2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: 3A Boys Teams Ranked

Class 3A has long been known for producing championship-caliber teams, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another exciting one. From defending state contenders to emerging programs on the rise, this year's preseason Top 25 features teams with a strong blend of returning experience, talented underclassmen, and proven postseason success. Our rankings are based solely on performances and information available prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that date were not considered in the evaluation. In addition to race results and returning personnel, many coaches provided valuable insight by completing our preseason questionnaire, helping paint a clearer picture of what to expect this fall. While these rankings offer a snapshot of where teams stand entering the season, every program will have the opportunity to prove itself as the road to Detweiller Park unfolds.

1. Plainfield South

Head Coach/Coaches: Jason Crowe / Carson Vittorio, Kristen Heckert

Last Year’s Finish: 6th @ IHSA 3A State Meet

Key Returners: Alex Batsala (Sr.), Dylan Buturusis (Sr.), Ethan Ensign (Sr.), Kellan Hernandez (Sr.), Phoenix Viger (So.), Logan Capalbo (Jr.), Atticus Stevens (Sr.), Reid Maranowicz (Sr.), Asim Saba (Sr.), Aiden Nissen (Sr.), Joshua Rico (So.), Gio Acosta (Sr.), Cruz Garcia (Sr.), Nick Valenciano (Sr.), Michael Samayoa (Jr.), Cuyler Jones (Sr.)

Key Additions: Patrick Ehrlinger (Jr.), Ben Stevens (So.)

Outlook: The Cougars enter the 2026 season with unfinished business after one of the most heartbreaking finishes in recent IHSA history. Plainfield South led the Class 3A State Championship race through two miles at last year's State Meet before seeing its title hopes disappear when All State contender Dylan Buturusis collapsed with just 300 meters remaining. The Cougars ultimately finished sixth, but with five of seven State Meet runners returning and one of the deepest rosters in Illinois, they once again enter the season as legitimate State Championship contenders. After winning the State title in 2022 and earning third-place trophies in both 2023 and 2024, Plainfield South has all the pieces to return to the podium. The Cougars are led by one of the strongest front duos in the state in Alex Batsala and Dylan Buturusis. Batsala earned All State honors with a seventh-place finish at the 2025 State Meet before producing another outstanding track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:17 in the 1600 meters and 9:05 in the 3200 meters. He enters the fall as one of the favorites to contend for another All State finish and potentially challenge for the individual title. Buturusis' story remains one of the most compelling in the state. Before collapsing late in last year's State Meet, he was firmly in All State position and looked poised to help lead the Cougars to a trophy. He responded with an exceptional track season, running 1:54 in the 800 meters and 4:13 in the 1600 meters, proving he is stronger than ever entering his senior season. Buturusis has all the talent to become one of the state's top finishers this fall. Behind the front duo, Ethan Ensign and Kellan Hernandez give Plainfield South one of the best third and fourth runner combinations in Illinois. Both enjoyed great track seasons, running 9:26 and 9:27, respectively, in the 3200 meters. Hernandez also qualified for the Class 3A State Meet in the 1600 meters. With continued development, both runners have the potential to emerge as All State contenders by the end of the season and should be capable of dipping under 14:50 for three miles. Phoenix Viger enters the season as the projected fifth runner after filling that role at the State Meet as a freshman, where he ran 15:20. His upside is tremendous, as he demonstrated during the indoor season by running 9:36 for the 3200 meters at the Illinois Indoor Championships. Another year of development could make him a major contributor to this already loaded lineup. What truly separates the Cougars from many of the other contenders is their incredible depth. Logan Capalbo, Atticus Stevens, Patrick Ehrlinger, Asim Saba, and Josh Rico all broke the 10:00 barrier in the 3200 meters during the track season and will battle throughout the fall for varsity positions. Few teams in Illinois can match that level of depth, giving Plainfield South tremendous flexibility and internal competition. The Cougars possess everything necessary to compete for another State Championship: elite front runners, outstanding depth, proven postseason experience, and a roster filled with athletes who continue to improve. After the heartbreak of last November, expect Plainfield South to enter the season with added motivation as it looks to reclaim its place atop Class 3A. Coach Crowe stated, “We just want to grow, improve and stay healthy as the season progresses.  We want to be running our best in November and December. Something new and fun this year is our first trip to the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Irvine, California.  The boys are looking forward to traveling to Southern California for a few days.  Maybe see the ocean and eat In-N-Out Burger!!  And of course the invite at the Great Park is a 2 day festival of high school Cross Country.  It is one of the biggest invitationals in the nation and we will get to race against many of the best teams in the country.  We are excited to see how we stack up against all of those great teams on the super fast 3 mile Great Park course!”

2. Elmhurst (York)

Head Coach/Coaches: Charlie Kern / Patrick Sheridan, Niko Karavolos, Ron Hedman

Last Year’s Finish: 5th @ IHSA 3A State Meet

Key Returners: Patrick Hill (Jr.), Harrison Manternach (Sr.), George Knott (Jr.), Michael Gurgone (Jr.), Jacob McKillop (So.), Anders Dochoff (Sr.), James Lower (Jr.), Ignas Zemaitaitis (Sr.), Jackson Bohlin (So.), Thomas Gonzalez (Sr.), Ethan Alanis (So.)

Key Additions: Joey McKillop (So.)

Outlook: The Dukes enter the 2026 season with one goal in mind: returning to the top of the podium for the first time since 2012. York remains the gold standard of Illinois boys cross country, boasting an unmatched 46 State trophies and 28 State Championships in program history. A title this fall would be especially significant, as it would mark the program's first under head coach Charlie Kern after Hall of Fame coach Joe Newton guided the Dukes to each of their previous championships. York enters the season as a co-favorite alongside Plainfield South, and the depth throughout its roster gives the Dukes every opportunity to capture another State title. Leading the way is Patrick Hill, who emerged as one of the top distance runners in Illinois during an outstanding sophomore campaign. Hill lowered his personal bests to 1:55 in the 800 meters and 4:11 in the 1600 meters, establishing himself as one of the premier returners in Class 3A. His combination of speed and endurance makes him a legitimate contender for an All State finish and a place inside the top 10 at Detweiller Park. Harrison Manternach provides York with another elite front runner after a tremendous track season that included personal bests of 4:19 in the 1600 meters and 9:14 in the 3200 meters. Manternach has developed into one of the state's top distance runners and should be firmly in the All State conversation throughout the fall. Few teams can match the upside of York's third runner, Jacob McKillop. As a freshman, McKillop enjoyed one of the greatest track seasons ever by an Illinois ninth grader, running 4:15 in the 1600 meters to qualify for the Class 3A State Final. His performance ranks as the third-fastest 1600-meter time ever by an Illinois freshman, and he has all the talent necessary to emerge as another All State contender this season. The Dukes have exceptional depth behind their front three. George Knott is coming off a breakthrough year after breaking the 15-minute barrier in cross country with a personal best of 14:59 before lowering his 3200-meter best to 9:33 during the spring. He gives York another proven scorer with tremendous upside. Michael Gurgone is another intriguing piece of the lineup. He split an impressive 1:56 on York's State Meet 4x800 meter relay. He had a rough go at the state last year as he dropped 77 places in the final mile. Jackson Bohlin also enters the season after an outstanding freshman track campaign, posting personal bests of 1:57 in the 800 meters and 4:25 in the 1600 meters. His continued development gives York yet another high-level option for its varsity lineup. Another fascinating storyline is the arrival of Joey McKillop, Jacob's twin brother. Joey enjoyed an outstanding middle school career, finishing ahead of Jacob in three of their four IESA State Cross Country appearances, including a third-place finish as a fifth grader. After attending Fenwick during his freshman year, he transferred to York over the winter and immediately adds another talented option for the Dukes' varsity lineup. York's greatest strength is its depth. The Dukes have multiple athletes capable of filling the final scoring spots, creating fierce internal competition that has long been a hallmark of the program's success. Combined with three legitimate All State candidates at the front, York possesses one of the most complete rosters in Illinois. With an elite front trio, unmatched depth, and the tradition of one of the greatest programs in high school cross country history, the Dukes have all the ingredients necessary to compete for the Class 3A State Championship. If everything comes together, 2026 could be the season that returns York to the top of Illinois cross country for the first time in more than a decade. Coach Kern stated, “We were a very young team last year and we were able to gain big meet experience and learn what it takes to reach the top of the mountain in Illinois.  The team enjoyed success and continued to improve during the track season - Patrick Hill (1:53, 4:10, 9:19), Harrison Manternach (4:19, 9:14), Jacob McKillop (4:15, 9:35), Michael Gurgone (1:56), Jackson Bohlin (1:57, 4:25),  George Knott (4:32, 9:33), Anders Dochoff (2:00, 4:33), Joey McKillop (4:38), Thomas Gonzalez (2:00), Jamie Lower (4:42, 10:22), Ethan Alanis (4:52, 10:22).  We are excited about the continued development of our athletes and have set high goals for ourselves both individually and as a collective team.  In years past we kept our younger varsity eligible athletes on the lower levels until October.  This year our best athletes will be in the upper class and will begin gaining confidence and team cohesion much sooner than usual.  As a result we expect to be contending for top varsity team finishes in all our meets this year.”

3. Downers Grove North

Head Coach/Coaches: John Sipple / Andrew Adelmann, Eric Buhot, Alexa Harris, Ethan Wood, Myle Laffey

Last Year’s Finish: 2nd @ IHSA 3A State Meet

Key Returners: Stephen Cox (Sr.), Isaak Stein (Sr.), Dylan Wood (Sr.), Raymond Curran (Sr.), Ryan Morton (Sr.), Charles Novotny (Sr.), Luke Figliomeni (Sr.), John Newell (Sr.), Santino Anfuso (Sr.), Henry Eide (Sr.), Mark Krishnan (Sr.), Jack Enright (Sr.), Brendan Lynch (Sr.), Brendan Eddington (So.), Cody Sipple (So.), Nick Chavez (Jr.), Alex Ortiz (Jr.), Weston Ittner (So.), Steven Shehata (Jr.), Ethan Turner (Jr.), Max Gebhardt (Jr.), Andrew Gowen (Sr.), Oscar Sather (Jr.), Jackson Scheier (So.)

