#15 Maple Park (Kaneland)

Kaneland combines one of the best individual runners in Illinois with impressive depth and a group that showed tremendous development during track season. The Knights return their entire projected varsity lineup and have enough talent beyond the top seven to create significant competition throughout the fall.

Everything begins with junior Carson Kaiser, who ran 14:12.9 last season and finished third at the state meet. Kaiser later established a school-record 9:07 in the 3200m before a heel stress fracture ended his outdoor track campaign. After months of cross-training, he is gradually returning to running, aiming to be at his best when the postseason arrives.

Senior Gavin Smith (15:42.7) provides the Knights with an outstanding second runner and comes off a 1:53 800m performance at the state track meet. Senior Nathan Kowalczyk (16:02.7) adds range with marks of 2:02 and 10:18, while fellow senior Joseph Schuch (16:31.3) is expected back in the lineup later in the season after qualifying for state track in both the 4x400 and 4x800.

The depth continues with senior Nolan Reutimann (16:44.0), junior Drew Gritzner (16:46.8), and junior Gavin Schnurstein (17:18.5). Schnurstein's 4:29 1600m and 2:02 800m suggest he could make a major jump in cross country, while sophomore Aiden Palmer enters the mix after running 4:52 and 10:28.

The Knights had 14 runners break 11:00 in the deuce during track season, with 11 of those athletes returning. Summer training has featured strong participation, supplemental aerobic work, and an emphasis on building team culture.

If Kaiser returns fully healthy and the Knights convert their track improvement to three miles, this ranking could prove conservative. Kaneland has the depth and front-end talent to make another trip to Detweiller and potentially climb well above 15th.

#14 Marion

Few Class 2A teams can match Marion's firepower at the very front. The Wildcats return twin seniors Gabriel Greer and Raphael Greer, giving them two runners capable of finishing among the best in Illinois, while a group of promising newcomers could dramatically reshape the rest of the lineup.

Gabriel Greer enters the season after running a remarkable 14:10.1, making him a prime contender for the individual championship. Raphael Greer is another elite low stick after posting 14:40.9 despite dealing with a muscle strain that disrupted portions of his previous season.

Junior Wyatt Kremer (15:40.7) provides an excellent third runner and gives Marion one of the strongest top threes in the classification. Junior Ashton Phillips also returns, while sophomore Seve Bruce has transferred to Florida and will no longer be part of the lineup.

The newcomers could determine just how dangerous the Wildcats become. Freshmen Luke Gill and Jackson Alford arrive with respective 3K bests of 10:02 and 10:18. Sophomore Jordan Tapia will try cross country after an impressive track season that included a 2:00.19 800.

Coach Scott Gill projects a top seven of the Greers, Kremer, Gill, Alford, Tapia, and Phillips. Summer consistency has varied across the full team, but the Greer twins have trained consistently and appear positioned for major seasons.

Marion's scoring spread is currently the concern, but its ceiling is enormous. If the young fourth and fifth runners develop quickly, the Wildcats could become one of the most dangerous postseason teams this fall.

#13 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

Prairie Ridge brings back an experienced core, giving first-year high school head coach Mark McPherson plenty to work with. Five of last year's top seven return, and the Wolves add both a healthy veteran and two promising freshmen who could immediately strengthen the lineup.

Senior Thomas Henry leads the returning group after running 15:21.8, while junior Tyler Sjoblom (15:34.3) and senior Steven Randles (15:55.4) give the Wolves three proven runners under 16 minutes. Sophomores Logan Lancaster (16:30.2) and Ethan Pascoe (16:32.8) gained valuable experience last fall and should benefit from another year of development.

Senior Troy Laukert returns healthy and is expected to become an important part of the varsity core. Freshmen Maddox Spangle and Carter Giuliano will also challenge for top-seven positions immediately.

Prairie Ridge's experienced top three provide a strong starting point, but the team's ultimate ceiling will likely be determined by how quickly the younger runners close the gap. If Lancaster and Pascoe continue to progress and one or both freshmen emerge, the Wolves will have the pieces to become a much more complete team by the postseason.

The goal is a trip to Detweiller, and with five varsity returners supplemented by several new options, Prairie Ridge should remain firmly in the state-qualifying conversation.

#12 Metamora

Metamora enters the fall with one of the most intriguing rosters in Class 2A. The Redbirds return six varsity runners, possess an elite front-runner in senior Zach Born, and add several athletes whose track performances suggest the team's cross country ceiling could be considerably higher than its preseason position.

