#16 Rockford (Boylan Catholic)

Rockford Boylan enters 2026 with an outstanding front three and one of the more intriguing high-upside lineups in the classification. The Titans return their entire projected varsity group, including two runners under 18:11 and three under 19 minutes.

Junior Nora Wedwick leads the way after running 17:41.7, giving Boylan an excellent low stick and one of the better returning individuals in Class 2A. Senior Gabrielle Kohnle (18:10.5) provides another high-level scorer, creating a formidable one-two combination.

Junior Elle Sosnowski (18:58.2) gives the Titans an excellent third runner and puts Boylan in a strong position through the front of the lineup.

The biggest gap currently comes after Sosnowski. Senior Vanessa Tekampe (19:51.3) provides an experienced fourth scorer, while sophomore Allie Hodge (21:43.2) currently completes the projected top five. Senior Olivia Mace (21:43.9) is essentially even with Hodge, while sophomore Faith McGroarty (23:29.6) provides additional depth.

Boylan's top three can compete with many of the highest-ranked teams in Class 2A. The development of the fourth and fifth positions will determine the Titans' ceiling.

If Boylan can find another runner or two capable of moving closer to the 19-minute range, the combination of Wedwick, Kohnle, and Sosnowski could make the Titans a major postseason threat. 

#15 Morton

Morton enters the season with one of the tightest scoring packs in the classification. The Potters return their entire projected varsity lineup, and their top six runners are separated by less than a minute.

Sophomore Jemma Farrell (18:58.7) leads the returning group, followed closely by sophomore Eden Beyer (19:13.4). Sophomore Elsie Parnham (19:28.0) and senior Annaliese Sanders (19:38.1) give the Potters four proven runners under 19:40.

Junior Madison Greiner (19:51.5) completes the projected scoring five, while junior Caroline Hillebrand (19:55.9) is only a few seconds behind and gives the Potters another legitimate scoring option. Senior Jenna Rockey (20:41.1) adds further varsity experience.

New head coach Tom Razo has specifically identified Farrell, Beyer, Parnham, and Sanders as athletes expected to make an impact at the varsity level. The team's summer has focused heavily on base development, and the coaching staff has been encouraged by the group's enthusiasm.

Morton's greatest advantage is balance. There is no major weakness through the first six positions, and the internal competition should make the lineup stronger as the season progresses.

If one or two runners emerge as consistent front-end scorers while the pack remains intact behind them, Morton could become a difficult team to beat by championship season.

#14 Highland

Highland brings back a balanced group with four runners under 19:24 and enough returning experience to remain firmly in the Class 2A postseason picture.

Sophomore Katie Fenton leads the Bulldogs after running 18:49.1, while junior Brooklyn Giffhorn (19:13.7) and sophomore Morgan Greenwald (19:14.2) give Highland a pair of runners separated by just half a second. Junior Josie Kircher (19:23.2) keeps the pack compact through the fourth position.

Senior Rowan Passmore (20:10.2) currently completes the projected scoring five, while sophomore Adelaide Cook (20:40.8) provides another returning varsity option.

The strength of Highland's lineup is the group immediately behind Fenton. Giffhorn, Greenwald, and Kircher are separated by fewer than ten seconds, giving the Bulldogs an excellent middle pack.

Development at the fifth position will be especially important. If Passmore or another emerging runner can move closer to Highland's front four, the Bulldogs could lower their team score considerably and become a threat to several teams currently ranked ahead of them.

#13 Bloomington

Bloomington made school history last season by earning just the third girls' state berth in program history and achieving its highest-ever state finish. With nearly the entire scoring lineup returning, the Purple Raiders now have an opportunity to accomplish something the program has never done: qualify for state in consecutive seasons.

Sophomore Lorelei Hulsing leads the way after running 18:26.8 last fall, but that mark may already undersell her current ability. Hulsing broke into the 17-minute range at Detweiller at Dark this summer and is moving closer to Bloomington's three-mile school record of 17:28.

Senior Josie Skeate (18:58.4) provides her team with another established frontrunner. Sophomore Alison Huffaker finished last season with a lifetime-best 19:09.0 at state, while her sister, senior Kylie Huffaker, also produced her career best at Detweiller with a 19:23.7.

Junior Penelope Johnson (20:13.4), senior Morgan Hart (20:21.8), and sophomore Hailey Elizarraras will compete for the remaining scoring and varsity positions after rotating through those roles last season. Freshmen Mia Johnston and Sydney Meierotto have also impressed with their commitment to summer mileage and are expected to challenge for spots within the top ten.

The summer has been encouraging, with the coaching staff reporting that the girls are training harder and running faster than they were at this time last year.

With Hulsing appearing ready for a breakout sophomore season and an experienced group surrounding her, Bloomington has the talent to return to Detweiller and potentially improve upon last year's historic finish.