Outlook: The Trojans have been one of the premier programs in Illinois over the past five seasons, collecting five State trophies during that remarkable stretch. While the graduation of program standouts Phil Cupial and Will Surratt signals the beginning of a new era, Downers Grove North remains loaded with talent and depth. As always, the Trojans have developed another roster capable of competing for a State trophy, and if several of their emerging runners continue their progression, they could once again find themselves in the championship conversation. Leading the way are Stephen Cox and Isaak Stein, both of whom enter the season as legitimate All State contenders. Cox announced himself as one of the state's top runners with a breakout third-place finish at the First to the Finish Invitational last fall, defeating several athletes who would later earn All State honors. Injuries unfortunately interrupted the second half of his season, preventing him from building on that momentum. A healthy Cox has already proven he can compete with anyone in Illinois and has the potential to return to the front of the State Meet this November. Stein also enjoyed an outstanding year and continued his development during the track season. Like Cox, he qualified for the Class 3A State Meet in the 3200 meters and enters the fall as another experienced front runner capable of earning All State honors. Dylan Wood gives the Trojans a tremendous advantage in the middle of their lineup. Last season, he served as the team's fifth runner while running an impressive 15:05 at Detweiller Park. Few teams in Illinois can match that level of production from a fifth scorer. Although his track season did not go as planned, Wood has already demonstrated his ability on the cross country course and could be poised for a breakout campaign this fall. Where Downers Grove North truly separates itself is through its incredible depth. Raymond Curran returns after posting personal bests of 4:29 in the 1600 meters and 9:41 in the 3200 meters. Ryan Morton also enjoyed an excellent spring, lowering his marks to 4:35 and 9:43. Charles Novotny followed closely behind with personal bests of 4:34 and 9:47, while Luke Figliomeni ran 4:28 and 9:47. John Newell rounds out the group after posting impressive times of 4:36 and 9:50. With five athletes behind the front trio already capable of breaking 10:00 in the 3200 meters, the Trojans once again possess one of the deepest rosters in the state. Internal competition for varsity spots has long been one of the defining characteristics of Downers Grove North's success, and this season should be no different. Although this group enters a new chapter following the graduation of two program legends, the Trojans remain firmly among the elite teams in Class 3A. Their combination of proven front runners, exceptional depth, and one of the strongest developmental cultures in Illinois makes them a serious contender to extend their remarkable trophy streak and once again compete for a place on the State Meet podium. Coach Sipple stated, “This is going to be a very different team from the previous years - that presents fun challenges to our athletes and our coaching staff!  I am excited for the possibilities and potential of the team - I really think that our leadership can be very strong and we have a young hungry crew that is going to be receptive to it.  The style of our racing will not necessarily change but the execution of our race plans will look different this year.  This team can be very competitive but we have a lot of guys who need to learn to race at the varsity level and they gained a lot of that experience in the spring - so we want to continue to build on those experiences to help them grow the synergy to operate as a cohesive unit.  I really like the makeup of this group."

4. Chicago (Lane)

Head Coach/Coaches: Kris Roof / Tony Jones, Adrian Barrientos, Jeff Jacobs

Last Year’s Finish: 10th @ IHSA 3A State Meet

Key Returners: Samuel Assefa (Sr.), Quinn Anderson (Sr.), Miles Trost (Jr.), Kenneth Kristofic (So.), Dimitar Bratovanov (Jr.), Julian Minkov (So.), Demetrios Goritsan (So.), Xavier Reu (Sr.), Kian Lee (Sr.), William Roccaforte (Jr.), Gideon Keating (So.), Malcolm Adams (Jr.), Nicholas Markese (Jr.), Giovanni Saccaro (Jr.), James Stephenson (So.)

Key Additions: Brady Becker (Fr.), Cole Magac (Sr.), Theo Moulton (Fr.), Brody Cox (Fr.)

Outlook: The Champions have steadily climbed the Class 3A ranks over the past four seasons, qualifying for the State Meet each year while improving their finish with every appearance. That progression has them on the doorstep of something special in 2026. Lane Tech has not won an IHSA State trophy since 1964, but this year's roster has all the ingredients to end that drought. With arguably the best one-two punch in the state and tremendous depth behind them, the Champions enter the season as legitimate State trophy contenders. Leading the way is the outstanding duo of Samuel Assefa and Quinn Anderson, two of the premier distance runners in Illinois. Assefa returns after earning All State honors with a sixth-place finish at the 2025 State Meet before adding another All State performance on the track by placing fourth in the Class 3A 3200 meters. His personal bests of 4:19 in the 1600 meters and 9:00 in the 3200 meters rank among the very best in the classification, making him one of the favorites to contend for an individual State title this fall. Anderson's junior season ended on a disappointing note after illness struck at the worst possible time, resulting in a 58th-place finish at the State Meet. He bounced back in spectacular fashion during the track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:17 in the 1600 meters and 9:05 in the 3200 meters while earning All State honors with an eighth-place finish in the 3200 meters. With a healthy postseason, Anderson has the talent to join Assefa among the state's elite this fall. Behind the front duo, Lane Tech possesses one of the deepest supporting casts in Class 3A. Dimitar Bratovanov and Julian Minkov enjoyed nearly identical breakthrough track seasons. Both helped the Champions qualify for the State Meet in the 4x800 meter relay while each running 4:26 in the 1600 meters. Their development gives Lane Tech two more runners capable of making a major impact in the scoring lineup. Miles Trost is one of only three returning members from last year's State Meet team and provides valuable championship experience. Trost served as the team's fourth runner in 2025, finishing 126th at the State Meet before taking another significant step forward during the spring. He posted personal bests of 4:28 in the 1600 meters and 9:46 in the 3200 meters, positioning himself for an even larger role this season. Kenneth Krostofic is another runner with tremendous upside after an outstanding freshman track campaign. He lowered his personal bests to 4:29 in the 1600 meters and 9:54 in the 3200 meters, giving the Champions yet another athlete capable of contributing to the varsity lineup. One of the biggest wildcards on this roster is Cole Magac. Injuries kept him out for all of his junior season, but his talent is unquestioned. As a sophomore, Magac ran 15:16 at the sectional meet and played a key role for the Champions. If he returns to full strength, he could provide another major boost to one of the deepest rosters in the state. Lane Tech has all the characteristics of a championship contender: elite front runners, exceptional depth, and a roster filled with athletes who continue to improve every season. If the Champions stay healthy and continue the upward trajectory they have established over the past four years, they have an outstanding opportunity to bring home the program's first State trophy in more than six decades. Coach Barrientos stated, “Last years team opened the season by storm by winning all three levels at Richard Spring. We eventually couldn’t sustain that momentum and flamed out. Our focus now is to peak at the right time. As a coaching staff we had a hard look at our training approaches and have corrected them. We are excited for what we have on the table and feel confident we will be firing on all cylinders when it counts.”

5. Winnetka (New Trier)

Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Sloan / Mike Stokes, Dan Dziubski, Adam Palumbo, Jamie Klotz, Mike Richardson, Brian Loring, Shawn Lucas, Greg Harper, Erik Saszik, Tyler Polak

Last Year’s Finish: 10th @ IHSA 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

Key Returners: Tristan Daley (Sr.), Will Chiang (Jr.), Nico Hampton (Jr.), Martin Issa (Jr.), Lucas Rincon (Jr.), Sebestian Vining (Jr.), Carter Hollis (So.), Maxwell Overstreet (So.), Charlie Wheat (Jr.), Conor Boyd (So.), Cormac Kelly (So.), Henry Stallsmith (So.), Liam Turnbull (So.), Stuart Weisberg (So.)

Outlook: No team in Illinois may be more fascinating entering the 2026 season than New Trier. After failing to qualify an athlete for the State Championships a year ago, the Trevians underwent a major transformation with the addition of one of the most accomplished coaching staffs in the state. Headlined by Dan Dziubski and Adam Palumbo, the architects behind Chicago Payton's rise to a Cross Country State Championship and numerous All State and All American performances, New Trier now boasts a staff that could eventually feature three to five ITCCCA Hall of Fame coaches. With that level of experience guiding one of the deepest rosters in Class 3A, the Trevians have the talent to become one of the biggest surprises in Illinois this fall. The team will be led by the outstanding duo of Nicolas Hampton and Martin Issa. Hampton enjoyed a breakthrough track season, lowering his personal best to 9:30 in the 3200 meters and establishing himself as one of the top returning distance runners in the state. Issa emerged as one of Illinois' biggest breakout performers this spring. He split an impressive 1:56 on New Trier's All State 4x800 meter relay, qualified individually for the Class 3A State Meet in the 1600 meters, and posted personal bests of 4:20 in the 1600 meters and 9:38 in the 3200 meters. With another season of development, Issa has the potential to become one of the premier front runners in Class 3A. The Trevians' depth behind their front duo is simply remarkable. Tristan Daley made a significant jump during the track season, running 4:30 in the 1600 meters and 9:41 in the 3200 meters. Sebastian Vining provides another proven championship performer after helping New Trier finish eighth in the Class 3A 4x800 meter relay. He split 1:57 on that relay while also posting personal bests of 4:28 in the 1600 meters and 9:46 in the 3200 meters. Lucas Rincon continued the trend of improvement by lowering his 1600-meter best to 4:28, while Carter Hollis broke the 10-minute barrier with a personal best of 9:52 in the 3200 meters. Maxwell Overstreet followed closely behind at 9:53, and Henry Stallsmith added another sub-10 performance with a 9:55. Perhaps the best example of New Trier's depth is Will Chiang. Chiang was the team's number two runner during the 2025 cross country season, running 15:39, yet enters this fall battling simply to earn one of the seven varsity spots. Few teams in Illinois can claim that level of internal competition. That depth could ultimately become the Trevians' greatest strength. It would not be surprising to see fewer than 20 seconds separate their entire varsity lineup by the postseason, creating one of the strongest packs in the state. Combined with a coaching staff that has repeatedly developed championship-caliber teams, New Trier has all the ingredients to make a dramatic leap in 2026. If the Trevians can translate their remarkable track depth into cross country success, they have the potential to go from missing the State Championships entirely one season ago to becoming one of the biggest stories in Class 3A. Few teams possess more upside entering the fall.

6. Hinsdale Central

Head Coach/Coaches: Jim Westphal / Jim Kupres, Noah Lawrence, John Snee

Last Year’s Finish: 13th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Henry Miller (Sr.), Johnny Krueger (Sr.), Elliot Kotleba (Sr.), Mark Dillenburg (Sr.), Noah Mokhtarian (Sr.), Ian Maxwell (Sr.), Otis Naito (Jr.), Danny Brankin (So.), David Belgrad (So.), Walter Tims (Sr.), Akhil Chintalapally (Jr.)

