2026 Season Overview
DePaul University's men's soccer program has announced its full 2026 schedule, a 17‑match lineup that blends home‑field advantage at Wish Field with a demanding slate of away contests. The season kicks off with preseason exhibitions in August before the regular campaign begins on August 20 at Bradley.
Head coach Mark Plotkin will guide a squad that returns 16 letterwinners from the 2025 roster and adds six newcomers along with five true freshmen. The schedule features eight BIG EAST Conference fixtures, including a home opener against Western Illinois on August 27 and a conference showdown with Xavier on September 18.
Non‑conference play will see the Blue Demons travel to face Louisville on October 6 and close the regular season with back‑to‑back road trips to Butler and Creighton. All home matches remain free to the public, reinforcing the program's commitment to community access.
A key goal for the team is to secure a berth in the 2026 BIG EAST Championship, which will be held in Boyds, Maryland. The schedule includes six opponents that participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, underscoring the competitive nature of the slate.
Key Matchups and Milestones
The regular season will culminate with a pair of BIG EAST contests against St. John's and Marquette, followed by consecutive away games at Butler and Creighton. These final fixtures will determine the Blue Demons' postseason prospects and potential invitation to the NCAA Tournament.