The United Soccer Coaches have released their 2026 preseason poll, placing the University of Connecticut men’s soccer squad at No. 24 in the nation, a clear signal that the Huskies are being counted among the elite as they gear up for the upcoming campaign.
Among the standouts, redshirt‑junior goalkeeper Kyle Durham has earned a spot on the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Goalkeepers to Watch List, recognizing his breakout 2025 season in which he logged 98 saves and garnered second‑team All‑BIG EAST honors.
Key Storylines for the Upcoming Season
UConn will open its schedule on August 20, 2026, when it hosts Syracuse at Morrone Stadium, a venue that has witnessed many pivotal moments for the program, and the matchup will pit the Huskies against a team that routinely qualifies for the NCAA Tournament.
Head coach Chris Gbandi, who guided the Huskies to their first at‑large NCAA Tournament berth since 2018, will miss the opener after the NCAA imposed a suspension stemming from last season’s Sweet 16 clash at Maryland, a setback that adds intrigue to the early‑season narrative.
Despite the suspension, the team’s recent run to the round of 16 after a 3‑1 victory over Cornell underscores the program’s upward trajectory, a milestone that has not been achieved since the 2013 edition of the tournament.
The preseason recognition comes as the MAC Hermann Trophy committee, compiled by Division I All‑America panels, continues to spotlight emerging talent, with the 2026 award recipients set to be announced on January 8 in St. Louis, Missouri, a city that will also host the ceremony.