#12 Peoria (Notre Dame)

The Irish enter 2026 with one of the best individual runners in Class 2A and an experienced lineup behind her. The Irish return their entire projected varsity seven and have enough front-end talent to become a dangerous postseason team.

Sophomore Lillian Chaddock headlines the group after running an outstanding 17:26.1, placing her among the classification's premier returning individuals. Chaddock gives PND an elite low stick capable of finishing near the front of virtually every race.

Senior Shannon Zopel (18:53.2) provides a strong second scorer, while senior Norah Gould (19:36.4), senior Elizabeth Leustek (19:39.5), and junior Audrey Shane (19:41.9) form an exceptionally tight group through the fifth position.

Junior Mackenzie James (19:50.6) is close enough to the scoring pack to give the Irish another option, while sophomore Sloan Cranford (22:09.5) adds varsity experience.

Peoria Notre Dame's projected five-runner spread is significant because of Chaddock's elite front-end ability, but runners two through six are tightly packed. If several members of that group can make another jump, PND's team score could improve dramatically.

With Chaddock leading the way and six additional varsity runners returning, the Irish have the pieces to climb well above this preseason position. 

#11 Lake Villa (Lakes)

Lakes Community rounds out the preseason top ten with an experienced lineup led by an excellent front-runner in sophomore Madison Schrader. The Eagles return their entire projected varsity seven and have five established scorers under 20 minutes.

Schrader leads the group after running 18:06.4, putting her among the stronger returning individuals in Class 2A. Senior Hannah Salbilla (18:54.7) provides a dependable second scorer, while senior Frances Makela (19:02.6) gives the Eagles three runners near or below the 19-minute barrier.

Senior Katelyn Kelly (19:36.7) and junior Kylie Smith (19:51.9) complete a solid returning scoring five. Behind them, junior Timyra Caces (21:21.9) and senior Caitlin Crawford (21:25.3) provide additional varsity experience.

The Eagles' first five already form a competitive lineup, and the biggest opportunity will be tightening the pack behind Schrader. Continued development from Salbilla, Makela, Kelly, and Smith could move Lakes closer to the teams at the very front of the classification.

With seven returning varsity runners and an established number one, Lakes Community has enough experience and scoring depth to begin the year inside the Class 2A top ten. 

#10 Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove brings back its entire projected varsity lineup and features an excellent front-runner surrounded by a tightly packed supporting group. That combination gives the Trojans an opportunity to make a significant move this fall.

Junior Alexandra Santoyo leads the way after running 18:05.7, giving Cary-Grove a proven number one capable of finishing near the front of major races.

Behind Santoyo sits an exceptionally compact pack. Junior Isabella Limburg (19:14.5), sophomores Isabella Frangiamore (19:25.8), Bella McMorris, (19:28.2), and Maggie Jablonski (19:31.7) are separated by just over 17 seconds. That type of grouping can become extremely valuable in championship scoring.

Sophomore Leah Tatroe (19:39.2) gives the Trojans another runner immediately behind the scoring five, while senior Brook Gerstung (21:12.8) adds additional varsity experience.

The opportunity for Cary-Grove is obvious: move the pack closer to Santoyo. The Trojans already possess excellent balance from their second through sixth runners, and even moderate improvement across that group could dramatically lower the team score.

With seven varsity runners returning and one of the tighter supporting packs in the classification, Cary-Grove has the potential to outperform this ranking by November.

#9 Normal (University)

Normal University returns one of the most balanced groups in Class 2A and should once again be a factor throughout the postseason. The Pioneers bring back their entire projected varsity seven, with five runners already under 19:41.

Junior Leya Alcorn (18:43.7) and sophomore Chloe Layman (18:47.1) give U-High an excellent one-two combination at the front. Their ability to race together should provide the Pioneers with a dependable scoring foundation.

The pack remains strong behind them. Sophomore Mili Davis (19:10.1) gives her team a third runner close to the 19-minute barrier, while sophomore Harper Funk (19:23.1) and junior Nora Bloebaum (19:40.5) complete the projected scoring five.

Sophomores Eva Stalets (20:18.8) and Eva Barke (20:22.8) add returning varsity depth and give the Pioneers seven experienced runners within roughly 1:40 of their number one.

Normal University's greatest asset is its balance. There is no major scoring gap through the first five positions, and improvement from the front pair could quickly lower the team's overall score.

With seven returning varsity runners and a compact scoring pack, U-High has the type of lineup that can steadily improve throughout the season and become increasingly dangerous when the postseason arrives.

#8 Mahomet-Seymour

Mahomet-Seymour could be one of the deepest teams in Class 2A this fall. After improving from 20th at state in 2024 to eighth in 2025, the Bulldogs return an experienced group, welcome an exceptional freshman class, and have set their sights on climbing even higher.