Outlook: Few programs in Illinois have matched the sustained excellence of Hinsdale Central over the past decade and a half. The Red Devils have qualified for the IHSA State Meet in 14 of the last 15 seasons while bringing home four State trophies during that stretch. Once again, Hinsdale Central enters the fall with the talent and depth to extend that remarkable run. While they may not have the overwhelming firepower of some of the teams ahead of them, the Red Devils possess one of the deepest rosters in Class 3A and should once again find themselves battling for a top finish in November. Leading the way is senior Henry Miller, who enters the season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois. Miller finished 28th at the State Meet last fall after running a personal best of 14:30 during the season. He continued his progression during the track season by qualifying for the Class 3A State Meet in the 3200 meters and lowering his personal best to 9:17. Miller has developed into one of the state's premier front runners and should firmly be in the All-State conversation this fall. Elliot Kotleba returns after serving as the Red Devils' second runner a year ago. Kotleba placed 72nd at the State Meet before putting together an outstanding spring campaign. He posted personal bests of 4:23 in the 1600 meters and 9:32 in the 3200 meters, positioning himself for a potential breakthrough cross country season. Johnny Krueger provides another experienced scorer after finishing 114th at the State Meet in 2025. Krueger enjoyed an excellent track season, qualifying for the Class 3A State Meet in the 1600 meters while helping Hinsdale Central place fifth in the State in the 4x800 meter relay. He recorded outstanding personal bests of 1:55 on the relay, 4:21 in the 1600 meters, and 9:35 in the 3200 meters, giving the Red Devils another athlete capable of making a significant jump this fall. Where Hinsdale Central separates itself from many of its competitors is its exceptional depth. Ian Maxwell enjoyed a breakthrough track season, running 2:00 in the 800 meters, 4:28 in the 1600 meters, and 9:49 in the 3200 meters. Walter Tims also broke the 10-minute barrier with a personal best of 9:54 in the 3200 meters. Freshman Danny Brankin could become the next standout in the Red Devils' long tradition of distance runners. As a ninth grader, he already posted impressive marks of 2:00 in the 800 meters and 4:30 in the 1600 meters, suggesting he has the talent to develop into an important contributor immediately. Mark Dillenburg returns after serving as the team's fifth runner at last year's State Meet while also contributing to Hinsdale Central's fifth-place 4x800 meter relay at the State Track Meet. Noah Mokhtarian adds even more experience after competing on both the All-State 4x800 relay and last season's State Meet cross country lineup. The Red Devils once again boast one of the deepest teams in Class 3A, with multiple athletes capable of filling the final scoring positions. That internal competition has been a hallmark of the program's sustained success and should continue to push the varsity lineup forward throughout the season. With an experienced low stick, several proven championship performers, and outstanding depth from top to bottom, Hinsdale Central is well positioned to continue one of the most impressive runs in Illinois cross country history. Expect the Red Devils to once again be firmly in the hunt for a top finish at Detweiller Park and add another chapter to the program's remarkable legacy. Coach Westphal stated, “I would say we'll be as good as our pack is. We will not be very sharp early on and our goal is to be running our best in mid-October. We've got a nice core of senior leadership that should prove useful, especially during the latter stages of the season. Many of the juniors, now seniors, had productive track seasons and hopefully they carry that momentum into the upcoming season. Overall, health will be the key as well as the timing of when the group performs at its best.”

7. Mt. Prospect (Prospect)

Head Coach/Coaches: Jay Renaud / Bryan Quesea, Dave Frintner, Tim Phillips

Last Year’s Finish: 7th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Landon Samp (Sr.), Pierce Baker (Jr.), Bobby Wintermute (Jr.), Jack Aldworth (Jr.), Patrick Rosean (Jr.), Scot Fraser (Sr.), John Duda (Jr.), Nathan Santoro (Jr.), Charles Zei (So.), Nate Favia (Jr.), Noah Jahn (Jr.), Dylan D'Anna (Sr.), Ethan Yonan (Sr.)

Key Additions: Daniel Brenner (Fr.), Wyatt Voyles (Fr.)

Outlook: The Knights enter the 2026 season riding the momentum of one of the most impressive finishes to the year in the country after capturing the RunningLane Cross Country Championships last fall. That performance capped another successful season for a program that has now qualified for the IHSA State Meet five consecutive years. With nearly their entire core returning and another outstanding track season behind them, Prospect has all the pieces to once again contend for a top finish in Class 3A. According to head coach Mike Renaud, this group has the potential to be every bit as good as last year's squad, and perhaps even better. Leading the way is Landon Samp, who steps into the role of the team's top runner after an outstanding junior season. Samp was a key contributor on Prospect's ninth-place 4x800-meter relay at the Class 3A State Track Meet while also qualifying individually in the 800 meters. His personal bests of 1:55 in the 800 meters, 4:22 in the 1600 meters, and 9:24 in the 3200 meters make him one of the premier front runners in the classification. He has all the tools to emerge as an All-State contender this fall. Pierce Baker appears ready to assume the number two role after an excellent year of development. Baker finished 128th at the State Meet last fall before taking a major leap during the track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:27 in the 1600 meters and 9:30 in the 3200 meters. Those performances suggest he is poised for a breakout cross country campaign. Few runners on the roster have more championship experience than Bobby Wintermute. A varsity contributor since his freshman season, Wintermute has been a key part of Prospect's recent success. He continued his steady progression this spring, posting personal bests of 4:28 in the 1600 meters and 9:42 in the 3200 meters. His experience and consistency make him another valuable scorer for the Knights. Jack Aldsworth also enjoyed an outstanding track season and will be counted on heavily this fall. He lowered his personal bests to 4:25 in the 1600 meters and 9:52 in the 3200 meters, giving Prospect another athlete capable of competing near the front of major invitationals. Patrick Rosean enters the season as the projected fifth runner after an impressive spring campaign. Rosean ran 4:36 in the 1600 meters and 9:54 in the 3200 meters, providing the Knights with another sub-10-minute performer and reinforcing the team's impressive depth. The strength of this team lies in its balance. Prospect returns five runners who all enjoyed significant improvements during the track season, and that development gives the Knights one of the strongest one-through-five lineups in Class 3A. If the group continues progressing together, they will once again be in the mix for one of the top finishes at Detweiller Park. After ending last season with a national championship performance at RunningLane, the expectations are understandably high. With an experienced roster, outstanding depth, and a coaching staff that continues to develop elite distance runners, the Knights have every reason to believe they can build on last year's success and remain among the premier programs in Illinois. Coach Renaud stated, “Our goal is to have more fun than any other team while also living up to our standards. As long as we do that the outcome is the outcome and we will be happy on November 7.”

8. St. Charles North

Head Coach/Coaches: Kevin Harrington

Last Year’s Finish: 8th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Samuel Hill (Sr.), Christian Enger (Sr.), Logan Hitchings (Sr.), John Tanig (Jr.), Miles Dill (Jr.), Ansh Patel (So.), William Gallentine (Jr.), Alexander Spizzirri (Sr.)

Outlook: The North Stars enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025, returning to the IHSA State Meet for the first time in 13 years and announcing themselves as one of the rising programs in Class 3A. Now, with nearly all of their core returning, they have the opportunity to build on that momentum. While this group may not have the overwhelming depth of some of the other title contenders, its front-end talent is among the best in the state. If the North Stars can stay healthy throughout the season, they have every opportunity to remain among the top teams in Illinois. Leading the way is returning All-Stater Sam Hill, who established himself as one of the premier distance runners in Class 3A last season. Hill placed sixth at the State Meet before carrying that momentum into the track season, where he ran personal bests of 4:21 in the 1600 meters and 9:02 in the 3200 meters. He capped off the spring by placing seventh at the Class 3A State Meet in the 3200 meters. Hill enters the fall as one of the favorites to once again earn All-State honors and contend for a top finish at Detweiller Park. Christian Enger gives the North Stars another proven scorer after finishing 76th at the State Meet in 2025. Although he served as the team's third runner last fall, Enger took a major step forward during the track season. He helped St. Charles North place fourth in the Class 3A 4x800-meter relay while also advancing to the State Final in the 800 meters. His personal bests of 1:56 in the 800 meters, 4:33 in the 1600 meters, and 9:39 in the 3200 meters demonstrate the versatility and strength that should translate well to another strong cross country campaign. The success of the North Stars will largely depend on the development of their supporting pack. Miles Dill appears poised for a breakout season after lowering his personal best to 9:41 in the 3200 meters during the spring. Although he was the team's seventh runner last fall, he now steps into a much larger role and could become one of the biggest difference makers on the roster. Logan Hitchings also made significant progress during the track season as a member of the North Stars' fourth-place 4x800-meter relay team. After running 15:10 during the 2025 cross country season, he looks ready to become another dependable scorer. John Tanig rounds out the projected scoring five after serving as the team's fifth runner at last year's State Meet. Tanig ran 15:16 while finishing 112th overall and returns with valuable championship experience that should benefit the North Stars throughout the postseason. The primary concern for St. Charles North is depth. The North Stars appear to be five runners deep, meaning staying healthy will be critical throughout the long cross country season. If this group can avoid injuries and continue developing together, they have the front-end talent and experience necessary to remain among the top teams in Class 3A. With a returning All-Stater leading the way, an outstanding supporting cast, and the confidence gained from last season's breakthrough, the North Stars are well positioned to prove that 2025 was only the beginning of another successful era for St. Charles North cross country.

9. Palatine (Fremd)

Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Zaluckyj / Michael Martinez, Joe Ahlgrim, Anthony DeStephano

Last Year’s Finish: 12th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Jack Jennings (Sr.), David Moore (Sr.), Bryden Li (Sr.), Nihal Kalsi (Sr.), Carter Bartkus (Sr.), William Gaan (So.), Colin Finn (So.), Nakul Shah (Sr.), Aarush Mallu (Sr.)

Key Additions: Emilio Palmer (Fr.)

Outlook: The Vikings may surprise some by opening the season this high in the rankings, but their outstanding track season makes them one of the most intriguing teams in Class 3A. Fremd returns one of the strongest front runners in the state, a legitimate All State candidate behind him, and a deep supporting cast that made tremendous strides during the spring. If the Vikings can tighten the gap between their third through fifth runners, they have all the ingredients to contend for a State trophy this fall. Leading the way is Jack Jennings, who enters the season as the top-ranked individual in Class 3A. Jennings capped off an outstanding junior season by placing 12th at the IHSA State Cross Country Meet before finishing as the Class 3A State Runner-Up in the 3200 meters this spring. His personal bests of 4:14 in the 1600 meters and 8:59 in the 3200 meters are among the finest in Illinois, with his 8:59 standing as the fastest returning mark in the state. Jennings enters the season as one of the favorites to compete for the individual State Championship. David Moore gives the Vikings one of the strongest one-two combinations in the classification. Moore finished 39th at the State Meet last fall before enjoying an outstanding track season that was unfortunately cut short by illness near the end of the year, preventing him from qualifying for the State Meet. Even so, he posted an exceptional personal best of 9:05 in the 3200 meters and appears primed to make the leap into All State contention this fall. Carter Bartkus is another athlete who emerged during the track season. After not making the Vikings' State Meet lineup last fall, he lowered his personal bests to 4:26 in the 1600 meters and 9:48 in the 3200 meters. As a senior, he is expected to take on a significantly larger role and could become a key contributor to Fremd's success. Nihal Kalsi returns after competing on last year's State Meet team and looks ready for a breakout campaign. He improved to 4:27 in the 1600 meters during the spring and should provide valuable scoring depth behind the Vikings' front runners. Bryden Li rounds out the projected scoring five after serving as Fremd's fifth runner at the State Meet in 2025. Li enjoyed an excellent track season, running 1:59 in the 800 meters and 4:29 in the 1600 meters. His continued improvement gives the Vikings another dependable scorer capable of competing with many teams' top runners. The key to Fremd's season will be compressing the gap between its third, fourth, and fifth runners. If Bartkus, Kalsi, and Li can consistently stay together throughout the championship season, the Vikings will possess one of the strongest lineups in Class 3A. Freshman Emilio Palmer is another name to watch. Palmer enters high school after running 4:52 in the 1600 meters and 10:45 for two miles during his middle school career. His talent and upside make him a potential contributor later in the season as he adjusts to the demands of high school training. With the state's top returning individual, a proven second runner, and a rapidly improving supporting cast, Fremd has positioned itself as one of the most dangerous teams in Class 3A. If the Vikings continue the momentum they built during the track season, they have the potential to contend for a State trophy and challenge the very best teams in Illinois. Coach Zaluckyj stated, “This is a senior heavy team, and I would expect at least 5 of our top 7 to be seniors with a few more working for spots. These athletes lead by example everyday and show that consistent work over the course of high school can lead to something special. Under their leadership, our underclassmen are really starting to make large strides and we should see a few of them get opportunities in larger invites.”

