The United Soccer Coaches have released their 2026 preseason top 25 rankings, and the list does not include either the Marquette men’s or women’s soccer teams.
A competitive landscape
Both programs finished the previous season with records that suggested they could have been contenders, but the poll ultimately favored other schools.
The women’s side, under second‑year head coach Chris Allen, posted a 7‑7‑4 overall mark and a 3‑4‑3 conference record, while the men’s team, led by David Korn, ended at 7‑7‑2 overall and 1‑7‑0 in Big East play.
Nevertheless, the women’s squad will open the season against two nationally ranked opponents — Wisconsin, currently sitting at No. 22, and Baylor, just outside the top 25 after earning 11 points in the poll.
The men’s schedule features eight non‑conference games against teams that did not crack the preseason top 25, but the Big East slate will pit them against Georgetown, ranked No. 5, and Connecticut, listed at No. 24, as well as Akron, who received 12 points.
A look at the broader conference reveals three Big East programs — Georgetown, Akron and Connecticut — appearing in the top 25, underscoring the league’s depth this year.