Born leads the way after running 14:39.2 last fall. His track season further demonstrated his range, as he produced performances of 1:51 in the 800m and 4:16 in the mile while contributing to Metamora's state championship track team. Senior Drew Hodel (15:44.5) provides another established scorer and brings outstanding speed after running 1:57 in the 800 and splitting under 50 seconds in the 400.

Senior Elijah Gerkin (16:03.6), senior Will Gentle (16:16.2), sophomores Mitch Hohulin (16:21.8), and Zane Kingham (16:38.9) provide a strong returning group behind Born and Hodel. Coach believes as many as 10-12 runners could ultimately contend for top-seven positions.

Two newcomers add even more upside. Senior Lucas Roos, a member of Metamora's state track team in the 4x400, will compete in cross country for the first time, while freshman Carter Brown could also work his way into the varsity picture.

Summer participation has been outstanding, with more than 30 athletes regularly attending practices. If Metamora can translate its tremendous track success and improved depth to the cross country course, the Redbirds should easily improve upon last year's state finish and could emerge as one of the classification's biggest risers.

#11 Normal (University)

Normal University enters 2026 with an experienced lineup and a strong front-runner capable of leading the Pioneers into the upper half of the Class 2A standings. With the entire projected varsity seven returning, U-High has the continuity needed to make a significant jump this fall.

Junior Andrew Aldeman leads the group after running 15:11.5, giving the Pioneers a proven presence at the front of major races. Behind him, sophomore Greyson Ince (15:52.2) is another returning sub-16 performer, while junior Lucas Layman (16:00.8), senior Aaden Richards (16:06.0), and junior Keaton North (16:15.1) form a solid and relatively compact scoring pack.

Junior JW Black (16:35.5) and senior Jacob Bauchmoyer (16:38.2) round out a returning varsity seven that provides Normal University with valuable depth. The key will be to move that group closer to Aldeman and develop additional runners capable of joining Ince near or below the 15:30 mark.

With seven experienced varsity runners back and five already at 16:15 or faster, Normal University has a strong foundation. Continued improvement throughout the middle of the lineup could make the Pioneers one of the teams that rises steadily through the rankings as the season progresses. 

#10 Crystal Lake Central

Crystal Lake Central returns a tightly packed group that could become one of the most difficult teams in Class 2A to score against. The Tigers' top five returning marks are separated by fewer than 18 seconds, giving them exceptional balance entering the fall.

Senior Chase Teresi has emerged as the likely front-runner after recently running 15:11. Senior Ethan McMahon returns after missing part of last season because of injury and owns a 15:35 best. Senior Finn Godlewski and sophomore Daniel Polston both ran 15:52 at state, while senior Oliver Lavaty posted 15:53 during the postseason.

That compact scoring group gives the Tigers a projected team spread that few programs can match. Sophomore Will Komarnicki, who ran 16:51 at state, adds returning varsity experience, while freshman Campbell Cleary has trained consistently with the top group and should challenge for a varsity position.

The Tigers have focused on strength, health, and group training throughout the summer. The senior class has provided strong leadership, and the coaching staff has been pleased with the overall fitness entering August.

Crystal Lake Central may lack the established individual low stick of several teams ranked ahead of it, but its pack-running potential is outstanding. If the group continues to progress together, the Tigers could outperform this ranking and move up the state standings.

#9 Lombard (Montini)

Montini enters the fall with one of the most experienced senior groups in Class 2A. The Broncos return six members of last year's state lineup and will pursue a fourth consecutive trip to the IHSA State Finals.

Nino Pesola leads the way after running 15:05 in cross country and 9:32 in the 3200m during track season. Senior Adriel Garcia (15:31) provides another dependable frontrunner, while senior Owen Ferris (15:50), sophomore Matthew Ferris (15:59), and senior Gavin Conway (16:08) complete a strong returning scoring five.

The team's depth includes senior Graham Reiser, juniors Kevin Barrett, and Charles Ahrens, all of whom will compete for varsity positions. Montini also welcomes freshmen Quinn Flannery and Charles Peters, although their immediate varsity roles remain to be determined.

The Broncos relied heavily on veteran leadership during the early portion of summer training before formal team activities began in July. That approach appears to have worked, as the senior group arrived in strong condition and ready to build toward the season.

