SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant Women's Cross Country team was picked third in the America East preseason poll, announced Tuesday, August 25. The Men's team was picked tied for seventh.

The Women's team looks to repeat the success of the 2025 season, which included a program record second place finish at the 2025 America East Championship in Hopkinton, N.H. The 2026 team features 15 returners, including six seniors, four juniors, and five sophomores. Three freshmen also joined the team for this year.

The Men's team features nine returners, including one graduate student, two seniors, three juniors, and three sophomores. The freshman class features six runners added to the roster for this year.

The Bulldogs open their season on Friday, September 4 at the Adelphi Panthers XC Invitational in Bethpage State Park, New York. 
 
2026 Women's #AEXC Preseason Poll
1. Maine 63 (7)
2. Binghamton 53
3. Bryant 42 (1)
4. UMass Lowell 41
5. Vermont 38 (1)
6. New Hampshire 30
7. UMBC 26
8. NJIT 20
9. UAlbany 11
 
2026 Men's #AEXC Preseason Poll
1. UMass Lowell 64 (8)
2. Binghamton 54 (1)
3. UMBC 49
4. Maine 47
5. Vermont 33
6. NJIT 24
T7. New Hampshire 22
T7. Bryant 22
9. UAlbany 9