Michigan State’s women’s soccer program enters the 2026 season as the clear favorite in the Big Ten, according to the conference’s preseason poll released this week.
Preseason Expectations
The poll reflects the Spartans’ momentum after back‑to‑back Big Ten regular‑season titles and a historic Elite Eight run in 2025, marking their highest preseason ranking ever from league coaches.
Head coach Jeff Hosler, now in his sixth year at the helm, will rely on a deep returning core that includes ten starters from the previous campaign.
Among the standout returners are seniors Kennedy Bell, Kayla Briggs and Bella Najera, who have been named to the Big Ten Players to Watch list for 2026.
Bell, the reigning Big Ten Forward of the Year, led the team with more than 20 points last season, while Briggs and Najera earned All‑American honors and ranked among the top three scorers.
The Spartans’ offense returns 47 goals and 36 assists, a combination that placed them first in the Big Ten and 18th nationally last year.
Defensively, Emerson Sargeant earned First Team All‑Big Ten honors with 19 points, and Renee Watson contributed 13 points, underscoring the balance across the roster.
A Rigorous Non‑Conference Slate
The 2026 schedule promises a rigorous test, as MSU will face nine opponents who participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, including four non‑conference matchups against Xavier, North Carolina, Colorado and Notre Dame.
Six of those opponents finished the 2025 season among the nation’s final polls, highlighting the strength of the slate.
The team will open the season on August 12 at home against Xavier, following a Green & White exhibition on August 5 at DeMartin Stadium, where fans can get an early look at the new lineup.
With a blend of experience, high‑ranked recruits and a challenging schedule, the Spartans aim to translate preseason expectations into another successful campaign.