The Pac‑12 Conference has announced its 2026 men’s soccer preseason order of finish, a poll compiled by the league’s head coaches that sets early expectations for the upcoming campaign. Oregon State earned the top spot, followed by California Baptist, San Diego State, Cal Poly, Gonzaga, UC Riverside and UC San Diego, painting a picture of a tightly contested season.
Alongside the rankings, each program named three athletes they anticipate will have the greatest influence on their squads. These preseason impact lists blend seasoned veterans with emerging talent, offering a glimpse of the storylines that will shape the first week of play.
Preseason Impact Players
The conference’s impact lists feature a diverse array of contributors, from William Lawson’s defensive steadiness at California Baptist to the midfield dynamism of Rylan Firouznam at Cal Poly and the attacking flair of Blake D'Agostino, who is expected to lead the charge for the same team. Gonzaga’s goalkeeper Chema Preciado will look to anchor a promising backline, while Oregon State’s Wyatt Borso and Aidan Marquez bring forward depth that could prove decisive.
San Diego State and Gonzaga will host their opening fixtures on Thursday, giving the home crowds an early taste of the competition, while the remaining five teams will travel for non‑conference matches. This arrangement adds a strategic layer for coaches as they fine‑tune preparations before conference play begins.
With the preseason rankings and impact lists now public, analysts and fans alike will watch closely to see how the predicted order translates into on‑field results. The early games will serve as a barometer for each program’s aspirations and could set the tone for a season that promises both surprise performances and familiar powerhouses.