The Broncos' experience, continuity, and proven postseason success make it a reliable state-qualifying contender. If the middle of the lineup continues improving behind Pesola and Garcia, the Broncos could climb considerably higher than their preseason ranking. 

#8 Washington

The Panthers bring back all seven projected varsity runners and have set their sights on moving into the top ten at the state meet.

Senior Ben Gorsage leads the team after running 14:33, giving Washington an elite scorer capable of challenging near the front of every major race. Behind him, junior Alex Linnemann (15:29), junior Ethan Adams (15:33), and sophomore Evan Goettler (15:47) provide three additional proven runners under 16 minutes.

The most important question will be the fifth scoring position. Senior Ethan Sakata currently carries a 16:42 best, while sophomore Jonah Rose and junior Jayce Hughes provide returning depth. The coaching staff has emphasized narrowing the gap between the fourth and fifth scorers, a move that could transform Washington from a solid state qualifier into a top-ten contender.

Freshman Bentlee Link is another athlete to watch after running 10:45 at his eighth-grade sectional. He could provide an immediate boost to the back of the scoring lineup.

Washington's summer has been marked by excellent consistency, with the runners meeting three times each week regardless of the weather. The combination of Gorsage's low-stick potential, four established frontrunners, and a returning varsity group gives the Panthers a strong foundation entering the season. 

#7 Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South)

Glenbard South returns one of the strongest front-running combinations in Class 2A and brings back nearly its entire state lineup. The Raiders possess the experience and top-end talent needed to improve significantly upon last season's finish.

Thomas Jochum headlines the roster after finishing fourth at the state meet in 14:15, making him one of the leading individual title contenders in Illinois. Junior Giancarlo Pietrasanta gives Glenbard South a second elite scorer after running 14:53 and placing 28th at state.

The supporting pack includes juniors Evan Rubinas (15:24), Andrew Walter (16:17), Trent Galas (16:31), and senior Connor McKenna (17:29). That group has substantial varsity experience from competing regularly against 3A competition and should be prepared for the demands of the postseason.

The key for Glenbard South will be tightening the third-through-seventh pack behind Jochum and Pietrasanta. Rubinas gives the Raiders a strong third runner, but continued improvement from Walter, Galas, McKenna, and the remaining varsity candidates will determine whether this team can move into trophy contention.

Summer training has reportedly gone very well, with the returning athletes running both faster and farther than they did one year ago. With two outstanding low sticks and six members of the varsity lineup returning, Glenbard South should again qualify for state and has the potential to finish much higher than last season. 

#6 Deerfield

Deerfield enters 2026 facing significant graduation losses, but the Warriors remain one of the most developmentally consistent programs in Class 2A. After reaching the podium last fall, Deerfield will rely on three proven returners, a strong group of emerging sophomores, and one of the deepest developmental systems in the classification.

Senior Andrew Calderon leads the returning group after running 14:57 at the state meet. He also owns personal bests of 9:29 in the 3200 and 4:18 in the 1600, giving Deerfield a dependable front-runner with All-State potential. Junior Beckett Shifrin returns after a 15:11 state performance and brings track bests of 9:34 and 4:26. Senior Ethan Reich adds another proven scorer after running 15:25 in cross country and 9:48 indoors before a stress fracture interrupted his track season.

The remaining varsity positions will be highly competitive. Senior Logan Luo made a major jump during track season, running 4:31 in the mile and splitting 2:00 in the 4x800. Senior Jasper Fine ran 4:36 before suffering a stress fracture, but has returned to healthy training. Sophomores Jace Tossing and Itai Gelber both broke 4:39 in the 1600 and ran just over 10 minutes in the 3200, positioning themselves to make immediate varsity contributions.

Freshman Chris Bennie, who ran 4:52 as an eighth grader, could also challenge for a top-seven spot. Lucas Bryan, Ben Borucki, and Brady Knutsen provide additional depth.

Deerfield's summer has emphasized volume, consistency, team unity, and patience rather than early intensity. The Warriors may not return as many established scorers as the teams ranked ahead of them, but their ability to develop runners makes them a legitimate podium threat once again. 

#5 Mahomet-Seymour

Mahomet-Seymour returns one of the classification's strongest front threes and enough varsity experience to make a serious run at the state podium. The Bulldogs have three returning athletes under 15:23, giving them the low-stick potential to compete with any team in Class 2A.

