third Team All-ASUN honors.
Each University of North Florida program added two transfers and six freshmen ahead of the season. The University of North Florida opens the season at home with the Florida Intercollegiate Cross Country Invitational on Friday, Sept. 4, at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla. It marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that the Ospreys have hosted a home meet.
2026 ASUN men’s cross country preseason poll
- Lipscomb: 62 points
- North Florida: 56 points
- Bellarmine: 44 points
- FGCU: 38 points
- Stetson: 34 points
- Queens (NC): 30 points
- Jacksonville: 12 points
- West Florida: 12 points
Lipscomb led the men’s poll with 62 points, followed by North Florida and Bellarmine. FGCU placed fourth, Stetson fifth and Queens (NC) sixth. Jacksonville and West Florida tied for seventh.
2026 ASUN women’s cross country preseason poll
- Lipscomb: 64 points
- North Florida: 56 points
- FGCU: 46 points
- Queens (NC): 37 points
- Stetson: 30 points
- Bellarmine: 22 points
- Jacksonville: 20 points
- West Florida: 13 points
Lipscomb also led the women’s poll with 64 points, followed by North Florida and FGCU. Queens (NC) placed fourth, Stetson fifth and Bellarmine sixth. Jacksonville ranked seventh, and West Florida finished eighth.
North Florida cross country schedule
The 2026 ASUN Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Oct. 30 in Richmond, Ky. The 2026 NCAA South Regional Championships are scheduled for Nov. 13 in Tallahassee, Fla. Qualifying teams and individuals will advance to the 2026 NCAA Championships on Nov. 21 in Terre Haute, Ind.
Source: Original report