Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, August 26th at 10 AM CT. The No. 25 women’s spot goes to Ohio State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

JR Abby Nichols (4:43 Mile; 15:56 5K; 1st at ’19 Big Ten 5K)

JR Alex Buck (105th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Julia Rizk (4:32 Mile; 9:29 3K; 1st at ’19 NCAA Mile)

JR Kalee Soehnlen (36th at ’18 NCAA Great Lakes XC)

SR Lainey Studebaker (16:31 5K)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Alex Buck via New Mexico (105th at ’17 NCAA XC)

Allie Guagenti via Lewis Center OH (4:48 1600)

Andrea Kuhn via Pataskala, OH (10:42 3200)

Analysis:

After placing seventh in the Great Lakes Regional the past two years in a row, the women of Ohio State stand a solid chance at not only qualifying for the big dance this year, but placing in the top 25. 

Senior Julia Rizk surprised many when she captured the NCAA indoor mile title this winter, and she should carry that momentum to a strong final cross country season. Abby Nichols returns to the lineup after redshirting in 2018 with a much-improved resume as the reigning Big Ten 5K champion with a PR of 15:56. The Buckeyes will also benefit from the addition of transfer Alex Buck, who ran on the University of New Mexico’s NCAA XC team champion winning squad in 2017.

FULL RANKINGS HERE