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. The No. 1 women’s spot goes to New Mexico, and here's why:

Probable Top Seven:

JR Ednah Kurgat (15:19 5K; 32:31 10K; 1st at ’17 NCAA XC)

SO Weini Kelati (15:22 5K; 32:41 10K; 7th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Charlotte Prouse (9:45 3K SC; 12th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SO Adva Cohen (4:15 1500; 9:29 3K SC; 1st at ’17 NJCAA XC)

JR Hannah Nuttall (4:16 1500; 9:11 3K)

SO Alondra Negron (10:15 3K SC; 85th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Emily Martin (16:12 5K; 86th at ’17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Adva Cohen via Iowa Central CC (4:15 1500; 9:29 3K SC; 1st at ’17 NJCAA XC)

Hannah Nuttall via Great Britain (4:16 1500; 9:11 3K)

Emily Martin via Creighton (16:12 5K; 86th at ’17 NCAA XC)

Analysis:

The defending champs return their top three runners-- including reigning individual champion Ednah Kurgat— while adding two highly talented transfers to make New Mexico even more formidable.

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that the Lobos could have four ladies in the top 10 in 2018. Kurgat and sophomore Weini Kelati should be locks to finish right around where they did last year after great track seasons, and the same goes for senior Charlotte Prouse, who was 12th at NCAA XC and second in the NCAA steeple this spring.

The wildcard is junior college transfer Adva Cohen, who arrives in Albuquerque fresh off a stunning 9:29.74 steeple performance at the European Championships. That mark would’ve been good for sixth all-time in NCAA history.  

Cohen, the Israeli national record holder, finished fifth in the Euro final on August 12 in Berlin, missing out on a medal by just five seconds. The 22-year-old is less proven on the grass, but her track pedigree suggests that she can be in the front pack at NCAA XC as well. She won the NJCAA XC title last November by nearly 20 seconds.

The Lobos won the 2017 crown with a freshman, Alondra Negron, as their fifth scorer in 85th. If New Mexico truly can put four in the top 10— or even just the top 20 like they did last year— then UNM should be totally set with their fifth in the 80s. But if one of their top four falters, one of Negron, junior Hannah Nuttall, or senior Emily Martin will need to be ready to step up. Martin, a transfer from Creighton, finished a place behind Negron last year in 86th. Nuttall is a British transfer with solid mid-distance PRs.

Oregon and Colorado both look ready to challenge the Lobos should the defending champs have an off day in Madison on November 17. But if everyone lives up to the hype, the title should be heading back to Albuquerque for the third time in four years.

FULL RANKINGS HERE