The Atlantic 10 Conference has released its preseason soccer poll for the 2026 campaign, offering a snapshot of how coaches and analysts expect the upcoming season to unfold. The poll, which aggregates votes from the league’s 13 member programs, assigns each school a point total that reflects its projected standing.
Top of the chart
Saint Louis emerged as the clear favorite, collecting 169 points and earning all 13 first‑place votes. The Billikens’ dominance was reflected in the point distribution, underscoring their status as the preseason frontrunner.
Dayton followed in second place with 146 points, while George Mason secured the third spot with 136 points. Both programs received strong support, positioning them as the primary challengers to Saint Louis.
Mid‑pack battle
Fordham claimed fourth with 132 points, and VCU rounded out the top five with 120 points. Davidson, Loyola‑Chicago, Rhode Island and Saint Joseph’s tied for eighth with 68 points each, while Duquesne, La Salle, St. Bonaventure and George Washington occupied the lower tier of the poll.
Season opener
The 2026 schedule opens on August 20, when George Mason travels to Burlington, Vermont, to face the Catamounts. The match marks the first competitive action for the Mason squad and sets the tone for a conference season that promises tight competition across the board.