This is the third installment of our very early predictions for next year’s U.S. Championships. As we mentioned in the men's and women’s sprints forecasts yesterday, the lists take into account byes for reigning world champions and the 2019 Diamond League champions. 

The Diamond League champion won’t be crowned until next summer, but that didn’t stop us from making our best guesses at who we thought would grab the free pass to Doha. 

Now, on to the selections for the men’s distance races.

Men’s 800m

1) Clayton Murphy

2) Donavan Brazier

3) Drew Windle

One year from now we will finally get to see the long-awaited match-up between Clayton Murphy and Donavan Brazier. We believe the Olympic medalist will win round one but won't be surprised to see Brazier finish better at the World Championships in Doha.

Drew Windle we believe will out-edge Isaiah Harris and Erik Sowinski for that final spot.

Men’s 1500m

1) Matthew Centrowitz 

2) Robby Andrews

3) Drew Hunter

4) Craig Engels

Looking towards 2019, we see Matthew Centrowitz winning once again with Robby Andrews runner-up and the young gun Drew Hunter cracking the top-3 for the first time. 

Notably, we believe Centrowitz will go on to win the 2019 Diamond League which ultimately will bump his NOP teammate Craig Engels onto Team USA with the extra fourth spot. That's what teammates are for!

Men’s 5,000m

1) Paul Chelimo

2) Eric Jenkins

3) Ryan Hill

4) Grant Fisher

Paul Chelimo will continue his dominance at the 5000m distance along with veterans Eric Jenkins and Ryan Hill. Chelimo is a strong contender for the 2019 Diamond League title thus allowing the 2019 Stanford graduate Grant Fisher a spot on his first World team.

Men’s 10,000m

1) Shadrack Kipchirchir

2) Hassan Mead

3) Lopez Lomong

Shadrack Kipchirchir will return to the top after losing to Lopez Lomong in 2018. Joining Shaddy will be Hassan Mead and Lomong.

Men’s Steeplechase

1) Evan Jager

2) Hillary Bor

3) Andy Bayer 

Andy Bayer will finally make his first world team finishing third behind heavy favorite Evan Jager and the talented Hillary Bor.