Preseason Favorites
Vanderbilt soccer has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 SEC Coaches' Poll, underscoring the program's rapid rise.
A Breakout Season
The Commodores capped a historic 2025 campaign by winning seven of ten conference matches, securing a No. 2 seed for the SEC Tournament, and ultimately claiming the championship after a penalty shootout victory over LSU. Their run culminated in a first‑ever appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals.
Returning roughly 80 percent of last season’s goal and assist production, the team enters the new year with a deep core of experienced players.
Among them are Sydney Watts, who earned SEC Forward of the Year honors, and midfielder Courtney Jones, both of whom will be back for the 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
The Commodores open the season at home against SMU on August 12 at 7 p.m., with additional home fixtures scheduled throughout August. A free Black‑Gold intrasquad scrimmage will take place on August 1 at 6 p.m., giving fans an early glimpse of the squad. Coaches and analysts alike expect the Commodores to contend for another SEC title, and the early schedule offers a chance to build momentum before conference play intensifies.