The California cross country season is less than a month away, and counting down the Top 21 Boys XC Teams to Watch in 2026.
Today we have teams 15 through 11 that you need to watch in California this fall. Be sure to check back throughout the week as we unveil the rest of the rankings and continue our preseason cross country coverage.
Note: This list analyzes last year's cross country, track and field improvements, program history, and each team's potential this season. It is not intended to predict the exact order of finish at the CIF State Championships, but highlights California teams to watch this fall.
15. West Ranch (SS)
2025 Season: 4th in D3 CIF State XC Championships
Who's Returning: Only two athletes are leaving due to graduation, including their #1 runner and #5 runner from the CIF XC Championships.
Why Watch?: West Ranch will look to sophomore Victor Esquivel to step up as they replace their talented top runner, Braulio Castillo, a former Brooks XC All-American. Esquivel proved himself last season by finishing as the top freshman in the D3 CIF State XC Championships and running a 4:20 personal record in the 1600m this spring. Seniors Cameron Povletich and Ajay Saravanan will be just as important to the Wildcats' success. If they continue the momentum from their breakout track seasons, West Ranch has the pieces to return to the CIF State podium.
Potential Top 7 (5K PRs)
| 1) Victor Esquivel | 15:41.20 | 91 | |||
| 2) Cameron Povletich | 15:46.50 | 110 | |||
| 3) Ajay Saravanan | 15:58.50 | 179 | |||
| 4) SaiTej Chikati | 16:32.90 | 448 | |||
| 5) Jonathon Arana | 16:40.00 | 525 | |||
Average Time: 16:07.82 Total Time: 1:20:39.10 1-5 Split: 58.80 | |||||
| 6) Sai Tej Chikati | 17:16.90 | 1034 | |||
| 7) Rohan Kashyap | 17:35.10 | 1307 | |||
14. Menlo-Atherton (CC)
2025 Season: 5th in D1 CIF State XC Championships, Reigning D1 CIF Central Coast Section XC Champions
Who's Returning: Four athletes returning from their CIF State XC Championships lineup and all from the class of 2027.
Why Watch?: Although Menlo-Atherton graduated three scorers from last season, this spring showed the Bears are ready for the challenge. Evan Chopra developed into one of California's most versatile distance runners with PRs of 1:51, 4:10, and 9:14. His returning teammates also stepped up to make their 1600m average 4:24 and 3200m average 9:41. That momentum could propel the Beaks back in the D1 title conversation this fall.
Potential Top 7 (5K PRs)
| 1) Evan Chopra | 14:41.20 | 38 | |||
| 2) Benjamin Salceda | 15:35.60 | 353 | |||
| 3) Oscar Wettermark | 16:03.60 | 727 | |||
| 4) Calvin Blanford | 16:17.10 | 931 | |||
| 5) Martin Stoyanov | 16:30.80 | 1204 | |||
Average Time: 15:49.66 Total Time: 1:19:08.30 1-5 Split: 1:49.60 | |||||
| 6) Agustin Araya | 17:14.20 | 2206 | |||
| 7) Oliver Chi | 17:38.40 | 2866 | |||
13. Mt. Carmel (SD)
2025 Season: 10th in D2 CIF State XC Championships, Reigning in D2 CIF San Diego Section XC Champions
Who's Returning: Five athletes are returning from their CIF State XC lineup, and they're only losing one scorer from last season.
Why Watch?: Jaxon Northcutt gives Mt. Carmel one of the best low sticks in California after placing 10th at last year's CIF State Championships. The Sundevils' ceiling will come from their supporting cast, who have gained valuable postseason experience. Northcutt will be aiming to make his 4th CIF State XC appearance, while some of the returners like Joshua Bell will be aiming for their 3rd appearance.
Potential Top 7 (Based on 5K PRs)
| 1) Jaxon Northcutt | 15:01.40 | 12 | |||
| 2) Joshua Bell | 15:39.60 | 80 | |||
| 3) Quentin Fronjian | 15:59.10 | 184 | |||
| 4) Gio Sanfilippo | 16:24.20 | 363 | |||
| 5) Saxton Paul | 16:42.10 | 553 | |||
Average Time: 15:57.28 Total Time: 1:19:46.40 1-5 Split: 1:40.70 | |||||
| 6) Giovanni Sanfilippo | 16:48.00 | 628 | |||
| 7) Maetee Rasri | 17:08.50 | 901 | |||
12. Hart (SS)
2025 Season: 4th in D2 CIF State XC Championships, Runner-Up in D2 CIF Southern Section Championships, Cool Breeze Sundown Showdown Champions
Who's Returning: Five athletes are returning from their CIF State XC lineup, and they are only losing one top 5 scorer.
Why Watch?: Hart is returning with their inseparable trio of Jameson Wiley, Josiah Himsl, and Samuel Ainia that led them to 4th at the D2 CIF State XC Championships. The five returning athletes are on a mission to finish what they started last season and compete for a CIF State title. Their success will come from the crucial #5 spot. Mateo Jenkins and Mateo Ortega have shown tremendous promise to fill those roles after running 4:40 and 4:42 as freshmen.
Potential Top 7 (5K PRs)
| 1) Josiah Himsl | 15:22.80 | 42 | |||
| 2) Jameson Wiley | 15:24.20 | 45 | |||
| 3) Samuel Aina | 15:24.50 | 46 | |||
| 4) Miles Prante | 15:47.80 | 119 | |||
| 5) Joshua Jimenez | 16:54.80 | 709 | |||
Average Time: 15:46.82 Total Time: 1:18:54.10 1-5 Split: 1:32.00 | |||||
| 6) Mateo Ortega | 17:09.50 | 916 | |||
| 7) Jacob Gamboa | 17:31.50 | 1244 | |||
11. West Torrance (SS)
2025 Season: Runner-Up in D3 CIF State XC Championships, Reigning D3 CIF State XC Champions, Woodbridge XC Classic Rated Champions, Mt. SAC XC Invitational Team Sweepstakes Div. 3, 4, & 5 Champions
Who's Returning: Only two scorers are graduating from their CIF State XC team.
Why Watch?: The Warriors may not have an individual title contender, but few teams in California can match their pack-running ability. Their returning team averages 4:25 in the 1600m with only a six-second spread between them. If they continue to race as a unit, a CIF State trophy is well within reach.
Potential Top 7 (5K PRs)
| 1) Brandon Miranda | 15:33.90 | 65 | |||
| 2) Cody Wheeler | 15:35.10 | 71 | |||
| 3) Kobe Mashburn-Gillian | 15:45.20 | 105 | |||
| 4) Lukas Uzan | 15:50.80 | 129 | |||
| 5) Kanta Kozaki | 16:21.50 | 341 | |||
Average Time: 15:49.30 Total Time: 1:19:06.50 1-5 Split: 47.60 | |||||
| 6) Mason Burris | 17:06.50 | 869 | |||
| 7) Sean Westergaard | 17:17.80 | 1041 | |||
The California cross country season is less than a month away, and counting down the Top 21 Boys XC Teams to Watch in 2026.
Today we have teams 15 through 11 that you need to watch in California this fall. Be sure to check back throughout the week as we unveil the rest of the rankings and continue our preseason cross country coverage.