Grand Canyon University’s men’s soccer team has entered the 2026 campaign with a United Soccer Coaches preseason ranking of No. 21, a testament to the program’s steady ascent in the national conversation. The ranking follows a year in which the Lopes finished 21st in the previous poll and captured their first NCAA Division I Sweet 16 berth, establishing a foundation for continued growth.
A Milestone Season
The 2025 season marked a turning point for the program, as the team not only climbed to 21st in the national poll but also advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. That achievement underscored the effectiveness of head coach Jamie Davies’ system and heightened expectations for the upcoming year.
The Lopes will open their schedule on August 20 against Stanford, a program ranked ninth in the same preseason poll, before traveling to face UC Riverside on August 28. Between those matches, the team will enjoy a stretch of five consecutive home games from August 28 through September 16, providing an early opportunity to build momentum in front of their own fans.
Key Returners
Senior midfielder Jorge Lopez returns after a three‑year stint in which he contributed seven goals and nine assists, providing both scoring and playmaking depth. Junior forward Alan Hermitte also comes back after a solid 2025 campaign, while junior midfielder Martin Luala, drafted 28th overall by San Diego FC in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, has elected to remain at GCU for another season, adding top‑level professional experience to the midfield.
Coach Jamie Davies expressed confidence that the blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers positions the team to compete strongly from the outset. With a favorable early home schedule and a roster that retains its most impactful players, the Lopes are poised to translate their preseason ranking into a competitive start to the 2026 season.