A whopping seven of the top eight finishers at last year's State meet were seniors meaning this year's podium will look essentially completely different. Poplar Bluff's Patrick Slack is the only returning all-Stater after finishing fourth last year. Liberty North's Isaac Hamilton, though, owns the better mark with a 38.58 from the Sectional 4 meet. He was ninth in both hurdle events last year, but is poised to have much better luck in 2026. Five of the six Class 5 returners under 40 seconds are in Sectional 4 meaning someone who is, on paper, all-State caliber will not get to race at State this year. Liberty North will also get another injection of talent with Nevada's John Collins joining the fray.