POCATELLO, Idaho (Aug. 20, 2026) – Idaho State men's and women's cross country were tabbed fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Big Sky Conference's 2026 Preseason Coaches' Polls, released today by the conference office as the Big Sky enters a new era with 11 full-time members.
The Bengal men picked up 64 points to land in fifth, while the ISU women totaled 65 points for sixth place. The polls were voted on by the league's head coaches, who were permitted to vote for their own teams.
"I'm excited to build on the momentum from last season and continue to raise the bar," said first-year head coach Sean-Patrick Oswald. "As I begin my first year with Idaho State, I feel lucky to inherit such a strong group of returning athletes, talented newcomers, and a team that is hungry to compete. The team and I are excited to capitalize on the outstanding resources and training environment we have here at Idaho State, continuing to focus on executing one day at a time to achieve our long term goals and ambitions."
Northern Arizona was tabbed the favorite in both polls, picking up nine of the available first-place votes on each side. The Lumberjack men have won five-consecutive team titles and nine of the last 10, while the NAU women have claimed seven-consecutive titles and nine of the previous 10. Montana State was voted second in both polls, with Weber State third and Southern Utah, back in the league for the first time since 2021, fourth. That order was consistent across both the men's and women's polls.
Cross country seasons across the Big Sky Conference begin the first week of September.
2026 Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
- Northern Arizona (9) – 118
- Montana State – 98
- Weber State (1) – 97
- Southern Utah – 85
- Idaho State – 64
- Montana – 62
- Idaho – 61
- Utah Tech (1) – 48
- Eastern Washington – 46
- Portland State – 24
- Northern Colorado – 23
2026 Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
- Northern Arizona (9) – 118
- Montana State (1) – 100
- Weber State – 96
- Southern Utah – 82
- Idaho – 74
- Idaho State – 65
- Utah Tech (1) – 60
- Eastern Washington – 43
- Northern Colorado – 36
- Montana – 28
- Portland State – 24
() – Designates First-Place Vote(s)