10. Arlington Heights (Hersey)

Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Glosson / Adam Varnas

Last Year’s Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Gabriel Gronski (Sr.), Luke Carlson (Jr.), Johan Gonzalez (So.), Maxwell Sternburgh (Sr.), Santiago Arroyo (So.), Connor Rugg (So.), Jeremiah Esposito (Sr.), Kass Kurzynski (Jr.), George Koroulis (Sr.), Nicholas Price (Jr.), Matt Lammersfeld (Jr.), Collin Musolf (Jr.), Johan Morrison (Sr.)

Key Additions: Lucas Pfoutz (Fr.), Henry Brook (Fr.), Evan Marshall (So.)

Outlook: The Huskies were one of the biggest surprises in Class 3A last season, capping off an outstanding year by bringing home the third-place State trophy. While five of the seven runners from that lineup have since graduated, Hersey once again appears poised to remain among the state's top programs. The roster will look much different this fall, relying heavily on freshmen and sophomores to fill out the varsity lineup, but the program has no shortage of young talent. If those newcomers mature quickly, the Huskies could once again challenge for a top finish at Detweiller Park. Leading the way is Gabriel Gronski, who enters the season as one of the top returning runners in Class 3A. Gronski served as Hersey's second runner last fall, finishing 47th at the State Meet before exploding onto the statewide scene during track season. He finished second as part of the Huskies' 4x800-meter relay at the State Meet while also qualifying individually in the 1600 meters. His outstanding personal bests of 4:09 in the 1600 meters and 9:23 in the 3200 meters establish him as a legitimate All-State contender and one of the premier front runners in Illinois. Luke Carlson is the only other returning varsity runner from last year's State Meet squad. Carlson finished 86th at the State Meet and brings valuable championship experience to an otherwise youthful lineup. His leadership will be critical as Hersey looks to integrate several young runners into key scoring roles. One of the most exciting newcomers in the state is freshman Lucas Pfoutz. Few incoming freshmen arrive with a résumé as impressive as his. Pfoutz placed third at the USATF Cross Country National Championships, defeating many of the nation's top middle school runners. He followed that up with an extraordinary track season, running 2:02 in the 800 meters and 4:26 in the 1600 meters while capturing IESA State Championships in the 800 meters, 1600 meters, and sprint medley relay. He has all the talent to make an immediate impact at the varsity level and could quickly emerge as one of the top freshmen in Illinois. The battle for the remaining scoring spots should be one of the most competitive on the roster. Sophomore Johan Gonzalez enters the season as the favorite after running 15:39 as a freshman despite splitting his time between cross country and soccer. Now fully committed to distance running, Gonzalez enjoyed an excellent track season with personal bests of 4:33 in the 1600 meters and 10:00 in the 3200 meters. His increased focus on cross country could lead to a significant breakthrough this fall. Santiago Arroyo is another promising sophomore after posting personal bests of 4:34 in the 1600 meters and 9:55 in the 3200 meters during the spring. Connor Rugg also broke the 10-minute barrier, running 4:35 in the 1600 meters and 9:58 in the 3200 meters. Both athletes give the Huskies outstanding depth and will compete for varsity scoring positions throughout the season. Another name to watch is freshman Henry Brooks. Brooks enjoyed an excellent middle school career, running 4:39 in the 1600 meters while finishing runner-up to Pfoutz at the IESA State Meet. His upside is considerable, and he has the potential to develop into a key scorer by the end of the season. Although the Huskies are replacing the majority of last year's trophy-winning lineup, the talent waiting in the wings is undeniable. With an emerging All-State contender at the front, one of the strongest freshman classes in the state, and several talented sophomores ready for expanded roles, Hersey has the pieces to remain among the elite teams in Class 3A. The biggest question is experience, but by November, this young group could once again find itself competing for another State trophy. Coach Glosson stated, “This year's team will take some time to come together. We have a tremendous core of young talent at the F/S level. Gabe Gronski gives us a true frontrunner and Luke Carlson has stepped up and filled the leadership void left by our graduating class. There are hungry juniors and seniors along with a very talented group of freshmen and sophomores that want to contribute at the varsity level. Our goal will be to be at our best in late October and November. It will be exciting to see who steps up and how the team progresses throughout the season.”

11. Naperville Central

Head Coach/Coaches: Grant Baganz / Dave Ashton, Steve Stack, Jeff Couch, Luke Laboe, Brandon Kamp, Brayden Groenenboom

Last Year’s Finish: 16th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Derek Williamson (Sr.), Manny Najera (Sr.), Toby Silder (Jr.), Chase Gewin (Jr.), Alex Hostetler (Jr.), Jack Anderson (Jr.), Nick Norberg (Jr.), Moiz Hameed (Sr.), Grayson McKenna (Jr.), Nathan Kao (Jr.), John LaClair (Sr.), Liam Allen-Wagner (Jr.), Connor Baganz (So.), Eli Dickerson (So.), Bennett Scherer (Jr.), Sullivan Danahy (Jr.)

Key Additions: Henry Golbach (Fr.), Gustavo Bacellar (Fr.)

Outlook: The Redhawks have quietly assembled one of the deepest rosters in Class 3A and enter the 2026 season with an opportunity to accomplish something the program has not achieved in nearly three decades. Naperville Central has not finished in the Top 10 at the IHSA State Meet since 1998, but this year's squad has the talent, depth, and experience to challenge that drought. With a proven front duo, a strong supporting cast, and several emerging contributors, the Redhawks have all the ingredients to contend for one of the top spots in the state. Leading the way are Manny Najera and Derek Williamson, two runners who both broke the 15-minute barrier during last year's cross country season. Najera returns after finishing 85th at the State Meet and followed that performance with an outstanding spring. He qualified for the Class 3A State Meet as part of Naperville Central's 4x800-meter relay while posting personal bests of 4:25 in the 1600 meters and 9:30 in the 3200 meters. Those marks establish him as one of the premier front runners in Class 3A. Williamson gives the Redhawks another outstanding low stick after finishing 66th at the State Meet in 2025. He also qualified for the State Meet on the Redhawks' 4x800-meter relay before enjoying a tremendous track season that included personal bests of 1:57 in the 800 meters, 4:22 in the 1600 meters, and 9:31 in the 3200 meters. His combination of speed and endurance makes him a legitimate All-State candidate entering the fall. Jack Anderson returns after serving as the team's third runner at last year's State Meet, where he finished 94th overall. He continued his steady progression during the spring by lowering his personal best to 9:37 in the 3200 meters and gives Naperville Central another proven scorer capable of making a significant jump this season. Alex Hostetler also appears ready for a larger role after an excellent track campaign. Last year's fifth runner at the State Meet, Hostetler improved to 9:51 in the 3200 meters and should once again be an important contributor to the Redhawks' scoring lineup. Toby Silder enjoyed one of the biggest improvements on the team during the spring. After placing 179th at the State Meet in 2025, he lowered his personal best to 9:47 in the 3200 meters and will compete for one of the final scoring positions throughout the season. Naperville Central's depth extends well beyond its projected top five. Nicholas Norberg broke the 10-minute barrier with a 9:57 performance in the 3200 meters, while Chase Gewin, who competed as the team's seventh runner at last year's State Meet, also dipped under 10 minutes with a personal best of 9:59. Having runners of that caliber battling for varsity spots gives the Redhawks one of the deepest rosters in the state. Freshman Henry Golbach is another intriguing addition to the program. Although he did not compete in the IESA, Golbach has already demonstrated impressive potential by running 10:28 for two miles during last cross country season and lowering his 1600-meter best to 4:40 during the spring. He has the talent to make an immediate impact and could work his way into the varsity conversation as the season progresses. The Redhawks' greatest strength is their balance from top to bottom. They have multiple runners capable of stepping into scoring roles, creating the type of internal competition that championship-caliber teams thrive on. If the front duo continues to improve and the supporting cast builds on its outstanding track season, Naperville Central has an excellent opportunity to earn its first Top 10 finish at the IHSA State Meet since 1998 and establish itself among the elite teams in Class 3A. Coach Baganz stated, “We are a deep team and we expect to be among the top teams in the State when it’s all said and done. Our strength should be in our pack, and having very strong runners all the way through 7, and even beyond. Having said that, our season will depend on many things, including having a mindset of being healthy, hungry, humble, and motivated. It will also depend on things such as being fully coachable, having a patient, big picture mindset, and how we come together with team chemistry and such. We will have to see what happens, but all of the ingredients are there.”

12. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

Head Coach/Coaches: James Janota / Mike Kennedy, Jared Righter, Mike Rossi

Last Year’s Finish: 14th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Jesse Gudauskas (Sr.), Grayson Meek (Jr.), Joseph Clifton (Jr.), Reyaansh Bhagat (Sr.), Tyler Rozycki (Sr.), Aidan Pour (Sr.), Miles Barrett (Jr.), Jacob Finke (So.), Nolan Creaves (Jr.), Colin Rozycki (So.), Sam Parker (Sr.), Kenneth Kamara (Sr.)

Outlook: The Wildcats have established themselves as one of the premier programs in Illinois over the past two decades, winning eight State trophies since 2007 while consistently competing among the state's elite. Another talented squad returns in 2026, led by one of the strongest one-two punches in Class 3A. If the Wildcats can develop the depth behind their front runners, they have all the ingredients to return to the Top 10 at the IHSA State Meet. Leading the way are returning All-Staters Grayson Meek and Jesse Gudauskas. Meek enjoyed a tremendous junior season, earning All-State honors with a 14th-place finish at the State Meet before putting together one of the best track seasons in the classification. He placed fourth in the Class 3A 800 meters while posting outstanding personal bests of 1:53 in the 800 meters, 4:23 in the 1600 meters, and 9:21 in the 3200 meters. His speed and range make him one of the premier runners in Illinois and a strong candidate to improve upon last year's All-State finish. Gudauskas also returns after earning All-State honors with a 24th-place finish at the State Meet. He continued to impress during the spring, qualifying for the Class 3A State Meet in the 3200 meters while lowering his personal best to 9:15. Together, Meek and Gudauskas form one of the best one-two combinations in the state and give Neuqua Valley a tremendous advantage up front. The Wildcats appear to have found a breakout third runner in Reyaansh Bhagat. After serving as the team's seventh runner last fall, Bhagat made enormous strides during the track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:23 in the 1600 meters and 9:27 in the 3200 meters. He has all the tools to break the 15-minute barrier this fall and could develop into one of the top third runners in Class 3A. Tyler Rozycki also emerged during the spring after not making the varsity lineup a year ago. He lowered his personal best to 9:55 in the 3200 meters and projects as the Wildcats' fourth runner entering the season. His improvement provides another important piece to Neuqua Valley's lineup. The final scoring position will likely come down to a talented group featuring Joseph Clifton, Aidan Pour, and Jacob Finke. Clifton served as the Wildcats' fifth runner at last year's State Meet, finishing 183rd overall, while Pour crossed the line just two places later in 185th. Finke also enters the conversation after posting a personal best of 10:10 in the 3200 meters during the track season. Neuqua Valley's ceiling will ultimately depend on how closely that trio can pack together behind Rozycki. If Clifton, Pour, and Finke continue to improve and close the gap to the Wildcats' fourth runner, this team has the front-end talent and overall depth to contend for a Top 10 finish at the State Meet. With two proven All-Staters leading the way, an emerging third runner, and a tradition of excellence that few programs can match, the Wildcats once again have the pieces to compete among the best teams in Class 3A. If their supporting pack continues the momentum built during the track season, Neuqua Valley could add another State trophy to its already impressive program history. Coach Janota stated, “We have a young but experienced team who are committed to improving themselves through dedication and hard work.  I'm excited to see what they can do this year with the leadership of our juniors and seniors.”

