New Braunfels, TX – Hardin-Simmons has been picked to finish first in the 2026 American Southwest Conference Men's Cross Country Poll, following a vote by conference head coaches and sports information directors.

Hardin-Simmons and McMurry finished tied with 33 points, with Hardin-Simmons earning the top spot after a 6-4 runoff vote. East Texas Baptist and Mary Hardin-Baylor also tied with 31 points, with ETBU securing third place after a 7-3 runoff vote.

Five of the Runners to Watch were named to 2025 All-Conference teams following last year's ASC Championship. The 2026 ASC Championship will be hosted in Kerrville, Texas, on Saturday, October 31.
 
2026 Preseason Poll
1. Hardin-Simmons
2. McMurry
3. East Texas Baptist
4. Mary Hardin-Baylor
5. Schreiner
 
2026 Runners to Watch
Name                                  Class                       School
Ryan Anderson *                  Sr.                          Mary Hardin-Baylor
Jeremiah Calderon *            So.                         Mary Hardin-Baylor
Sean Dansby                       Sr.                          Schreiner
Isaac Gonzales                    Sr.                          McMurry
Tyler Jordan *                      So.                         East Texas Baptist
Nico Lopez                          So.                         Schreiner
Nathan Oxte *                      Jr.                           Hardin-Simmons
Roger Ramirez                    Sr.                          McMurry
Chance Stewart                   Fr.                          East Texas Baptist
Tate Strange *                     So.                         Hardin-Simmons

2025 All-Conference *