The returning lineup is led by sophomore Paige Jansen (18:41.1), who followed an excellent freshman cross country season by running 5:25 in the 1600 during track. Junior Cecily Smith (18:48.5) gives the squad another proven sub-19 performer.

Senior Anniston Huff (19:13.8) could be one of the team's biggest breakout candidates. Huff battled illness for much of the last cross-country season before producing an outstanding track campaign that included 2:17 in the 800 and 5:25 in the 1600. Senior Taylor Mills also returns after missing a significant portion of last season because of an injury and owns an 18:15 best.

The depth continues with sophomore Kennedy Ashby (19:32.4), junior Ava Cvengros (19:46.1), junior Finley Smith (19:50.1), and sophomore Emma Dewitt (19:54), making the varsity lineup extremely difficult to project.

The incoming freshman class makes the Bulldogs even more intriguing. Ashley Martin arrives after running 2:19 for 800 and 5:12 for 1600 in junior high. Chandler Mills, Jane Hartman, Paige Pruitt, and Jilyan Clark were also part of a group that finished fifth at the 4A junior high cross country state meet and contributed to a second-place state track finish.

Summer participation has been excellent, and the Bulldogs expect approximately 26 runners in the program. With returning experience, improved health, and a talented freshman group, Mahomet-Seymour has the potential to move considerably higher than this preseason position.

#7 Crystal Lake South

Crystal Lake South enters the 2026 season with a proven front-runner, a solid returning pack, and enough varsity continuity to justify a spot inside the Class 2A top ten. The Gators return all seven projected varsity runners from a group that owns a five-runner team time of 1:34:43.4.

Junior Caroline Lucas leads the lineup after running 17:38.6, one of the stronger individual low sticks in the classification. Her ability to score near the front of major races immediately gives the Gators a strong foundation.

Behind Lucas, senior Annalee Aarseth (18:42.9) provides a dependable second scorer. The lineup becomes especially compact through the middle, with senior Lily Brooks (19:16.6) and sophomore Abigail Magadan (19:19.5) separated by fewer than three seconds.

Senior Cecelia Piemontese (19:45.8) completes the projected scoring five, while junior Kiera O'Leary (19:55.1) is close enough to move into a scoring position. Junior Emme Reall (20:10.4) gives the Gators another experienced varsity option.

The biggest advantage for CLS is its continuity. All seven runners return, and six of them have already broken 20 minutes. That depth should create strong internal competition and give the Gators multiple scoring combinations throughout the season.

If Aarseth continues closing the gap on Lucas and the Brooks-Magadan-Piemontese group progresses together, Crystal Lake South has the balance to remain firmly inside the top ten and potentially climb higher by November

#6 Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin)

Sacred Heart-Griffin enters the season with one of the best individual runners in the class and an experienced supporting cast capable of keeping the Cyclones in the trophy conversation. SHG returns its entire projected varsity seven and has three established runners under 19:15.

Junior Paityn Brady is the centerpiece of the lineup after running 17:15.8, making her one of the premier returning individuals in the state. Brady provides SHG with an elite low stick that becomes especially valuable in championship races.

Behind her, sophomore Phoebe DeFrain (18:27.2) gives the Cyclones a strong second scorer, while junior Oceana Huang (19:12.1) and junior Hadley Grider (19:15.0) provide quality depth through the fourth position. Senior Kate Lambert (19:48.1) currently completes the projected scoring of five.

Hannah Ruscin (20:00.9) and Macey Koehn (20:30.9) also return with varsity experience, giving SHG seven proven runners entering the fall.

The Cyclones' championship potential will largely depend on reducing the scoring spread behind Brady. If DeFrain continues to progress and the Huang-Grider-Lambert group moves closer to the front, SHG has the structure to compete with the top teams in Class 2A.

With Brady leading the way and the entire varsity lineup returning, Sacred Heart-Griffin has considerable upside entering the season.

#5 Lagrange Park (Nazareth Academy)

The Roadrunners bring back seven athletes under 19:47 and possess the type of pack that could become increasingly dangerous as the season progresses.

Junior Kathleen Hardy leads the group after running 18:11.2, giving the team an established number one capable of competing near the front of major meets. Sophomore Maggie Morrissey (18:41.9) provides a strong second scorer and keeps the Roadrunners competitive through the top two positions.

The strength of Nazareth's lineup becomes especially apparent through the remainder of the scoring group. Seniors Allie O'Halloran (19:03.3), Claire Sigmund (19:09.7), and Julia Parkes (19:27.7) complete a projected top five separated by just over 76 seconds.