13. Libertyville

Head Coach/Coaches: Stu Mendelsohn / Matt Condron, Nick Korhumel

Last Year’s Finish: 24th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Thomas Chudy (Sr.), Colin O'Connell (Jr.), Marcello Prinz (Sr.), Taylor Rihm (Jr.), Jack Steffe (Sr.), Filip Vojvodic (Sr.), Trace Whildin (Sr.), Hakim Elmenshawy (So.), Michael Barhoum (Sr.)

Outlook: The Wildcats are in the midst of one of the best stretches in program history, qualifying for the IHSA State Meet in each of the past two seasons. That accomplishment had not been achieved at Libertyville since the early 1990s, and this year's squad has the talent to keep the momentum rolling. With a proven front runner returning from injury and one of the deepest supporting packs in Class 3A, the Wildcats are well positioned to make another run at Detweiller Park. Leading the way is senior Taylor Rihm, whose junior season ended in heartbreaking fashion after an injury forced him to miss both the sectional and State Meet. Before that setback, Rihm had established himself as one of the top runners in the state, running an outstanding 14:57 at the Peoria Invitational before following it up with an impressive 14:59 victory at the Grant Regional. Healthy once again, Rihm gives Libertyville an elite front runner capable of competing for All-State honors this fall. Filip Vojvodic returns after finishing 79th at the State Meet last season and should once again be a dependable second runner. He also helped Libertyville qualify for the Class 3A State Meet in the 4x800-meter relay during the spring, adding valuable championship experience to an already talented lineup. The Wildcats' strength lies in the quality and depth of their supporting pack. Jack Steffe finished 132nd at the State Meet last fall before enjoying an excellent track season. He qualified for the State Meet as part of the Wildcats' 4x800-meter relay and lowered his personal best to 4:26 in the 1600 meters. Thomas Chudy also continued his impressive development during the spring. After placing 134th at the State Meet last fall, Chudy qualified for the Class 3A State Meet in both the 800 meters and the 4x800-meter relay. He posted outstanding personal bests of 1:57 in the 800 meters and 4:27 in the 1600 meters, giving Libertyville another runner capable of making a significant jump this cross country season. Trace Whildin adds even more strength to the Wildcats' lineup. After finishing 155th at the State Meet in 2025, he enjoyed an excellent spring by qualifying for the State Meet in both the 800 meters and the 4x800-meter relay while recording personal bests of 1:57 in the 800 meters and 4:29 in the 1600 meters. Marcello Prinz provides another experienced option after placing 172nd at the State Meet last season. His experience gives Libertyville additional depth as the Wildcats look to once again field a balanced varsity lineup. The biggest key for Libertyville will be maintaining the tight pack that has become a hallmark of its recent success. With Rihm leading the way and four experienced scorers returning behind him, the Wildcats have the depth necessary to compete with many of the top teams in Class 3A. If the supporting pack continues to build on the gains made during the track season, Libertyville has an excellent chance to extend its State Meet streak to three consecutive years and continue one of the strongest runs in program history. Coach Korhumel stated, “We are looking to improve on the 2025 season where we made our second consecutive appearance at State. The team is looking fit and healthy. Same group as last year, so we should be strong. No reason why we can't be a top 15 team this year.”

14. Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)

Head Coach/Coaches: Ryan Counihan

Last Year’s Finish: 27th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Brendan Hanrahan (Jr.), Nathan Schroers (Sr.), Miles Mueller (So.), Ian Schroers (So.), Eddie Matteson (So.), Luke Mueller (Sr.), Braydon Simpson (Sr.), Ryder Connolly (Jr.), Ryan Scaletta (So.), Dylan Jacobson (Sr.), Owen Burns (So.), Ryan Scaletta (So.), Jude Myhre (So.)

Key Additions: Nolan Tomasek (Fr.)

Outlook: Lincoln-Way East returned to the State Meet as a team in 2025 and has the talent to make another appearance this fall. The Griffins bring back five key contributors from last year's postseason lineup, led by a returning All-Stater and supported by a group that made significant strides during the track season. If those improvements carry over to the cross country course, Lincoln-Way East has all the pieces necessary to earn another trip to Detweiller Park. Leading the way is junior Brendan Hanrahan, one of the top returning runners in Class 3A. Hanrahan earned All-State honors last fall after placing 23rd at the State Meet as a sophomore, establishing himself as one of the premier young distance runners in Illinois. He followed that performance with another outstanding spring, qualifying for the State Meet in the 3200 meters and lowering his personal best to 9:19. Hanrahan enters the season as a legitimate contender to improve upon last year's All-State finish and provides the Griffins with an outstanding low stick. Senior Nathan Schroers gives Lincoln-Way East another runner capable of making a significant impact. Schroers served as the team's second runner during last year's cross country season before enjoying a breakthrough spring on the track. He lowered his personal best to 9:38 in the 3200 meters, a performance that suggests he could be poised to break the 15-minute barrier this fall. If he reaches that level, the Griffins will possess one of the stronger one-two combinations among teams battling for a State Meet berth. One of the biggest breakout candidates on the roster is Eddie Matteson. Matteson was the sixth runner on last year's team, narrowly missing the varsity scoring lineup at the State Meet, but he appears ready for a much larger role in 2026. His track season featured tremendous improvements, including personal bests of 4:28 in the 1600 meters and 9:44 in the 3200 meters. Those performances position him to become a key scorer and add valuable depth behind Hanrahan and Schroers. Sophomore Ian Schroers also looks ready to take another step forward after contributing as the team's fifth runner during his freshman season. He continued to develop throughout the spring, lowering his personal best to 9:51 in the 3200 meters. Another year of experience should allow him to become an even more reliable scorer for the Griffins. Rounding out the projected scoring five is Miles Mueller, who was the team's fourth runner at last year's State Meet after posting a 15:49 personal best. Mueller brings valuable championship experience to the lineup and gives Lincoln-Way East another dependable contributor as the team looks to build upon last season's success. The strength of this squad lies in its balance. Hanrahan provides elite front-running ability, while Schroers, Matteson, Ian Schroers, and Mueller all have the potential to continue lowering their times after excellent track seasons. With five experienced runners returning and several athletes showing significant improvement over the spring, the Griffins have a solid foundation entering the fall. If Lincoln-Way East can continue translating its track success onto the cross country course, another State Meet appearance is well within reach. The combination of a returning All-Stater, an improving supporting cast, and valuable postseason experience makes the Griffins a team capable of climbing the Class 3A rankings as the season progresses.

15. Lake Zurich

Head Coach/Coaches: JB Hanson

Last Year’s Finish: 4th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Karanveer Patil (Jr.), Luke Marshall (Sr.), Carson Porter (Sr.), Luke Firkin (Jr.), Jacob Hinojosa (Jr.), Sebastian Kaczmarski (So.), Camden Niemiec (Jr.), Zachary Riske (Jr.), Nicholas Smith (Sr.)

Key Additions: Braden Blackowicz (Fr.)

Outlook: Lake Zurich came within just 13 points of bringing home a State trophy last fall, ultimately finishing fourth at the Class 3A State Meet in one of the closest trophy races in recent memory. Although the Bears graduated several key contributors from that squad, they return one of the strongest front-running duos in the state and have several young athletes ready to step into larger roles. If the supporting cast develops as expected, Lake Zurich has the potential to remain among the top teams in Class 3A and once again contend for a trophy. Leading the way are seniors Karanveer Patil and Luke Marshall, who form one of the premier one-two combinations in Illinois. Patil earned All-State honors with an eighth-place finish at last year's State Meet before qualifying for the State Track Meet in the 3200 meters during the spring. Marshall wasn't far behind, placing 11th at the State Meet and also qualifying for the 3200-meter State Finals. While neither runner enjoyed the track season they had hoped for, both have already proven they excel on the cross country course. With their championship experience and proven ability to perform at Detweiller Park, they give the Bears one of the lowest-scoring front pairs in the state. The biggest question surrounding Lake Zurich lies behind its outstanding top two. Carson Porter returns after serving as a scorer on last year's State Meet team, where he placed 169th overall. Porter endured a difficult track season, but a healthy return to form would provide the Bears with an experienced and dependable third scorer. Jacob Hinojosa appears poised for a breakout season after making tremendous progress during the spring. Hinojosa lowered his personal bests to 4:33 in the 1600 meters and 9:53 in the 3200 meters, establishing himself as one of the program's rising talents. If those improvements translate to the three-mile distance, he could become one of the team's most valuable contributors and help offset the graduation losses. The battle for the final scoring position should be one of the most competitive on the roster. Sophomore Sebastian Kaczmarski enjoyed an encouraging track season, lowering his 3200-meter personal best to 10:14 while continuing to develop throughout the spring. Luke Firkin also enters the season as a strong contender after running 16:15 during his sophomore cross country campaign. Camden Niemiec provides another viable option after posting a 16:20 personal best during last year's cross country season. Like Firkin and Kaczmarski, continued improvement over the summer could allow him to secure a scoring position when the championship portion of the season arrives. Lake Zurich's success this fall will ultimately depend on how quickly that supporting group develops behind Patil and Marshall. The Bears already possess one of the strongest front-running duos in Class 3A, but finding a reliable fifth scorer will determine whether they remain in the State trophy conversation. Despite graduating key pieces from last year's fourth-place team, Lake Zurich still has the talent to surprise plenty of people. With elite low sticks, an improving supporting cast, and several young athletes competing for varsity spots, the Bears have all the ingredients to once again contend for a top finish at the State Meet.

16. New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central)

Head Coach/Coaches: John Taylor / Roy White, Chuck Hoff

Last Year’s Finish: 11th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Cian Scanlon (Sr.), Andrew Nilson (Sr.), Ryan Zartler (Jr.), Gavin Hoff (Sr.), Jaxson Oldenburg (Jr.), Colin White (Jr.), Domenico DiSalvo (Sr.), Russell Welch (Jr.), Luke Simone (So.), Finn Cameron (So.)

