2024 NCAA Cross Country Season: Contenders, Teams to Watch, Must-See Events

The excitement of the 2024 NCAA cross country season is just around the corner, and there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. As athletes transition from the Olympic stage to the collegiate trails, this year’s Division I season promises intense competition and thrilling races. Here’s a look at the top individual contenders, team title hopefuls, and key invitationals you won’t want to miss.

Individual Contenders to Watch

Men’s Competition

Habtom Samuel | New Mexico
Patrick Kiprop | Arkansas
Casey Clinger | BYU
Parker Wolfe | North Carolina
Denis Kipngetich | Oklahoma State
Brian Musau | Oklahoma State

Habtom Samuel made an impressive debut last year, finishing second nationally as a freshman. Now entering his sophomore year, Samuel remains a formidable contender, alongside Oklahoma State sophomores Denis Kipngetich and Brian Musau, both of whom secured top-10 finishes that contributed to their team’s national title. Veterans like Patrick Kiprop and Parker Wolfe, who finished seventh and ninth respectively, will also be in the mix, while Casey Clinger’s return to NCAA competition after a year away adds another layer of intrigue.

Women’s Competition

Doris Lemngole | Alabama
Sydney Thorvaldson | Arkansas
Hilda Olemomoi | Florida
Grace Hartman | NC State
Billah Jepkirui | Oklahoma State
Amina Maatoug | Washington

On the women’s side, Alabama’s Doris Lemngole returns after an outstanding freshman season where she finished second nationally. Her former teammate, Hilda Olemomoi, now at Florida, also remains a top contender following her fourth-place finish last year. Sydney Thorvaldson from Arkansas, a seasoned runner, is expected to be in the thick of the title race. Keep an eye on NC State’s Grace Hartman and Oklahoma State’s Billah Jepkirui, who both have the experience and skill to challenge for the top spot. Washington’s new addition, Amina Maatoug, transferring from Duke, could also make a significant impact this season.

Team Title Hopefuls

Men’s Teams

Oklahoma State
Northern Arizona
Arkansas
BYU

Oklahoma State enters the season as the frontrunner for the men’s team title, returning four of their top finishers from last year’s championship team. Northern Arizona, despite losing key runners like Nico Young and Drew Bosely, has a history of dominance, claiming the national title six times in the last eight years. Arkansas and BYU are also in strong positions, with the Razorbacks bolstering their roster through the transfer portal and BYU benefiting from Casey Clinger’s return and the continued development of Olympian James Corrigan.

Women’s Teams

NC State
Northern Arizona
Oregon
Florida

On the women’s side, NC State is aiming for a fourth consecutive national title, leading a field that remains competitive and unpredictable. Northern Arizona, which narrowly missed dethroning the Wolfpack last year, will rely on Elise Sterans to push them over the top this season. Oregon and Florida also present strong cases for contention, with Oregon returning most of its top runners and Florida bringing in Hilda Olemomoi to fill the gap left by Parker Valby’s departure. However, the Gators will need to develop more depth to pose a serious challenge.

Must-See Invitationals

Roy Griak Invitational | Sept. 20 | Host: Minnesota
Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational | Sept. 27 | Host: Wisconsin
Cowboy Jamboree | Sept. 28 | Host: Oklahoma State
Joe Piane Invitational | Oct. 4 | Host: Notre Dame

These key invitationals will set the stage for the 2024 NCAA cross country season. Each event is expected to feature a strong lineup of individual and team title contenders, making them essential viewing for fans and followers of collegiate cross country. These meets will not only showcase the top talent but also provide early indications of which teams and athletes might emerge as the season progresses.

The 2024 NCAA cross country season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a mix of returning champions, rising stars, and powerhouse teams all vying for supremacy. Whether you’re tracking individual performances or watching the team battles unfold, this season promises to deliver unforgettable moments on the trails.