The 2026 college men’s soccer season will open with a marquee clash as the Clemson Tigers welcome the No. 3 Furman Paladins to Historic Riggs Field on the evening of August 20, 2026, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Rivalry reignites
Furman arrives in the spotlight after a dominant 2025 campaign that ended with a 16‑2‑5 record and a No. 3 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches poll, while the preseason TopDrawer Soccer poll placed them second nationally.
The Paladins will field a squad that retains the core of that successful side and augments it with six promising freshmen, giving the coaching staff depth and flexibility as they look to maintain momentum.
A historic edge
Clemson, meanwhile, finished the previous season at 8‑6‑3 overall and 4‑2‑2 in ACC play, and historically holds a 42‑12‑3 edge over Furman across 57 meetings, highlighted by a 2‑0 victory in their last encounter in 2019.
Both programs see the opener as a chance to set the tone for the year, with the Tigers hoping to leverage home‑field advantage and the Paladins aiming to prove that a top‑three preseason ranking can translate into early‑season success.
Fans can expect a charged atmosphere at Riggs Field, where the tradition of a storied rivalry meets the excitement of a new batch of talent eager to make an impact.