Key Additions: Quinton Purdom (Fr.)

Outlook: Prospect came agonizingly close to a Top 10 finish at the Class 3A State Meet last fall and enters the 2026 season with plenty of reason for optimism. Four key contributors return from that squad, and several members of the roster made significant strides during the track season. If those improvements translate to the cross country course, the Knights have the talent to climb back into the Top 10 conversation. Senior Cian Scanlon returns as the unquestioned leader of the program after emerging as Prospect's top runner last fall. Scanlon placed 45th at the State Meet before carrying that momentum into an outstanding track season. He helped the Knights earn sixth place in the Class 3A 4x800-meter relay while posting personal bests of 1:55 in the 800 meters and 4:20 in the 1600 meters. With another year of development, Scanlon appears poised to make the jump into All-State contention and gives Prospect a dependable front runner capable of leading the team throughout the season. Andrew Nilson provides valuable experience as the team's second returning scorer. Nilson finished 91st at last year's State Meet, placing him among the top 100 runners in the classification, and returns with another year of championship experience under his belt. His consistency will be an important asset as the Knights look to replace graduated contributors. One of the biggest breakout candidates on the roster is Ryan Zartler. Zartler served as Prospect's seventh runner during last year's cross country season but enjoyed a tremendous spring that culminated in a State Meet appearance in the 3200 meters. He lowered his personal best to 9:54 and now appears ready to take on a much larger role this fall. His continued progression could make him one of the key difference-makers for the Knights. Gavin Hoff also looks ready to step into the varsity scoring lineup after serving as the team's sixth runner a season ago. Hoff enjoyed an excellent track campaign, lowering his personal bests to 4:36 in the 1600 meters and 9:59 in the 3200 meters. Those improvements suggest he is well positioned to become a dependable scorer and strengthen the middle of Prospect's lineup. Rounding out the projected scoring five is Jaxson Oldenburg, another runner who made tremendous strides during the spring. Oldenburg lowered his 3200-meter personal best to 9:52, giving the Knights yet another athlete capable of making a significant jump during cross country season. His emergence provides Prospect with valuable depth and another runner capable of contributing in championship races. The strength of this team lies in its development. Nearly every returning contributor enjoyed a breakthrough track season, giving the Knights one of the more improved rosters entering the fall. If that momentum carries over to the three-mile distance, Prospect has the potential to outperform its preseason expectations. After narrowly missing the Top 10 last year, the Knights appear well positioned to make another run at one of the coveted top spots in Class 3A. With an emerging front runner, experienced returners, and several athletes coming off career-best track seasons, Prospect has all the ingredients necessary to return to the State Meet and contend for a Top 10 finish. Coach Taylor stated, “We have a good mix of Senior leadership, Junior success and underclassmen who will be coming up soon. We look to improve on our performance at the State meet this year.”

17. Batavia

Head Coach/Coaches: Bronco Meeks / Sean O’Connell

Last Year’s Finish: 20th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Eddie Polaski (Sr.), Will Polaski (Sr.), Aaron Kernler (Sr.), Peter Day (Sr.), Brayden Korn (Jr.), Matt Guiry (Sr.), Jeremy Shillair (Jr.), Chase Flanagan (Sr.), Jake Widmer (Sr.)

Key Additions: Colin Hacker (Fr.), Cooper Wiese (Fr.), Reid Lauffer (Fr.)

Outlook: Batavia has quietly established itself as one of the more consistent programs in Class 3A, qualifying for the State Meet in each of the past three seasons. The Bulldogs return four of their five scorers from last year's team and have another runner ready to step into a larger role after a strong track season. With an experienced lineup and several athletes poised for improvement, Batavia appears well positioned to extend its State Meet streak to four consecutive years. Leading the way is senior Edward Polaski, the top returning runner from last year's squad. Polaski placed 74th at the State Meet after previously establishing himself as one of the top runners in the classification with a personal best of 14:42. Although his track season did not unfold the way he had hoped, his body of work shows he is capable of competing with many of the state's top distance runners. A return to his best form would give Batavia an excellent front runner capable of leading the Bulldogs throughout the season. Aaron Kernler enters the fall as one of the team's most important returning scorers after serving as Batavia's third runner at the State Meet, where he placed 125th. Kernler followed that performance with an outstanding spring, lowering his personal best to 9:41 in the 3200 meters. His continued progression makes him a strong candidate for a breakout cross country season and gives the Bulldogs another dependable scorer behind Polaski. Will Polaski also returns after contributing as Batavia's fourth runner during last year's State Meet, where he finished 136th overall. His experience competing in championship races provides valuable stability to the lineup, and he projects to once again play an important scoring role this fall. Matt Guiry gives the Bulldogs another experienced contributor after serving as a scorer throughout much of last season. While he did not have the State Meet performance he was hoping for, his personal best of 15:37 demonstrates the level he is capable of reaching. If Guiry returns to that form, Batavia's pack becomes considerably stronger heading into the postseason. One of the biggest breakout candidates on the roster is Peter Day. Day served as the team's seventh runner last fall before enjoying a tremendous track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:34 in the 1600 meters and 9:57 in the 3200 meters. Those improvements position him to step into a much larger varsity role and could make him one of the key difference-makers for the Bulldogs this season. Batavia's greatest strength is its experience. Four returning scorers have already competed on the State Meet stage, while Day gives the lineup another runner coming off a significant breakthrough during the spring. That combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent gives the Bulldogs a solid foundation entering the fall. With another year of development and a strong returning core, Batavia has all the pieces necessary to extend its streak of State Meet appearances. If its experienced lineup continues to build on the gains made during the track season, the Bulldogs have the potential to once again establish themselves among the stronger teams in Class 3A. Coach Meeks’ stated, “This season we bring back a significant amount of experience. We return 5 of our top 7 from last year. Added to that this year is a very strong group of young guys. We feel we have the ability to be a very competitive team this year at all levels”

18. Wheaton Warrenville South

Head Coach/Coaches: Christopher Kunz and Craig Lawrence

Last Year’s Finish: 12th @ IHSA 3A Lake Park Sectional

Key Returners: Liam Meyer (Jr.), Joey Mowrer (Sr.), Jack Barbieri (Sr.), Logan Noel (Jr.), Blake Bouris (Jr.), Frankie Krone (So.), Jaxson Gucwa (So.), Connor Hulett (Jr.), Daithan Narayanan (Sr.), Lucas Wolfram (Jr.), Nathaniel Kluckhohn (Jr.), Matt Lisowski (Sr.)

Outlook: Wheaton Warrenville South saw one of the state's longest active streaks come to an end last fall, missing the State Meet as a team for the first time in eight seasons. The Tigers now enter 2026 motivated to begin a new streak, and based on the talent they return, they have every opportunity to get back to Detweiller Park. A tremendous track season from much of the roster has elevated the team's ceiling, and if they can solidify their fifth scoring position, the Tigers should once again be in the State Meet conversation. Senior Liam Meyer returns as the team's top runner after leading the Tigers throughout last fall. Meyer posted an impressive 15:08 personal best during the cross country season before continuing his development on the track, where he lowered his 1600-meter personal best to 4:25. His combination of experience and consistency gives Wheaton Warrenville South a dependable front runner capable of leading the team back into postseason contention. Joining Meyer at the front of the lineup is Joey Mowrer, who appears poised for a breakout cross country season. Mowrer enjoyed an outstanding spring, lowering his personal best to 9:39 in the 3200 meters. Those improvements suggest he has taken a significant step forward and should be right alongside Meyer as one of the Tigers' top scorers this fall. Logan Noel also emerged as one of the team's biggest success stories during the track season. Noel lowered his personal bests to 4:25 in the 1600 meters and 9:49 in the 3200 meters, establishing himself as another athlete capable of making a major impact during cross country. His continued development gives the Tigers another strong piece near the front of the lineup. Jack Barbieri rounds out what could become one of the better front fours in the sectional. Barbieri posted an impressive 9:48 personal best in the 3200 meters during the spring, further strengthening an already talented group. With Meyer, Mowrer, Noel, and Barbieri all showing significant improvement over the past year, the Tigers possess a balanced core capable of competing with many of the top teams in Class 3A. The biggest question entering the season is the race for the fifth scoring position. Frankie Krone enters the fall after a productive track season that saw him lower his 1600-meter personal best to 4:37, giving him the speed necessary to compete for a varsity role. Jaxson Gucwa is another strong candidate after posting a 10:11 personal best in the 3200 meters during the spring. His continued development could make him a valuable contributor as the season progresses. Blake Bouris also remains firmly in the mix after serving as the Tigers' sixth runner last fall. Bouris already owns a solid 15:57 cross country personal best, providing valuable experience and another dependable option as Wheaton Warrenville South looks to round out its varsity lineup. The Tigers' success this fall will ultimately depend on finding consistency behind their impressive front four. If one of Krone, Gucwa, or Bouris can establish himself as a reliable fifth scorer, Wheaton Warrenville South will have the balance necessary to compete for another State Meet berth. After an uncharacteristic absence from Detweiller Park last season, the Tigers appear well positioned to return. With a talented and improving front group, several experienced runners, and healthy competition for the final varsity spots, Wheaton Warrenville South has all the ingredients to begin a new streak of State Meet appearances. Coach Lawrence stated, “We are very optimistic about this squad. This team is extremely dedicated and very tight-knit. They have made some big jumps since last cross country season, and they are hungry. Pack running is a hallmark of our program, and this group has embraced that tradition. It will be fun to see this team continue to improve over the course of the season.”

19. Chicago (Payton)

Head Coach/Coaches: Mickhale Lamba

Last Year’s Finish: 18th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Knox Winn (Jr.), Gus Berlinghof (Sr.), Luis Urquiza (Sr.), John Falciglia (Sr.), James Barrios (Jr.), Christopher Baron (So.)

Key Additions: Steven Jiang (Sr.), Alex Lynch (Fr.)

