INDIANAPOLIS - The Milwaukee women's cross country program was selected fifth, while the men's cross country team earned 10th in the 2026 Horizon League preseason poll, announced by the conference Tuesday afternoon. 

On the women's side, conference coaches voted the Panthers fifth for the second consecutive season. Youngstown State garnered the most votes in both the women's and the men's polls, fresh off of sweeping the Horizon League Championships in Fort Wayne, Ind. last year. 

Oakland, Purdue Fort Wayne and RMU rounded out the top-4 in that respective order for the women, as Milwaukee notched fifth place with 95 votes. 

The Panthers placed fourth at the Horizon League Championships last year, led by Anelise Egge, who garnered a runner-up finish to pace Milwaukee. The Panthers will look to replace a strong senior core, welcoming seven freshmen and one transfer to the roster. 

As for the men, the Penguins led the way with 99 votes. Youngstown State enters the season with four consecutive conference championships under their belt, seeking to repeat for a fifth year. IU Indy, Oakland, Green Bay and Wright State rounded out the top-5. 

The Panthers will look to build on their 2025 campaign, as the program returns nine of its 10 finishers from the 2025 Horizon League Championships. 

Milwaukee kicks things off Friday, Sept. 4, when they head to Illinois to compete at the Huskie Classic, hosted by NIU. The women's 5K race will begin at 5:30 p.m. CT, while the men's 6K is set to follow at 6:10 p.m. CT at The North 40 Championship Course.