KANSAS CITY, Mo. – UT Southern Men's Cross Country is turning heads early in the 2025 season, receiving votes in the latest NAIA Men's Cross Country Coaches' Top 25 poll. The recognition highlights the Firehawks' strong performances as they continue building momentum and proving themselves among the nation's competitive programs.

While the poll is led by perennial powerhouse The Master's (Calif.) and features top-ranked teams like Indiana Wesleyan, Cumberlands (Ky.), and Milligan (Tenn.), the Firehawks are emerging as a program on the rise. UT Southern joins a competitive group of teams receiving votes, including Benedictine (Kan.), St. Francis (Ill.), and others, signaling that the Firehawks are gaining notice on the national stage.

UT Southern's season has been highlighted by strong individual and team efforts in early-season meets, with runners making significant strides and posting impressive finishes against top competition. The program looks to carry this momentum into upcoming events, aiming to move into the Top 25 and continue their climb nationally.

The next NAIA Men's Cross Country Coaches' Top 25 poll will be released Thursday, Oct. 2, as the Firehawks prepare for more competitive action.

Receiving Votes (Sept. 26, 2025): UT Southern, Benedictine (Kan.), St. Francis (Ill.), Eastern Oregon, Kansas Wesleyan, Tennessee Southern, Indiana Tech, Mount Mercy (Iowa), SCAD Savannah (Ga.), Oklahoma City, Mid-America Christian (Okla.), Evangel (Mo.), John Brown (Ark.), Concordia (Neb.), SCAD Atlanta (Ga.), Montana Tech, Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio).

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