BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - The 2026 Cross Country season will see the return of five men's All-OVC runners and four women's honorees.

The 2025 Men's Athlete of the Year, Alex Nolan from Southern Indiana, is back for his senior season along with the reigning Freshman of the Year, Kraedyn Young. The Screaming Eagles matched UT Martin in points at the OVC Championship a year ago, only to fall short due to criteria.

The Skyhawks wiill look to repeat behind All-OVC first teamer Angus Monro and second team selection Keagan Enicks.

Also returning is first teamer Aidan Massey of Morehead State and second teamer Cale Smith of Eastern Illinois.

Two-time women's champion, Nova Ojutkangas of Southeast Missouri, looks to try and make it three in row, but will have to fend off last year's OVC Athlete of the Year, Ellie Hall from Southern Indiana. Hall and second team selection, Zoe Seward, look to lead USI to a team title.

Lydia Bennett returns for the upcoming season as a second team member from a year ago.

Men’s Cross Country Returning All-OVC
Cale Smith, Eastern Illinois
Aidan Massey, Morehead State
Alex Nolan, Southern Indiana
Keagan Enicks, UT Martin
Angus Monro, UT Martin

Women’s Cross Country Returning All-OVC
Nova Ojutkangas, Southeast Missouri
Ellie Hall, Southern Indiana
Zoe Seward, Southern Indiana
Lydia Bennett, Western Illinois

2026 Men's Cross Country Watch List
Jiberil Lesman, Eastern Illinois
Isaac Ndiwa, Lindenwood
Jake Hagan, Morehead State
Myles Thornburg, Southeast Missouri
Christian Knobloch, SIUE
Kraedyn Young, Southern Indiana
Aaron Davis, Tennessee State
Will Douglas, UT Martin
Eason Comer, Western Illinois
 
2026 Women's Cross Country Watch List
Avery Braker, Eastern Illinois
Makenna Smith, Lindenwood
Shelby Lamb, Morehead State
Lauren Eftink, Southeast Missouri
Erica Woodard, SIUE
Addison Applegate, Southern Indiana
Jurneed Rutherford, Tennessee State
Reese Settle, UT Martin
Emma-Kate Watt, Western Illinois