Junior Adam Smigielski leads the group after running 14:48.6, while senior Tate Bode (15:05.4) and junior Tayten Gergen (15:22.4) complete an outstanding top three. All three are capable of finishing near the front of major invitationals and providing the Bulldogs with an excellent scoring foundation.

The development of the remaining scorers will determine Mahomet-Seymour's ultimate ceiling. Juniors Carter Alderks (16:06.8) and Liam Burwell (16:14.4) currently complete the projected scoring lineup, with senior Jack Van Hoorn (16:18.7) close behind. Senior Jackson Koontz provides another returning varsity option.

The Bulldogs' projected team time places them among the strongest programs in the classification, but closing the gap between the third and fourth runners will be essential against the deepest championship contenders. Even a modest improvement from the back of the scoring pack could dramatically lower the team's total.

With Smigielski, Bode, and Gergen leading the way, Mahomet-Seymour has the front-end talent necessary to remain in the trophy conversation throughout the season.

#4 Aurora (Central Catholic)

Aurora Central Catholic brings back one of the most balanced varsity groups in Class 2A. The Chargers return five runners under 15:46, including two established front-runners, and own a projected scoring spread of only 58 seconds.

Junior John Reinbold leads the lineup after running 14:47.0, while senior Ben Bohr gives ACC another potential All-State performer with his 15:08.0 best. Together, they provide the Chargers with an excellent one-two combination at the front of major races.

The team's strength continues through the middle of the lineup. Seniors Reece Voller (15:43.1), Bryan Lopez (15:43.8), and A.J. Viveros (15:45.0) are separated by fewer than two seconds, creating the type of compact scoring pack that can quickly move a team up the standings.

Junior Cal Reinbold and sophomore Tyler Bracke add additional varsity experience and give the Chargers seven returning runners under 16:26. If the third through fifth runners move closer to the front pair, Aurora Central Catholic could become one of the most complete teams in the classification.

With a dependable top two and an exceptionally tight supporting pack, ACC has the structure required to contend for a podium position at Detweiller. 

#3 Peoria (Notre Dame)

The Irish enters the fall with the fastest individual runner in the classification and five returning athletes who have already run 15:35 or faster. That combination gives the Irish one of the highest ceilings in Class 2A.

Leading the way is senior Max Kirby, whose remarkable 14:20.6 performance makes him a leading individual state-title contender. Kirby provides the Irish with an elite low that can place at or near the front of every race.

The lineup behind Kirby is both experienced and balanced. Senior John Baker (15:16.7), junior Luke Fady (15:26.9), Frederic Couri (15:33.4), and senior Joshua Stedwill (15:35.1) complete an impressive returning scoring five. Their projected team time of 1:16:12.7 places Peoria Notre Dame firmly among the championship contenders.

Senior Ben Yontz and sophomore Gabe Yontz add to the scoring group. Continued improvement from those positions would give the Irish additional protection against injuries or an off day from one of their established scorers.

Kirby's individual firepower will draw considerable attention, but Peoria Notre Dame is far more than a one-runner team. With five proven performers and one of the classification's best front-runners, the Irish have the pieces to contend for a state trophy and potentially much more. 

#2 Morton

Morton may have the fastest projected scoring lineup in Class 2A, returning five runners at 15:32 or faster and three athletes who have already broken 14:47. After finishing fourth at the state meet, the Potters enter the new season with enough talent and balance to contend for the championship.

The front of the lineup is exceptional. Junior Abe Martin (14:42.5), senior Max Carter (14:45.8), and senior Keyston Beyer (14:46.9) form an outstanding trio capable of placing three runners near the front of any race. Carter earned All-State honors in the 1600 during track season, while Martin and Beyer contributed to Morton's state-championship 4x400 relay.

Morton's depth separates it from nearly every other contender. Sophomore Owen Riesberg (15:26.4) and junior Isaiah Hartter (15:32.6) give the Potters five proven scorers, while senior Noah Harris (15:38.9) and senior Duke Hendrick (15:45.0) would be scoring-level runners for most programs.

New head coach Tom Razo inherits a roster capable of improving upon last season's fourth-place finish. The projected varsity group includes Martin, Carter, Beyer, Riesberg, Hendrick, Hartter, and Harris, though the order could change throughout the season due to the team's exceptional depth.

Summer training has focused on aerobic base development, and the group has responded with strong enthusiasm and consistency. With a projected five-runner spread of just over 50 seconds, Morton has the balance required to challenge for the Class 2A title.