Toledo was picked first in the MAC Preseason Coaches’ poll.
Photo by: Ellen Holton
8/27/2026 11:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Rockets aiming to win third-straight conference title
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo men's cross country team was picked first in the Mid-American Conference Preseason Coaches' poll, the league office announced on Thursday. The Rockets will be looking to win their third-straight conference title in Kalamazoo, Mich. on Oct. 30.
Toledo received nine first-place votes with a total of 81 points. Miami was slated for a second-place finish with 72 points and one first-place vote, with Akron picked for third with 60 points.
Toledo has two First-Team All-MAC selections – Joad Martinho and Peter McMahon – and two Second-Team All-MAC honorees – Sibonelo Khumalo and Loann Brelivet - returning from last year.Â
Martinho qualified for the NCAA Championships with a fifth-place individual finish at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. He also won the MAC individual title to become the third-straight individual champion from Toledo.
McMahon finished sixth at the MAC Championships, while Khumalo and Brelivet placed 10th and 11th, respectively.
Toledo will open its 2026 season at Michigan State's Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11 in East Lansing, Mich.  Â
2026 MAC Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll Â
First Place Votes in ()Â Â
1. Toledo – 81 points (9)Â
2. Miami – 72 points (1)Â
3. Akron – 60 pointsÂ
4. Ohio – 53 pointsÂ
5. Eastern Michigan – 50 pointsÂ
T6. UMass – 39 pointsÂ
T6. Buffalo – 39 pointsÂ
8. Central Michigan – 30 pointsÂ
9. Kent State – 16 pointsÂ
10. Bowling Green – 9 points
Â
Toledo received nine first-place votes with a total of 81 points. Miami was slated for a second-place finish with 72 points and one first-place vote, with Akron picked for third with 60 points.
Toledo has two First-Team All-MAC selections – Joad Martinho and Peter McMahon – and two Second-Team All-MAC honorees – Sibonelo Khumalo and Loann Brelivet - returning from last year.Â
Martinho qualified for the NCAA Championships with a fifth-place individual finish at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. He also won the MAC individual title to become the third-straight individual champion from Toledo.
McMahon finished sixth at the MAC Championships, while Khumalo and Brelivet placed 10th and 11th, respectively.
Toledo will open its 2026 season at Michigan State's Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11 in East Lansing, Mich.  Â
2026 MAC Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll Â
First Place Votes in ()Â Â
1. Toledo – 81 points (9)Â
2. Miami – 72 points (1)Â
3. Akron – 60 pointsÂ
4. Ohio – 53 pointsÂ
5. Eastern Michigan – 50 pointsÂ
T6. UMass – 39 pointsÂ
T6. Buffalo – 39 pointsÂ
8. Central Michigan – 30 pointsÂ
9. Kent State – 16 pointsÂ
10. Bowling Green – 9 points
Â
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