The depth continues with sophomores Elena Vlahos (19:29.4) and Audrey Wendt (19:46.7). Having seven returning runners within roughly 95 seconds of Hardy gives Nazareth considerable flexibility and should create internal competition for scoring positions throughout the fall.

The Roadrunners' projected team time of 1:34:33.8 places them squarely among the top teams in the classification. More importantly, there are no significant gaps within the lineup.

If Hardy and Morrissey move closer to the elite front-runners while the rest of the pack continues progressing together, Nazareth Academy has the balance and depth necessary to contend for a high finish at Detweiller.

#4 Deerfield

Deerfield is coming off the best season in program history and returns a senior-heavy group determined to build upon its seventh-place state finish. The Warriors have a proven top five, substantial experience, and several athletes whose track and summer performances suggest another jump could be coming.

Senior Audrey Dickerson owns the fastest returning cross country mark at 18:31.9 and followed her successful fall by qualifying for state in the 800, where she owns a 2:18 personal best. Senior Azalea Modes (18:48.6) gives Deerfield another experienced frontrunner and brings an 11:42 3200m best into the season.

Senior Stella Martin has already shown improvement from her 18:48.8 returning mark, running approximately 18:30 at Detweiller at Dark this summer. She also owns a 5:23.97 1600 personal best. Madeline Geres (18:51.4) gives Deerfield a fourth runner within approximately 20 seconds of the front of its pack.

Riley Shafer (19:35.7) completes a strong return, scoring five and showing significant year-to-year improvement, dropping from 20:54 as a sophomore to 19:34 as a junior.

The competition behind those five will be important. Senior Sophia Nangle, junior Avni Sharma, and junior Sadie Dregne are among the athletes who could claim varsity positions, while freshman Lindsee Lazar enters high school after qualifying for the state meet as an eighth grader.

Coach Jeff Beaumont has emphasized safe mileage, cross-training, and keeping the roster physically and mentally healthy. Deerfield may not possess the depth of some of the teams ranked ahead of it, but its established top five is excellent.

If that senior group stays healthy and the Warriors develop reliable sixth and seventh runners, Deerfield has the talent to improve upon the best state finish in school history.

#3 West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)

Wheaton Academy enters the season with one of the most balanced returning lineups in Class 2A. The Warriors may not have the established individual low stick of Prairie Ridge or Glenwood, but their exceptional pack could make them extremely difficult to beat.

Junior Sydnie Becker leads the returning group after running 18:00.7, followed closely by senior Addie Painter (18:09.9) and sophomore Brylee Painter (18:18.8). Juniors Charlotte Brown (18:32.4) and Adeline Farrell (18:56.4) complete a projected scoring five, separated by less than 56 seconds.

That balance extends through the entire varsity lineup. Sophomore Lucy Ruettiger (19:36.7) and Vada Ashman (19:51.7) return as the sixth and seventh runners, giving Wheaton Academy seven experienced athletes under 20 minutes.

The Warriors' projected five-runner team time of 1:31:58.2 places them clearly among the classification's strongest teams. Their pack-oriented lineup also provides some protection against an off day from an individual runner because the scoring positions are not dependent upon one superstar.

The next step is moving the entire group forward. If Becker emerges as a consistent frontrunner and the Painter sisters, Brown, and Farrell continue progressing together, Wheaton Academy could substantially lower its team score.

With seven varsity runners returning and one of the tightest scoring spreads among the contenders, Wheaton Academy has the profile of a team capable of contending for a state trophy.

#2 Chatham-Glenwood

Defending state champion Chatham Glenwood enters 2026 with another loaded lineup and two elite front-runners capable of keeping the Titans firmly in the championship conversation. Glenwood returns all seven runners from the projected varsity group and owns a five-runner team time of 1:29:59.5.

Senior Ali Londrigan leads the Titans after running 17:00.2, while senior Sophie Rentmeister is right behind at 17:15.4. Together, they give Glenwood one of the strongest one-two combinations in Class 2A and two potential All-State performers at the front of championship races.

The lineup remains strong behind them. Junior Ali Broaddus (17:58.4) gives Glenwood a third returning runner under 18 minutes, while senior Brenna Sloman (18:38.2) provides another proven scorer. Senior Addie Hamrick (19:07.3) currently completes the projected scoring five.

The Titans also return sophomore Milly Celletti (19:44.9) and junior Keira Gorrie (20:14.9), providing valuable varsity depth and competition throughout the back of the lineup.

Glenwood's biggest advantage is experience. There are no major holes to fill in the projected varsity group, and the Titans already possess three runners under 18 minutes. Improvement from the fourth and fifth positions would make an already formidable lineup even stronger.

Prairie Ridge's projected team time gives the Wolves the narrow preseason edge, but Glenwood enters the season as the defending champion with an experienced roster and championship-level front end. The Titans should once again be right in the middle of the Class 2A title race when November arrives.