RIPON, Wis. -- The Ripon College men's cross country team is expected to finish fifth in the Midwest Conference (MWC) this season, according to the 2026 MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll released Monday morning.

Lawrence University, which received eight first-place votes, was selected as the preseason favorite, followed by Grinnell College and Luther College. Ripon finished fourth at the 2025 MWC Championship and will look to move up the conference standings in 2026.

The full poll is listed below.

Last season, Ripon finished fourth at the conference championship and returns one All-MWC performer from that squad. Sophomore Finn Lettau (Neenah, Wis., Neenah HS) will lead the Red Hawks into the 2026 season.

2026 Midwest Conference Preseason Poll
1. Lawrence University (8 first-place votes) - 80 points
2. Grinnell College (1) - 70 points
3. Luther College (1) - 62 points
4. Cornell College - 55 points
5. Ripon College - 53 points
6. Beloit College - 31 points
7. Illinois College - 30 points
T8. Monmouth College - 26 points
T8. Lake Forest College - 26 points
10. Knox College - 17 points

Ripon opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept 5, at the Tom Barry Invite. The Invite takes place in Green Bay, Wis. and begins at 11am.