The Xavier men's cross country team was voted ninth in the Southern States Athletic Conference's preseason coaches poll.

XULA, which is prepping for its first season in the SSAC, was projected to outperform three teams. However, the trio of Mobile, UT Southern, and Loyola, which battled for conference dominance a year ago, projected to again top the field. 

2026 SSAC Men's Cross Country Coaches' Preseason Poll

1. Mobile - 116 (7)
2. UT Southern - 104 (2)
3. Loyola - 101 (2)
4. Blue Mountain - 88
5. William Carey - 76
6. Faulkner - 74
7. Brewton-Parker - 52
8. Xavier - 36
9. Thomas - 32
10. Abraham Baldwin - 25
11. Andrew - 22

The Gold Rush will begin their season on Sept. 4 with an appearance in the Battle for New Orleans, hosted by LSU News Orleans.