SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The North Dakota State men and women were picked to take home the 2026 Summit League Indoor Track & Field trophies in the preseason coaches' poll announced Wednesday by The Summit League.
 
The NDSU men, who received five first-place votes, totaled 35 points to top the poll. The South Dakota State men were projected second with 32 points and the remaining pair of first-place votes. South Dakota (26) was picked to finish third.
 
The Bison, who are the reigning women's indoor champion, were picked to repeat in 2026. NDSU totaled 47 points and five of the eight first-place votes, while North Dakota was slotted second with 41 total points and two first-place votes. South Dakota and SDSU tied for third with 36 total points.
 
NDSU opens the indoor season this Friday, Dec. 5, competing at South Dakota State.
 
2026 Summit League Men's Indoor Track & Field Preseason Poll
       Team                           Score (1st place votes)
 1.   North Dakota State     35 (5)
 2.   South Dakota State    32 (2)
 3.   South Dakota              26
 4.   North Dakota              19
 5.   St. Thomas                 14
 6.   Oral Roberts               11
 7.   Kansas City                10
 
2026 Summit League Women's Indoor Track & Field Preseason Poll
       Team                            Score (1st place votes)
 1.   North Dakota State      47 (5)
 2.   North Dakota               41 (2)
 T3. South Dakota State     36 (1)
 T3. South Dakota               36
 5.   St. Thomas                  25
 T6. Kansas City                 14
 T6. Oral Roberts                14
 8.   Omaha                         11
 
Preseason Athletes to Watch Selections
 

• Zach McGlynn – Senior / Multi-Events / Stephen, Minn.
• Paul Olson – Junior / Multi-Events / Oxbow, N.D.

 

• Arienne Birch – Junior / High Jump / Mississauga, Ontario
• Anika Larson – Junior / Sprints / Cambridge, Minn