CORBIN, Ky. — The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) released its annual Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll early Wednesday afternoon. According to the announcement, the Cavaliers are anticipated to finish as the league's 2026 runners-up.

Montreat collected 144 points in the voting process, finishing 17 points ahead of Reinhardt University and 12 points behind Milligan University, who earned all 12 first-place votes to claim the conference's preseason favorite distinction.

The Cavs are coming off a strong 2025 campaign, placing second at the AAC Cross Country Championships before earning 21st at the NAIA Cross Country Championships. Montreat also climbed as high as No. 16 in the national ratings during the season.

The 2026 AAC Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll was voted on by the head coaches of institutions within the league. Teams received 13 points for a first-place vote, 12 for second place, 11 for third place and so on until all 13 teams were ranked. Programs were then ordered by most points received to least points received.

This year's AAC Cross Country Championships are slated for Nov. 6 at Sequoyah Park in Knoxville, Tenn.

AAC Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
School (First-Place Votes) - Total Voting Points
1. Milligan (12) - 156
2. Montreat - 144
3. Reinhardt - 127
T4. Tennessee Wesleyan - 113
T4. Bryan - 113
6. Union Commonwealth - 80
7. Truett McConnell - 73
8. Spartanburg Methodist - 69
9. Columbia International - 63
10. Columbia - 61
11. Pikeville - 46
12. Johnson - 30
13. Bluefield - 17