The Biggest College Track and Field Events to Watch in 2025

College track and field in 2025 is set to deliver jaw-dropping performances, intense rivalries, and a showcase of rising stars on the path to international stardom. With the NCAA consistently producing Olympians and world record holders, collegiate meets are a must-watch for track and field fans. From indoor championships to historic relay meets, here are the biggest college track and field events in 2025 that you need to keep an eye on.

1. NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships

When: March 14–15, 2025Where: Fayetteville, Arkansas (University of Arkansas)

The NCAA Indoor Championships is the ultimate stage for collegiate athletes during the indoor season. The meet features intense competition across all events, with sprinters, distance runners, jumpers, and throwers looking to cap their seasons with national titles and NCAA records. Fayetteville’s Randal Tyson Track Center, one of the fastest indoor tracks in the nation, promises electrifying performances.

Events to Watch:

• 60m dash: Expect blazing times from sprinters aiming to dip under 6.50 seconds.

• Mile and 3000m: Elite middle- and long-distance runners often deliver tactical and thrilling finishes.

• Field events: The pole vault and long jump typically feature jaw-dropping results from NCAA’s best.

2. Penn Relays

When: April 24–26, 2025Where: Franklin Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Penn Relays, the oldest and most celebrated relay meet in the world, is a highlight of the college track and field season. Collegiate athletes take center stage as they compete in front of packed crowds at Franklin Field. The historic meet has launched the careers of many professional track stars and continues to deliver electrifying team performances.

Events to Watch:

• 4x100m and 4x400m relays: Teams battle it out in thrilling head-to-head races, often with photo-finish endings.

• Distance Medley Relay (DMR): The blend of strategy and speed makes this one of the most exciting events of the meet.

• Sprints and field events: The energy and atmosphere elevate athletes to deliver season-best performances.

3. NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

When: June 11–14, 2025Where: Eugene, Oregon (Hayward Field)

The NCAA Outdoor Championships is the crown jewel of collegiate track and field, featuring the best athletes from across the country. Held at the iconic Hayward Field, this meet showcases future Olympians and national record holders in their pursuit of collegiate glory. The 2025 edition is expected to feature another round of historic performances on one of the fastest outdoor tracks in the world.

Events to Watch:

• 100m and 200m sprints: Collegiate sprint stars, often future Olympic contenders, consistently deliver sub-10 and sub-20 performances.

• 800m and 1500m: Tactical battles and fast finishing kicks make these races can’t-miss.

• Steeplechase and 10,000m: Watch for endurance stars putting their names on the map with gutsy performances.

• Field events: The triple jump, pole vault, and shot put consistently see world-class marks at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

4. Texas Relays

When: March 26–29, 2025Where: Austin, Texas (University of Texas)

The Texas Relays is one of the premier early-season outdoor meets in collegiate track and field. Known for its electrifying relays and high-energy crowd, this meet is a perfect mix of speed, power, and team spirit. With top collegiate programs from across the nation competing, the Texas Relays always deliver thrilling performances.

Events to Watch:

• 4x100m and 4x400m relays: These high-stakes relays bring out the best in sprinters and create thrilling finishes.

• 3000m steeplechase: A marquee event that showcases endurance and strategy.

• Field events: The long jump and discus competitions often feature future Olympians.

5. SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships

When: May 9–11, 2025Where: Baton Rouge, Louisiana (LSU)

The SEC Championships are widely regarded as one of the most competitive conference meets in collegiate track and field. With powerhouse programs like LSU, Arkansas, and Texas A&M, the meet delivers some of the fastest times and best performances of the collegiate season. Rivalries, stacked fields, and passionate fans make the SEC Championships a must-watch event.

Events to Watch:

• Sprints: The SEC is home to many of the nation’s top sprinters, making the 100m and 200m some of the fastest races in the NCAA.

• 400m hurdles: Elite SEC hurdlers often dominate this event on the national stage.

• 4x400m relay: The SEC consistently delivers thrilling relay showdowns that come down to the final stretch.

6. Prefontaine Classic (College Events)

When: May 2025 (Exact date TBD)Where: Eugene, Oregon (Hayward Field)

The Prefontaine Classic, part of the Diamond League series, often features a collegiate section highlighting the nation’s top student-athletes. This prestigious meet provides a platform for college stars to compete alongside professionals, giving fans a preview of who might make the leap to the global stage in the near future.

Events to Watch:

• Middle-distance races like the 800m and 1500m, which frequently feature top collegiate talent.

• Field events, including the pole vault and shot put, showcasing NCAA standouts.

7. Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships

When: May 16–18, 2025Where: Madison, Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin)

The Big Ten Championships is another highly competitive collegiate meet that often produces NCAA qualifiers and national contenders. With top programs like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana, this meet is a showcase of distance running, sprints, and field events.

Events to Watch:

• 5000m and 10,000m: Big Ten distance programs are among the best in the nation, often producing thrilling tactical races.

• Throws events: The conference boasts some of the best shot putters and discus throwers in the NCAA.

• 4x800m relay: A fan-favorite event that often sees dramatic finishes.

8. ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships

When: May 9–11, 2025Where: Raleigh, North Carolina (NC State)

The ACC Championships consistently deliver standout performances from distance runners and sprinters alike. With strong programs like NC State, Florida State, and Virginia, the meet has become one of the NCAA’s premier conference competitions.

Events to Watch:

• 3000m steeplechase: ACC athletes often excel in this event, producing some of the fastest times in the NCAA.

• 800m and 1500m: Middle-distance runners from the ACC frequently shine on the national stage.

• Pole vault: The ACC has been home to some of the nation’s top collegiate vaulters in recent years.

9. Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships

When: May 14–17, 2025Where: Colorado Springs, Colorado (Air Force Academy)

The Mountain West Championships showcase emerging talent from the western U.S., with programs like Boise State and Air Force producing strong performances. The meet is known for its focus on endurance events and tactical races.

Events to Watch:

• The 10,000m, which is always exciting at altitude.

• The javelin throw, an event where Mountain West athletes frequently shine.

10. NCAA Regional Championships

When: May 22–25, 2025Where: Various locations across the U.S.

The NCAA Regional Championships serve as the final qualifying meet for the NCAA Outdoor Championships. With the stakes at their highest, athletes give everything they have to punch their ticket to Eugene.

Regions to Watch:

• West Regional: Often produces the fastest distance and sprint times in the country.

• East Regional: Known for deep fields and intense competition.