Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top cross country teams in the NCAA this season, which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 2 men’s spot in DIII goes to Washington U., and here's why:

Probable Top Six:

SR David O’Gara (30:15 10K; 9th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Brad Hodkinson (8:23 3K; 14:25 5K; 7th at '17 NCAA XC)

SR Peter Johnsrud (30:51 10K; 34th at ’17 NCAA XC)

JR Nick Matteucci (3:45 1500; 75th at ’16 NCAA XC)

SR Kirby Simon (14:45 5K; 116th at ’17 NCAA XC)

JR Marco Quaroni (9:14 3K SC; 121st at ’17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Brad Hodkinson via Pacific Lutheran (8:23 3K; 14:25 5K; 7th at '17 NCAA XC)

Paul McKinley via Okemos, MI (4:10 1600; 9:09 3200; 4th at '17 MI State XC)

Note: After publishing, FloTrack became aware that All-American Brad Hodkinson has transferred into the program for his final season of eligibility. The top six list has been adjusted accordingly.

Analysis:

After notching a solid fifth place finish at nationals last year, the Bears from Washington University in St. Louis return their entire top five— including two All-Americans— with designs on possibly scoring a huge upset at NCAAs. While the thought of Wash U. winning their first ever NCAA cross country title in 2018 is certainly still far-fetched due to North Central’s prowess, the Bears’ experienced roster and elite talent up front makes them a worthy challenger to the throne.

Coach Jeff Stiles’ must love what he has in seniors David O’Gara and Peter Johnsrud. O’Gara was ninth last fall, while Johnsrud was 34th, with each man showing tremendous improvement compared to the year before. O’Gara improved 20 places at nationals from 2016, with Johnsrud showing an even more dramatic shift as he moved up 72 spots from one year to the next. If these two continue to get better at similar rates, the Bears can count on two very low scores in November.

There’s no doubt that the 3-4-5 trio of Nick Matteucci, Kirby Simon, and Marco Quaroni will need to improve leaps and bounds if they want to challenge NCC, but these three are NCAA tested and have reason to expect better days ahead. Junior-to-be Nick Matteucci was only 101st last fall, but his 75th place finish as a freshman in 2016 shows his true talent. Matteucci has finished top five in the NCAA outdoor 1500m each of the last two years. Simon and Quaroni haven’t yet placed inside the top-100 at NCAAs, but solid seasons on the oval have them moving in that direction.

Like we said previously about Wisconsin-La Crosse, beating North Central at nationals— an 18-time NCAA champion— is a long shot for this Washington U. squad. But if the chips fall their way, and everybody has their best day on November 17, this talented group could challenge for the big trophy.

FULL RANKINGS HERE