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. 19 men’s spot goes to Purdue and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Jaret Carpenter (13:43 5K; 29:18 10K; 1st at ’18 NCAA Great Lakes XC)

JR Brody Smith (8:47 3K SC; 14:16 5K; 108th at ’18 NCAA XC)

JR Curt Eckstein (13:51 5K; 29:40 10K; 8th at ’18 NCAA Great Lakes XC)

SO Bailey McIntire (14:16 5K; 27th at ’18 Big Ten XC)

SO Kyle Griffith (4:09 Mile; 226th at ’18 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Ryan Ruppert via Fort Wayne, IN (9:07 3200)

Ian Shaw via Bloomington, IN (9:09 3200)

Analysis:

The Purdue men will look to improve on their 29th team finish last season. The Boilermakers return their entire top five which features notable upperclassmen with impressive track personal bests. One of the main reasons Purdue finished outside the top-20 last year was due to ‘off day’ performances by potential low sticks/fringe All-Americans.

Senior Jaret Carpenter should be a top 30 finisher in 2019 unlike his 119th place finish last year. Carpenter has run 13:43 for the 5k and was the Great Lakes Regional champion last year. Also, looking to improve will be junior Curt Eckstein who was top ten at the Great Lakes Regional and has run 13:51/29:40 for the 5k/10k.

If a majority of last year’s squad has their expected 'year over year' improvements this team has the roster talent to be a top-20 program this season.

FULL RANKINGS HERE