The 2025 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships will take place on Saturday, November 22, and anticipation is building for individual performances. Both the women’s and men’s competitions feature strong contenders poised for victory.
Top Women’s Contenders for the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championship
- Doris Lemngole – Alabama
- Jane Hedengren – BYU
- Grace Hartman – NC State
- Angelina Napoleon – NC State
- Pamela Kosgei – New Mexico
- Hilda Olemomoi – Florida (Darkhorse)
Doris Lemngole from Alabama is the defending champion and the current favorite. She has demonstrated remarkable form this season, winning both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and South Regional titles. Observers agree that as long as Lemngole remains in peak condition, she is likely to retain her title.
Challenging her is BYU’s Jane Hedengren. Though a freshman, Hedengren’s undefeated record includes victories at the Pre-National meet, Big 12 Championships, and Mountain Regional. This matchup of an experienced runner against a newcomer adds excitement to the competition.
Another contender is New Mexico’s Pamela Kosgei, who finished second last year and recently secured the Mountain West championship. She is well-positioned to surprise the favorites.
From NC State, both Grace Hartman and Angelina Napoleon offer significant competition. Hartman is a strong contender provided she races, while Napoleon has shown her skills by winning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title.
Keep an eye on Florida’s Hilda Olemomoi, who previously defeated Lemngole at the South Regional and finished third at last year’s national championships. Olemomoi’s past performances suggest she could be a formidable opponent in 2025.
Top Men’s Contenders for the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championship
- Habtom Samuel – New Mexico
- Denis Kipngetich – Oklahoma State
- Brian Musau – Oklahoma State
- Rocky Hansen – Wake Forest
- Solomon Kipchoge – Washington State
- Kelvin Cheruiyot – Florida (Darkhorse)
On the men’s side, New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel stands out as the leading favorite. He is undefeated this season, including a recent win at the Nuttycombe meet. His runner-up finishes in the previous two national championships indicate he is a strong contender for the title.
Oklahoma State’s duo of Denis Kipngetich and Brian Musau poses a significant threat. Kipngetich recently claimed his third straight Midwest Regional title, while Musau captured his third consecutive Big 12 title. Their rivalry could motivate both to excel at the championships.
Wake Forest’s Rocky Hansen remains unbeaten this season as well, bolstered by wins at the ACC Championships and Southeast Regional. Washington State’s Solomon Kipchoge also brings strong recent performances, including a victory at the West Regional.
Florida’s freshman Kelvin Cheruiyot has made quite an impact, winning Pre-Nats, SECs, and the South Regional. This momentum could carry him to a strong performance at the championships.
As the competition approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these top contenders will perform and who will emerge victorious in the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships.
