A Milestone Season Begins
The 2026 women's soccer campaign marks the 34th year of league competition for LSU, and the Tigers enter the season with a preseason ranking of No. 16 in the United Soccer Coaches poll — the highest placement for the program since 2018. The ranking reflects a blend of returning talent and fresh optimism as the team prepares to open SEC play against a formidable opponent.
Five LSU athletes have been selected for the 2026 SEC Soccer Preseason Watchlist, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster. The honorees — Ava Galligan, Sariyah Bailey, Allie Fryer, Kelsey Major and Audur Scheving — represent a mix of offensive firepower, defensive steadiness and goalkeeping reliability that coaches hope will translate into a strong start.
Galligan, a 2025 First Team All‑SEC forward, led the team with 11 goals and four assists last season, including six game‑winning strikes. Her performance helped LSU reach the NCAA Sweet 16, and her presence on the watchlist signals expectations that she will continue to be a central figure in the attack.
Bailey, a sophomore who earned SEC All‑Freshman honors in 2025, adds speed and versatility to the midfield. Fryer, a fifth‑year transfer from BYU, brings a career tally of 30 goals, providing a proven scoring threat. Major, a four‑year defensive mainstay, started every match in the previous campaign, while Scheving, the senior goalkeeper, logged 42 saves and six wins before concluding her collegiate career.
A Test Right Out of the Gate
The Tigers' first test arrives on August 12, when they travel to Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, to face No. 18 Wake Forest at 6 p.m. CT. The matchup pits LSU’s newly ranked squad against a nationally recognized opponent, offering an early gauge of where the team stands as conference play begins.
Beyond the opening game, the season will see LSU compete against four other SEC programs that also appear in the preseason poll — Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee. This concentration of ranked teams within the league promises a rigorous schedule that could further elevate the Tigers’ national standing.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team blends veteran leadership with emerging talent. The combination of preseason recognition, a high preseason poll position and a challenging opening fixture sets the stage for what many expect to be a pivotal season for LSU women's soccer.