Stanford is loaded again with the Rosa brothers, Sean McGorty and superfrosh Grant Fisher, but that still isn't enough to wrestle the #1 ranking from Colorado, who return four of five scorers from its '14 title team and add in Morgan Pearson (17th in '13).

Oregon's roster is overflowing with talent but everyone beyond top man Edward Cheserek is a question mark. With a veteran squad led by Aussie Patrick Tiernan, Nova will look to land on the podium for the first time in 23 years.

Both OSU and Virginia underperformed at NCAAs last year but both will be back with a vengeance in 2015. The Cowboys could be dangerous with Craig Nowak (16th last year) and NCAA 1500 champ Chad Noelle, while the Cavaliers are one of the deeper teams in America.  The Rebels made a big step forward in making their first NCAA appearance, but they'll be even better in 2015 with transfers MJ Erb and Ryan Manahan. Iona boasts another strong squad and will look for its 13th top-10 finish in the past 14 years.

Colorado adds a ton of reinforcements including redshirts Carrie Verdon and Melanie Nun and stud freshmen Brianna Schwartz and Dani Jones. However, none of those additions can match New Mexico's acquisition of Courtney Frerichs (13th last year for UMKC) and Scot Rhona Auckland. Auckland was top 20 at 2015 World XC in the pro race and could put the Lobos over the top in their quest for the program's first national title.

Georgetown has a lot of depth returning whereas young Stanford (5 freshmen last year) has some serious firepower up front led by Elise Cranny.

The Cyclones finished second last year and shouldn't drop off too much in 2015 thanks to new addition Becky Straw. Oregon boasts a lot of depth but will need a #1 runner to emerge to make it on the podium.

Providence surprised everybody - including coach Ray Treacy - by finishing 13th last year. With All-American Sarah Collins back in the fold, the Friars will be even better in '15. Meanwhile, the defending champion Spartans lose three of their top five but return their top two from NCAAs in Rachele Schulist and Lindsay Clark.

Arkansas loses a lot to graduation but still has the country's most versatile runner in Dominique Scott. Michigan, with Erin Finn, will look to rebound after an injury-plagued 2014 saw them slip from preseason #1 to 18th at NCAAs. With both teams featuring such strong frontrunners, they crack our pre-season top 10.