UPDATE: Michigan State's pre-season ranking has been changed to No. 22 due to a last minute NCAA transfer.

Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Tuesday, September 11th at 10 AM CT. The No. 22 women's spot goes to Michigan State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SO Maggie Farrell (4:35 1500; 16:28 5K; 64th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

JR Jeralyn Poe (9:27 3K; 16:22 5K; 99th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

SR Erin McDonald (4:25 1500; 16:18 5K; 111th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

JR Lynsie Gram (16:47 5K; 34:05 10K; 116th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

SO Holly Bullough (4:30 1500; 76th at ‘16 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis:

The Spartans return four of their top five from a team that placed 15th at nationals last fall, among them 2017 super frosh Maggie Farrell and fellow top 100 NCAA finisher Jeralyn Poe.

Each of Michigan State’s projected top five in 2018 scored at the national meet either last year or 2016, giving coach Walt Drenth an experienced core that will once again be among the best in the Big 10. Farrell was the conference’s top freshman last year, and she validated that by placing 64th in Louisville, sixth among all freshmen in the country. Between her and junior-to-be Jeralyn Poe, Sparty will have two athletes capable of stepping up to an All-American level in 2018.

Both Erin McDonald and Lynsie Gram had career seasons on the track that resulted in numerous PRs. That alone should have Michigan State optimistic that they can get more out of the pair this season on the grass. McDonald and Gram were 111th and 116th at NCAAs, respectively.

In sophomore Holly Bullough, the Spartans have a bit of a wildcard since she missed all of last cross country season, but she showed her XC talent as a freshman by placing 76th at NCAAs in 2016. A return to form for Bullough could be a boon for MSU’s chances of improving on their placing from last year.

FULL RANKINGS HERE