A historic ranking and a fresh start
LSU’s soccer program reached a milestone when the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll placed the Tigers at No. 16, the highest national ranking in school history. The achievement reflects a breakthrough season in 2025 that set the stage for an ambitious 2026 campaign.
The Tigers will open their home schedule on August 16 at 6 p.m. CT against Northwestern State at LSU Soccer Stadium. The match marks the fifth meeting between the programs, with LSU holding a 4‑0 record in previous encounters, the most recent a 2‑1 victory in 2023.
Key players to watch
Seniors Ava Galligan and Allie Fryer headline a potent attacking unit. Galligan, who capped the 2025 season with 11 goals and four assists, earned First Team All‑SEC honors and a spot on the SEC All‑Tournament Team. Fryer, a transfer from BYU, brings 30 career goals and extensive postseason experience to the lineup.
Both players appear on the United Soccer Coaches/MAC Hermann Trophy Players to Watch List, underscoring their status among the nation’s top forwards. They join three additional Tigers — Sariyah Bailey, Kelsey Major and Audur Scheving — on the 2026 SEC Soccer Preseason Watchlist, highlighting the depth of talent across the roster.
The upcoming slate is designed to test the team early. After the Northwestern State opener, LSU will travel to face UCF (August 20) and Florida Gulf Coast (August 23) before confronting Arizona State, Arizona and Baylor. Conference play begins on September 11 against Tennessee, setting the tone for a demanding SEC schedule.
LSU’s roster blends 27 student‑athletes, mixing returning veterans with a wave of freshmen and transfers. The mixture of experience and new energy aims to sustain the momentum generated by a historic 2025 season and to keep the Tigers competitive across non‑conference and conference play.