Outlook: Payton enters the 2026 season at the beginning of a new era after five consecutive State Meet appearances under longtime coaches Dan Dziubski and Adam Palumbo. With the duo moving on, Mickhale Lamba takes over a program that has become one of the most consistent in Class 3A. While some may be surprised to see the Grizzlies ranked this highly entering the season, the return of an experienced roster and the addition of a key veteran give Payton all the pieces necessary to remain among the state's top teams. Senior Knox Winn returns as the team's top runner after leading the Grizzlies throughout last fall. Winn placed 78th at the State Meet before carrying that momentum into another productive track season, where he posted personal bests of 4:29 in the 1600 meters and 9:35 in the 3200 meters. His consistency and championship experience provide Payton with a dependable low stick capable of leading the team through another postseason run. The biggest storyline surrounding the Grizzlies is the return of senior Steven Jiang. Jiang did not compete during the 2025-26 school year because of an internship commitment, but his return dramatically changes the outlook of this team. As a sophomore, Jiang ran 15:03 on the cross country course and established himself as one of the stronger distance runners in the city. If he can return anywhere close to that level after a year away from competition, he could become one of the most impactful additions of any team in Class 3A. Luis Urquiza also appears ready for a much larger role after a breakout spring season. Urquiza served as Payton's fifth runner last fall before making tremendous improvements on the track, lowering his personal bests to 1:59 in the 800 meters and 4:26 in the 1600 meters. Those performances suggest he is poised to become one of the Grizzlies' top scorers this fall. Junior James Barrios may have enjoyed the biggest breakthrough of anyone on the roster. After an outstanding track season that culminated with a 9:55 personal best in the 3200 meters, Barrios has positioned himself to become another key contributor. His progression gives Payton valuable depth and another runner capable of making a significant jump during cross country season. Gus Berlinghof returns after serving as the team's fourth runner last fall, when he posted a 15:51 personal best. He continued to improve during the spring by lowering his 1600-meter personal best to 4:36. With another year of development, Berlinghof projects to once again be an important scorer for the Grizzlies. Another name to watch is Alex Lynch. A highly accomplished middle school runner, Lynch was the IESA State Champion in the 1600 meters and entered high school with a 4:42 personal best. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to work his way into the varsity lineup and provide even more depth for an already talented roster. The biggest question surrounding Payton is how quickly the program adjusts to new leadership, but the talent on the roster is undeniable. With Winn providing experience up front, Jiang returning to competition, and several runners coming off breakthrough track seasons, the Grizzlies possess one of the more balanced lineups in Class 3A. If Payton successfully navigates its coaching transition and its returning athletes continue their upward trajectory, there is every reason to believe the Grizzlies can extend their streak of State Meet appearances to six consecutive seasons and remain one of the premier programs in Illinois.

20. Plainfield North

Head Coach/Coaches: Andy Derks / Roxanne Hall, Emilie Hatzl, Kyle Bender, Emily Brodko

Last Year’s Finish: State Champions @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Dominic Frigo (Sr.), Liam Beavers (Sr.), Dominic LaMontagna (Sr.), Zach Bucsanyi (Sr.), Laye Vishwakarma (Jr.), AJ Hartmann (Jr.), Karl Miller (So.), Biruk Melak (Jr.), Mitch Rudland (Jr.), Austin Krumin (Jr.), Chase Hemmer (Jr.), Jack Honiotes (So.)

Unexpected Losses: Logan Dodson (Sr.)

Outlook: Plainfield North enters the 2026 season in a much different position than a year ago after capturing the Class 3A State Championship last fall. The Tigers have reached the podium in each of the past three seasons, but after graduating six members of last year's title-winning squad, they begin a rebuilding phase. Even with those significant losses, Plainfield North has enough returning talent to remain a dangerous postseason team if its new contributors develop throughout the fall. Senior Dominic Frigo returns as the leader of the Tigers after serving as the top returning scorer from last year's championship lineup. Frigo placed 67th at the State Meet and followed that performance with another strong spring, lowering his personal best to 9:40 in the 3200 meters. His championship experience and steady progression make him the clear leader of a new roster looking to defend one of the state's premier programs. Liam Beavers also steps into a much larger role after a breakout junior season. Beavers mirrored Frigo's success on the track, also running 9:40 in the 3200 meters. His continued improvement gives Plainfield North a dependable second scorer, and together he and Frigo form an experienced front-running duo capable of keeping the Tigers competitive against the top teams in Class 3A. Dominic LaMontagna may be the biggest wildcard on the roster. A standout middle-distance runner, LaMontagna enjoyed an outstanding track season, posting personal bests of 1:55 in the 800 meters and 4:36 in the 1600 meters while helping Plainfield North's 4x800-meter relay qualify for the State Finals. If he can successfully translate that speed to the three-mile distance, he has the potential to become one of the Tigers' most valuable scorers this fall. The final two scoring positions remain wide open entering the season, creating healthy competition throughout the roster. Mitch Rundland is one of the leading candidates after lowering his personal best to 4:35 in the 1600 meters during the spring. His improvement gives him the tools to compete for a varsity role throughout the season. Zach Bucsanyi also enters the fall in contention after running 10:08 in the 3200 meters during the track season. Continued development could allow him to become an important contributor as the Tigers rebuild their lineup. Laye Vishwakarma is another athlete firmly in the mix after matching Bucsanyi with a 10:08 personal best in the 3200 meters. His progression gives Plainfield North another quality option as it looks to replace the production lost to graduation. Replacing six members of a State Championship team is never easy, but Plainfield North still has several proven athletes capable of leading the next generation. The experience of Frigo, the emergence of Beavers, the upside of LaMontagna, and the competition for the final varsity spots should allow the Tigers to improve throughout the season. Although this is clearly a rebuilding year compared to the past three seasons, Plainfield North has the talent and culture to remain a factor in Class 3A. If the new contributors continue to develop and the pack closes the gap behind its front runners, the Tigers have every opportunity to return to the State Meet and continue one of the state's most successful recent runs. Coach Derks stated, “This is going to be a really fun team. We have 1 returner, Dom Frigo, who has state meet and NXN experience. He is really fit and has put in a really strong summer. In my opinion, he is as good right now as our top guys were last year. Liam and Dom L. have been waiting for their opportunity, both had huge breakthroughs in track season (Liam 9:40 in 3200, Dom 1:55 in 4x8), and they have put in strong summers. After that, we will have a lot of friendly competition for spots and a lot of young guys who are eager to show what they can do.  We also have a guy in Zach Bucsanyi that has steadily been putting in consistent work and he will be a big contributor this season. I see us improving a lot throughout the season, and I go into this year with a lot of curiosity. It's going to be fun.”

21. Orland Park (Sandburg)

Head Coach/Coaches: John O’Malley

Last Year’s Finish: 9th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Brayden Gaffud (Sr.), Gavin Crotty (Sr.), Mitchell Cerva (Jr.), Michael Krupa (Sr.), Conor Malloy (So.), Ron Rolla (Jr.), Dylan Straka (Sr.), Dorian Janik (Jr.), Stanley Latawiec (So.)

Outlook: Sandburg has established itself as one of the premier programs in Illinois over the past decade, winning three State trophies, including two State Championships. Although the Eagles graduated several key contributors from last year's ninth-place State Meet team, the program once again has the talent and depth to remain in the mix for another top finish. A breakout track season from several returning runners has this group trending in the right direction heading into the fall. Senior Brayden Gaffud will lead the Eagles after taking a major step forward during the track season. Gaffud finished 110th at last year's State Meet before qualifying for the Class 3A State Finals in the 3200 meters this spring. He lowered his personal best to an outstanding 9:24, putting himself among the better returning distance runners in the classification. With that level of improvement, Gaffud has the potential to develop into an All-State contender this fall and gives Sandburg a strong front runner. Gavin Crotty projects to be the team's second runner after a productive junior campaign. Crotty served as Sandburg's fifth runner during last year's ninth-place State Meet finish, where he also placed 110th overall. He continued to improve throughout the spring, lowering his personal best to 9:46 in the 3200 meters. With another year of development, Crotty appears ready to take on a much larger role in the Eagles' lineup. Mitchell Cerva is the final returning scorer from last year's State Meet squad. Cerva ran 15:39 and finished 173rd at Detweiller Park before carrying that momentum into the track season, where he posted a 9:55 personal best in the 3200 meters. His championship experience and continued improvement make him an important piece of Sandburg's lineup. Ronald Rolla also looks poised for a breakout cross country season after making significant progress during the spring. Rolla matched Cerva with a 9:55 personal best in the 3200 meters, giving the Eagles another runner capable of strengthening the middle of the lineup. He should be right alongside Cerva throughout much of the season. The battle for the final scoring position gives Sandburg several quality options. Stanley Latawiec enters the season after lowering his 3200-meter personal best to an even 10:00, putting him firmly in contention for a varsity spot. Michael Krupa brings a different skill set after posting personal bests of 1:59 in the 800 meters and 4:36 in the 1600 meters during the spring. His middle-distance speed could translate well to cross country as the season progresses. Conor Molloy is another runner to watch after posting a solid 16:00 three-mile personal best as a freshman last fall. With another year of development, he has the potential to work his way into the varsity lineup. The biggest key to Sandburg's season will be pack running. The Eagles have enough talent throughout the roster to remain highly competitive, but closing the gap between their first and fifth runners will determine just how high they can climb in the team standings. If they can keep that spread in the 30-to-40-second range, Sandburg has the potential to challenge for another Top 15 finish at the State Meet. While this roster looks different than the teams that captured State titles earlier in the decade, the culture of success remains firmly in place. With an emerging front runner, several improving scorers, and quality depth competing for varsity spots, the Eagles once again have the pieces to be a factor in Class 3A throughout the postseason.

22. Oswego East

Head Coach/Coaches: Jim Milner / Derek Padovich, Creighton Patterson

Last Year’s Finish: 28th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Anthony Garcia (Jr.), Jack Wolstenholm (Sr.), Mason Van Denend (Sr.), Aiden Pantojas (Sr.), Camden Frankino (Sr.), Logan Styles (Sr.), Aidan Berglund (Sr.), Ryan Metzdorf (So.), Kolton Naramore (So.)

Key Additions: Drew Styles (So.)

Outlook: Oswego East returns five members from last year's State Meet qualifying team and appears poised to take another step forward in 2026. The Wolves bring back an experienced core that enjoyed an outstanding track season, giving them one of the more intriguing lineups in Class 3A. If they can solidify the final scoring position, Oswego East has the potential to move from simply qualifying for the State Meet to challenging for a Top 15 finish. Senior Jack Wolstenholm returns as the team's top runner after leading the Wolves throughout last fall. Wolstenholm earned a Top 100 finish at the State Meet, placing 97th while running 15:10. He followed that performance with another productive spring, qualifying for the State Meet as part of Oswego East's 4x800-meter relay while posting personal bests of 1:59 in the 800 meters and 4:27 in the 1600 meters. His experience and consistency give the Wolves a dependable front runner capable of leading the team throughout the season. Anthony Garcia will once again be a major contributor after spending much of last fall as the Wolves' top runner. Garcia also ran 15:10 during the regular season before an uncharacteristic performance at the State Meet left him 154th overall. He bounced back with an excellent track season, running 1:59 in the 800 meters and 4:26 in the 1600 meters while helping Oswego East qualify for the State Meet in the 4x800-meter relay. If Garcia returns to his regular-season form, he gives the Wolves another runner capable of competing near the front of the field. The biggest breakout candidate on the roster is senior Mason Van Denend. After a tremendous spring, Van Denend enters the cross country season with as much momentum as anyone on the team. He lowered his personal bests to 4:25 in the 1600 meters and 9:34 in the 3200 meters, performances that suggest he could run alongside Wolstenholm and Garcia throughout the fall. Breaking the 15-minute barrier is a realistic goal, and if he reaches that level, Oswego East's front three becomes one of the strongest among teams outside the preseason favorites. Aiden Pantojas also enjoyed a breakout track season and looks ready to play an important scoring role. Pantojas lowered his 3200-meter personal best to 9:56, giving the Wolves another dependable contributor capable of strengthening the middle of the lineup. His continued improvement will be critical as Oswego East looks to close the gap on the state's top teams. The biggest question entering the season is the race for the fifth scoring position. The Wolves have a strong front four, but finding another runner capable of consistently competing with that group will determine just how high they can climb in the standings. If someone can emerge and run under 15:50 by the postseason, Oswego East has the firepower to contend for a Top 15 finish at the State Meet. With five experienced returners, a talented front three, and several runners coming off career-best track seasons, the Wolves are positioned to improve upon last year's State Meet performance. If the supporting cast continues to develop and the final scoring position falls into place, Oswego East has all the ingredients to become one of the biggest risers in Class 3A this fall. Coach Milner stated, “We are excited about this year’s group because there is a lot of talent and potential throughout the roster. We had a very productive summer with strong participation from the entire team, including a very beneficial experience in Colorado. Anthony Garcia and Jack Wolstenholm have had outstanding summers and give us a strong foundation at the front, while athletes such as Mason Van Denend, Aiden Pantojas, Camden Frankino and Logan Styles give us a group of experienced runners who have already competed at a high level. At the same time, sophomores Drew Styles, Ryan Metzdorf and Kolton Naramore give us some younger athletes who could make a significant impact on the varsity. The biggest question for us will be how quickly we can turn our talent into consistent team racing. We want to become a tougher, more competitive and more connected group as the season progresses. If we can make that progression, we believe this team has the potential to qualify for the state meet and compete for a top-15 finish in Illinois.”

