SEARCY, Ark. — The Harding men's cross-country team will open the 2026 season ranked seventh in the Central Region, according to the preseason regional rankings released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The No. 7 ranking marks a two-spot jump for head coach Don Hood's squad after finishing ninth at the 2025 NCAA Central Regional meet. The Bisons are one of three Great American Conference programs featured in the region's top seven.
USTFCCCA Central Region Preseason Rankings
| Rank |
Team |
Conference |
2025 Regional Finish |
| 1 |
Augustana (S.D.) |
NSIC |
5 |
| 2 |
Washburn |
MIAA |
2 |
| 3 |
Pittsburg State |
MIAA |
4 |
| 4 |
East Central (Okla.) |
GAC |
3 |
| 5 |
Neb.-Kearney |
MIAA |
6 |
| 6 |
Oklahoma Baptist |
GAC |
7 |
| 7 |
Harding |
GAC |
9 |
| 8 |
Missouri Southern |
MIAA |
8 |
| 9 |
Northwest Missouri |
MIAA |
1 |
| 10 |
Fort Hays State |
MIAA |
10 |
Regional Landscape
Augustana (S.D.) holds the top spot as the favorite in the Central Region after returning six of its top seven runners from last season. Washburn and Pittsburg State occupy the second and third positions, filling out the region's three projected automatic qualification spots for the NCAA Division II National Championships.
East Central (No. 4) and Nebraska-Kearney (No. 5) round out the top five, while Oklahoma Baptist holds the No. 6 ranking directly ahead of the Bisons.
Regional Championship Saturday is scheduled for Nov. 21, where the top three finishing teams will automatically advance to the 2026 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.
