UPDATE: Indiana's pre-season ranking has been changed to No. 20 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. 20 women's spot goes to Indiana, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Katherine Receveur (9:03 3K; 15:28 5K; 20th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Margaret Allen (9:14 3K; 15:50 5K; 33:48 10K; 137th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Brenna Calder (16:10 5K; 117th at ’17 NCAA XC)

JR Lexa Barrott (17:04 5K; 52nd at ’17 Big Ten XC)

SR Haley Harris (4:20 1500; 16:47 10K; 221st at ’17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Sarah Schmitt via Naperville, IL (10:25 3200; 8th at ’17 FL XC; 8th at ’17 NXN)

Bailey Hertenstein via Lithia, FL (4:53 1600; 10:30 3200; 5th at ’17 FL South XC)

Analysis:

The Indiana women return an even stronger squad than their 24th place finish last season. Led by NCAA All-American Katherine Receveur the Hoosiers project to have four or more seniors in their top-seven. Notably, seniors Margaret Allen and Brenna Calder should be top-100 finishers based on their strong 5K personal bests of 15:50 and 16:10 respectively.

Youth wise, incoming freshmen Sarah Schmitt and Bailey Hertenstein have a chance to make an immediate impact for this year’s squad. Schmitt finished eighth at both NXN and Foot Locker last year proving her ability to navigate cross country courses well. And, Hertenstein from Florida has a strong personal best of 10:30 over 3200m.

The combination of senior leadership and solid freshmen recruits will propel the Hoosiers to a potential top-20 finish.

FULL RANKINGS HERE