23. Chicago (Whitney Young)

Head Coach/Coaches: Eric Wiegmann

Last Year’s Finish: 9th @ IHSA 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional

Key Returners: Amilo Rajandram (Sr.), Langston Ellis (Sr.), Carter Hennessy (Sr.), Cael Rodriguez (Sr.), Jonathan Ophus (Sr.), Arlo Reddy (Sr.), Arinav Kutty (Sr.), Nathaniel Titus (Jr.), Ignacio Garcia-Ocon (Jr.)

Outlook: Whitney Young enters the 2026 season with one clear goal: ending a State Meet drought that dates back to 2017. The Dolphins return an outstanding front runner, a veteran supporting cast, and several athletes who made significant improvements during the track season. If the group can stay healthy and continue its upward trajectory, Whitney Young has the pieces to contend for a long-awaited return to Detweiller Park. Leading the way is senior Amilo Rajandram, one of the premier distance runners in Class 3A. Rajandram earned All-State honors last fall after placing 22nd at the Cross Country State Meet, then elevated his profile even further during an exceptional track season. He posted outstanding personal bests of 1:57 in the 800 meters, 4:18 in the 1600 meters, and 9:05 in the 3200 meters. Rajandram finished sixth in the 3200 meters at the State Meet while also qualifying for the State Finals in the 1600 meters. His versatility and championship experience make him one of the top low sticks in the classification and a runner capable of leading the Dolphins back to the State Meet. Senior Langston Ellis brings valuable experience after serving as Whitney Young's third runner last fall, posting a 15:22 personal best during the cross country season. Ellis was unable to compete during the track season because of injury, but if he returns to full health, he gives the Dolphins another proven scorer with postseason experience. A healthy return from Ellis would significantly strengthen the middle of Whitney Young's lineup. Carter Hennessy also returns after contributing as one of the team's scorers during last year's cross country campaign. Hennessy broke the 16-minute barrier last fall before continuing to improve during the spring, lowering his personal best to 10:04 in the 3200 meters. His continued progression gives the Dolphins another dependable contributor capable of helping close the gap behind Rajandram. Cael Rodriguez rounds out another experienced member of the returning core. Rodriguez also broke 16 minutes during last year's cross country season and followed that performance with a productive spring, posting a personal best of 4:36 in the 1600 meters. His development gives Whitney Young another solid scoring option with the potential to take another step forward this fall. Jonathan Ophus may have enjoyed the biggest breakthrough of anyone on the roster during the track season. Ophus lowered his personal bests to 4:34 in the 1600 meters and 9:51 in the 3200 meters, establishing himself as another key contributor heading into the cross country season. His emergence provides valuable depth and gives the Dolphins another runner capable of making a major impact. Whitney Young's success this season will depend on building a strong pack behind Rajandram. The Dolphins already possess one of the top front runners in Class 3A, and if Ellis returns healthy while Hennessy, Rodriguez, and Ophus continue their development, this team has the balance necessary to compete with many of the top programs in the state. After nearly a decade away from the State Meet, the Dolphins appear well positioned to end that drought. With an elite low stick, an experienced supporting cast, and several athletes coming off career-best track seasons, Whitney Young has all the ingredients to return to Detweiller Park and reestablish itself as one of Chicago's top distance-running programs.

24. Barrington

Head Coach/Coaches: Tom Root

Last Year’s Finish: 12th @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Kyle Kroupa (Jr.), Caden Carver (Jr.), Ryan Scott (Sr.), Varun Dhanasekaran (Sr.), Ryan Scott (Sr.), Dominic Voth (So.), Sanath Sarma (Sr.), Matias Carvajal (Sr.), William Schneider (Sr.), Benny Siulikowski (Sr.), Sidney Kanchwala (Sr.)

Key Additions: Tait Goshe (Fr.)

Outlook: Barrington has quietly been one of the more consistent programs in Class 3A over the past decade, qualifying for six of the last ten State Meets. The Broncos enter the 2026 season with another experienced and talented roster that has the potential to return to Detweiller Park. A pair of emerging front runners and a strong supporting cast give Barrington a solid foundation, with the battle for the fifth scoring spot likely determining just how high this team can climb. Senior Kyle Kroupa will be one of the leaders of the Broncos after an outstanding breakthrough track season. Kroupa established himself as one of the top milers in Class 3A by lowering his personal best to 4:19 in the 1600 meters while qualifying for the State Meet. His improvement suggests he is ready to take another major step on the cross country course, and breaking the 15-minute barrier this fall appears to be a realistic goal. Joining Kroupa up front is Caden Carver, who also enjoyed a tremendous spring campaign. Carver lowered his personal bests to 4:29 in the 1600 meters and 9:37 in the 3200 meters, establishing himself as another runner capable of leading the Broncos. Like Kroupa, Carver has the potential to break 15 minutes this season, giving Barrington a strong one-two combination among teams competing for a State Meet berth. Varun Dhanasekaran looks ready to play an important scoring role after a breakout track season of his own. He lowered his personal best to 9:54 in the 3200 meters, positioning himself as a dependable third scorer and giving the Broncos another athlete capable of contributing in championship races. Ryan Scott returns as one of the team's most experienced runners after posting a 15:45 personal best during last year's cross country season. Scott's familiarity with varsity competition and proven ability on the grass make him another valuable piece of Barrington's lineup as the Broncos pursue another State Meet appearance. The biggest question entering the season is the race for the fifth scoring position, where several athletes have the ability to emerge. Matias Carvajal enjoyed a productive spring, lowering his personal bests to 4:37 in the 1600 meters and 10:19 in the 3200 meters. His continued improvement makes him one of the leading candidates for a varsity role. Dominic Voth also enters the season firmly in the mix after running 4:39 in the 1600 meters during the track season. His steady progression gives the Broncos another quality option. Sanath Sarma rounds out the group of contenders after posting a personal best of 4:40 in the 1600 meters. Like Carvajal and Voth, Sarma has the potential to develop into an important contributor by the postseason. Barrington's ceiling will largely be determined by the development of that final scoring spot. The Broncos already have a talented front four capable of competing with many of the top teams in Class 3A, and if one of their fifth-runner candidates emerges, this team has the balance necessary to make another trip to Detweiller Park. With two potential sub-15 runners leading the way, an improving supporting cast, and healthy competition for the final varsity positions, Barrington enters the season well positioned to extend its tradition of success and compete for another State Meet berth.

25. Yorkville

Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Muth / Lauren Vriezen, Tori Gatlin, Kerry Stillmunkes

Last Year’s Finish: 21st @ IHSA 3A State Championships

Key Returners: Carter Reichert (Jr.), Ayden Nydegger (Sr.), Nicholas Sanchez (Jr.), Declan Schou (Sr.), Marcus Hosu (Sr.), Noah Schou (Jr.), Eric Emmert (So.)

Unexpected Losses: James Cherney (Sr.)

Outlook: Yorkville enters a new chapter in program history as it begins life after Owen Horeni, one of the most accomplished runners the program has ever produced. While replacing an athlete of Horeni's caliber will not be easy, the Foxes return four key contributors from last year's State Meet qualifying team and have enough experience to make another run at Detweiller Park. If the supporting cast continues to develop, Yorkville has the talent to extend its recent postseason success. Senior Carter Reichert returns as the leader of the Foxes after serving as the team's top returning scorer from last year's State Meet squad. Reichert finished 127th at Detweiller Park before enjoying an outstanding spring on the track. He qualified for the State Meet in both the 800 meters and the 4x400-meter relay, advancing to the State Finals in the open 800. His personal bests of 1:56 in the 800 meters and 4:27 in the 1600 meters highlight both his speed and endurance, making him the clear front runner for Yorkville entering the season. Declan Schou also looks poised for a strong senior campaign. After an excellent summer of training, according to head coach Muth, Schou enters the fall with plenty of momentum. He lowered his personal best to 9:43 in the 3200 meters during the track season, giving the Foxes another dependable scorer capable of making a significant impact throughout the championship portion of the season. Ayden Nydegger returns after contributing to last year's State Meet team, where he placed 138th overall. He continued his development during the spring, posting personal bests of 4:30 in the 1600 meters and 9:49 in the 3200 meters. Those performances suggest Nydegger is ready to take another step forward and strengthen Yorkville's front pack. Nicholas Sanchez rounds out the experienced returning core after serving as the Foxes' fifth runner at last year's State Meet, where he finished 152nd. His postseason experience provides valuable depth and stability as Yorkville works to replace the runners lost to graduation. The biggest question entering the season is finding another runner capable of joining the established front four. The Foxes have a solid core of experienced athletes, but developing a reliable fifth scorer will determine whether they can return to the State Meet. If someone can emerge and break the 15-minute barrier by the postseason, Yorkville will once again have the depth necessary to compete for a qualifying position. Although the program is entering the post-Owen Horeni era, the foundation remains strong. Reichert provides outstanding leadership at the front, Schou and Nydegger are coming off excellent track seasons, and Sanchez brings valuable championship experience. If Yorkville can continue developing its depth, the Foxes have every opportunity to return to Detweiller Park and continue the program's recent success. Coach Muth stated, “We lost a very top end runner in Owen Horeni, but if our second unit develops, we could be a better team this season than last.   I have a lot of faith in the work that has been put in this summer, but we need to stay healthy, break through the perceived limits and consistently challenge ourselves to be uncomfortable daily.  The potential is there for this team to make big improvements over the next couple of months before the state series, but for that to happen we need to keep checking the boxes each day in every aspect of our training.  Honestly, I can’t give you a prediction of what this team can become, but the potential is there to exceed last year's team finish.”