I feel like most of the rankings will be about the same with a bit of variation 4-7, so here's my current predictions without any knowledge of incoming freshmen.
1. Carelton - Only an injury away from being dethroned. The way Rick's raced those guys in track could have some ramifications.
2. St. Olaf - Lerdall, Kadrofske, Bill Anderson, Jama, and if healthy, Henschel & Kirtley could be a strong tight pack. Also, where's Berhe at?
3. St. Thomas - Too many runners and Wachter will pull them to a top 3 finish.
4-7 could be messy with BU, GAC, SJU, and MAC
4. Gustavus - Stumbo will pull the Gustavus above Saint Johns, and I like their depth through 4 better than the Johnnies too. Their 5th runner could be the problem however.
5. Saint John's - No Burgstahler or Collins is going to hurt. Good depth, but no top 10 scorers. (Yes, i know Mathison was top 10 in the indoor 5k), just don't see it happening in XC.
6. Bethel - If they get the transfer that there's whispers of, it vaults them to 4. Not a huge fan of their depth outside of Hatton, Behtke, and Lelinga.
7. Macalester - Do you really want your money on MAC ahead of the three in front of them?
8. Concordia - I think they inch out Hamline, but don't have the front of the pack guys to compete with 4-7.
9. Hamline - Falls off incredibly hard after Gustafson, Benitz, and Merhoff.
10. St. Mary's - With O'hare gone, not much excitement here.
11. Augsburg - Who else?