The Atlantic Coast Conference has released its preseason outlook for the 2026 women's soccer campaign, revealing a clear favorite among the league's powerhouses.
Preseason Predictions Set the Stage
According to the vote of the 17 league coaches, the Fighting Irish gathered seven first‑place ballots and amassed 239 points, positioning them at the summit of the projected standings.
Stanford followed with three first‑place votes and 233 points, while Duke and Florida State each collected three top votes, rounding out the top four spots.
North Carolina secured the remaining first‑place vote and finished fifth with 207 points, completing a top‑five that also featured Virginia, Wake Forest, Clemson, Louisville and California in the next five positions.
The preseason All‑ACC squad reflects the conference's depth, with Notre Dame and Florida State each contributing three athletes to the list, while Duke and Stanford each placed two players on the team.
Among the honorees, Izzy Engle of Notre Dame earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, while Caroline Birkel of Stanford was recognized as Goalkeeper of the Year, both securing spots on the first team.
The 2026 season is slated to kick off on August 12, featuring 13 participating institutions, before conference play begins on September 10 when California travels to North Carolina for a 7 p.m. ET showdown.
Looking Ahead
With the opening match on the horizon, teams are already shaping their rosters and strategies, promising a competitive start to the campaign.