The Peach Belt Conference has released its 2026 Preseason Coaches' Poll for men's and women's cross country, with Clayton State's men predicted to finish fourth and women eighth. Flagler emerged as the top choice in both polls, with Clayton State's men's team coming off a fourth-place finish at last year's championships. The Lakers return key veterans and welcome promising newcomers to boost their potential this season.

By the Numbers
  • Clayton State men's team was ranked fourth with 39 votes.
  • Clayton State women's team was ranked eighth with 41 votes.
State of Play
  • The men鈥檚 team had a notable fourth-place finish last season with 129 points.
  • The women鈥檚 team finished eighth last season with 217 points.
What's Next

Clayton State's cross country teams will kick off their season at the Julius Johnson Invitational on September 5th, with men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 races scheduled for 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, respectively.

Bottom Line

Both Clayton State cross country teams aim to improve their standings this season, bolstered by veteran leadership and new talent, potentially reshaping their competitive outlook in the Peach Belt Conference.