Conner Mantz has already beaten all of the contenders (as far as I know).
He beat Kiptoo, probably the pre-season favorite. Kiptoo beat Cooper Teare, the NCAA 5k record holder. By the transitive property, Mantz could take Teare.
Today Mantz beat the NAU guys ( I really thought that Nico young was going to make a major jump this season, maybe it is too early to tell?) Mantz also beat Adrian Wildeschuut (sorry for killing the spelling)
WHo can possibly stop Conner Mantz?