Previewing BYU vs. NC State in 2026 NCAA women's cross country season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
The 2026 NCAA women's cross country season is set to feature prominent teams and athletes, including Alabama's Doris Lemngole and BYU's Jane Hedengren. Lemngole, a two-time champion, has yet to confirm her participation. Hedengren, now a sophomore, is focused on her first individual title after a remarkable freshman year. NC State, the defending champions, are returning their top five from last year's NCAA championships, further intensifying the competition. The season will kick off as collegiate runners prepare for the national championships in November.
- •Doris Lemngole's participation remains unconfirmed for the upcoming season.
- •Jane Hedengren seeks her first individual national title after a successful freshman year.
- •NC State returns their entire top five from last year's championship team.
- •BYU's depth includes notable returners and new recruits entering the season.
- •The national championships are set for November, with significant anticipation building.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — BYU vs. NC State, Hedengren vs. Lemngole: Previewing The 2026 NCAA Women's Cross Country Season
"While the professional outdoor season won't officially wrap up until mid-September, plenty of collegians are already in full swing, their focus locked on November's national championships despite them being months away. Obviously, there are a lot of factors to consider when previewing both the team and individual battles on the women's side, and arguably the most notable one is the two-time defending champ. Alabama's Doris Lemngole is entering her senior year after three tremendous years representing the Crimson Tide, but as of July 1, there is no confirmation on whether the five-time NCAA champion is running it back; until then, let's assume she is.
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