The 2026 Summit League men’s soccer preseason coaches’ poll has already set the tone for a competitive season, with Kansas City emerging as the clear favorite. The Roos earned 25 points and secured five first‑place votes, signaling strong confidence from the league’s coaching community.
Kansas City’s rise is built on a breakthrough 2025 campaign that delivered the program’s first regular‑season title in over a decade and an at‑large berth to the NCAA Tournament. Their 12‑4‑5 overall record and 4‑1‑1 conference slate underscore a sustained upward trajectory.
Delaware follows closely in second place with 21 points, riding the momentum of its inaugural season in the Summit League. The team’s rapid ascent has turned heads and added depth to the league’s competitive landscape.
UMass rounds out the top three with 16 points after just one year as a Summit League affiliate member. The Minutemen look to translate early success into a sustained presence among the league’s elite.
Among the key figures driving Kansas City’s optimism are graduate midfielder Mathias Baucher and senior forward Jeremy Francou. Baucher played a pivotal role in capturing the 2025 Summit League Regular Season Co‑Championship and advancing to the NCAA Second Round, while Francou earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All‑West Region honors and a spot on the First Team All‑Summit League.
Key Players to Watch
Rich Monath, a senior midfielder for Delaware, was named 2025 Summit League Midfielder of the Year and earned First Team All‑Summit League recognition, highlighting his influence in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, Marius Stenner, a junior forward for Delaware, led the league in shots, shots on goal, points and assists, garnering multiple All‑League and All‑ECAC selections.
The preseason poll not only reflects past achievements but also sets expectations for the upcoming campaign. With Kansas City aiming to defend its newfound status, Delaware seeking to capitalize on its upward trajectory, and UMass eager to prove its legitimacy, the league promises a season filled with intrigue and high‑stakes matchups.