Redshirts and transfers could have big impact on season

By Adam Schneider of DyeStat

Last year, several runners capable of big impact redshirted or sat out a year due to transferring. That has caused a significant potential improvement for New Mexico, a potential title run for Stanford, and a possible repeat for Oregon.

Michigan might be as good as last year, but improvements by the top two teams could push the Wolverines down to third. 

Colorado returns its top six runners from the NCAA meet. The Buffaloes have so much depth that the team could suffer a couple of injuries and still have the firepower to hold down the top spot.

Stanford has added Harvard graduate student Courtney Smith, and if Elise Cranny is healthy, this young team could win the title.

Michigan lost its top runner but returns everyone else and had a great track season.

New Mexico is the biggest question mark, but the addition of freshman Weini Kelati could be a shot in the arm and help the Lobos find success. 

In recent years, all of the major players have been revealed early in the season, but like last year's surprise winner, Oregon, it could be New Mexico that jumps up and puts it all together when it counts.  

Top 20 (2016 NCAA finish)

1. Colorado (3)

2. Stanford (5)

3. Michigan (2)

4. New Mexico (7)

5. Oregon (1)

6. Boise State (N/A)

7. Arkansas (19)

8. North Carolina State (4)

9. Penn State (18)

10. Notre Dame (11)

11. Providence (13)

12. BYU (10)

13. Wisconsin (14)

14. Washington (12)

15. Furman (N/A)

16. Michigan State (8)

17. Minnesota (N/A)

18. Missouri (15)

19. Vanderbilt (N/A)

20. Abilene Christian (N/A)

Watch list:

Utah

Portland

Iowa State

Eastern Michigan

California

San Francisco