Editor's Note: After the publish date of this video/article Wesley Kirui has transferred to Alaska Anchorage.

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. 20 men’s spot goes to Washington State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

FR Wesley Kirui (8:24 3K; 14:25 5K; 30:59 10K; 8:45 3K SC)

SR Chandler Teigen ( 8:10 3K; 63rd at ‘17 NCAA XC; 145th at ‘16 NCAA XC)

SR Nathan Tadesse (8:10 3K; 113rd at ‘16 NCAA XC; 193rd at ‘15 NCAA XC)

SR Sam Levora (8:08 3K; 14:01 5K; 29:22 10K; 115th at ‘16 NCAA XC)

SR Nathan Wadhwani (8:18 3K; 14:32 5K; 94th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Colton Johnsen via Eastern Washington (3:51 1500; 8:07 3K; 8:57 3K SC)

Wesley Kirui via Hampton (8:24 3K; 14:25 5K; 30:59 10K; 8:45 3K SC)

Nate Pendleton (4th at '17 NXR Northwest)

Analysis:

All signs point to the Cougars improving on their 24th place finish at last year’s NCAA Cross Country Championships. They bring back their top finisher from that race, Chandler Teigen, who has shown steady progression during his three appearances at NCAAs. 

Their third man across the line, Nathan Wadhwani, also back after finishing 94th last year. Two other seniors, Nathan Tadesse and Sam Levora, are expected to be in the top five for Cougars.

But they will also get help from some new faces. Wesley Kirui transferred from Hampton and qualified for the NCAA Championships in the steeplechase. His 8:45 mark in that event indicates that he will be potent on the cross country course. 

Fellow transfer Colton Johnsen has also made his mark in the steeplechase. Johnsen ran 8:57 last year when he was competing for Eastern Washington. The Cougars also add true freshman Nate Pendleton who qualified for NXN after taking fourth place in the NXN Northwest regional meet. 

FULL RANKINGS HERE