The Longhorns travel to Ames, Iowa, this weekend for the most important meet so far this season — the Big 12 Championship. 

The 26 athletes competing are looking not only to defend Texas’ conference title, but also to capture spots in the national meet by recording top-16 marks in their single events.

While junior shot putter Ryan Crouser has essentially earned his spot in the national meet as the top-ranked thrower in the country, several other Longhorns are toeing the line for national placement.

Sophomore pole vaulter Reese Watson, sophomore 400-meter runner Zack Bilderback and freshman Senoj-Jay Givans in the 60 meters are ranked 14th, 15th and 16th, respectively, in their individual events.

But there’s still work to be done in order to solidify their place in the national meet. The country’s best athletes will be unleashed this weekend for postseason events, and the Texas trio will likely need to exceed its best marks in order to retain a top-16 spot.