In the 2026 Frontier Conference Men's Cross Country Coaches' Preseason Poll, Dakota State University has been ranked third, earning 77 points, just ahead of Bellevue at fourth with 76 points. Rocky Mountain is predicted to defend its title with 92 points, while Carroll closely follows with 91 points. Coaches could not vote for their own teams, adding a layer of neutrality to the rankings.

By the Numbers
  • Rocky Mountain (Mont.) received six first-place votes and a total of 92 points.
  • Dakota State (S.D.) scored 77 points, securing third place in the poll.
State of Play
  • The Trojans will start their season on September 4 at the Augustana Twilight in Sioux Falls, S.D.
  • They plan to participate in five regular season meets before the Frontier Conference Championships on November 6.
What's Next

Following the preseason rankings, Dakota State will aim to prove its competitive edge in the upcoming season, especially looking to secure a strong finish at the Frontier Conference Championships, which offers a berth to the NAIA National Championships.

Bottom Line

With favorable preseason rankings, Dakota State has a promising opportunity to challenge for the conference title, but maintaining focus and performance throughout the season will be vital for their success.