The team race will likely be much more competitive next year, but obviously NAU is still a big contender.
But, I think it will probably (finally?) be BYU's year. They've been knocking on the door for so long, it's about time they win the big one. Not an overwhelming favorite, but they seemed to make a large jump forwards this year as a team.
Colorado will look strong as well, and who knows what Wetmore will cook up.
Portland loses a lot, but not a team you can count out either.
Stanford loses their #1 and #5, and ran a a few underclassmen. Making the podium will be tough.
Washington and Iowa State both look good for next year. Both are poised for a solid podium run.
Wisconsin is much worse off without McDonald, but return a lot of guys as well. But again, podium will be a tough goal.
After those teams, Alabama will be an interesting factor. Who knows what they could have done this year if everyone was healthy?
Oklahoma State might be working their way back to the top.
Not necessarily title contenders next year, buy young teams to look out for: Indiana and Notre Dame. They have a lot of young studs they will be bringing up the next few years.
But bottom line, lot's of familiar faces for next year, but a lot more teams in the hunt. And I think that's great. A 4-Peat by NAU probably would not be a good thing for NCAA Cross-Country (Just ask NCAA Football)