Coaches across the Summit League have released their preseason predictions, and the numbers point to a clear favorite. Oral Roberts earned six first‑place votes and a total of 48 points, positioning the Golden Eagles as the team to beat heading into the 2026 campaign.
South Dakota State followed closely with 44 points and the remaining two first‑place votes, while the rest of the field – Omaha, South Dakota, Kansas City, North Dakota State, North Dakota and St. Thomas – rounded out the rankings.
The poll reflects the momentum each program built during the 2025 season, a year that saw Oral Roberts capture its first regular‑season championship since 2004 and secure the No. 1 seed for the upcoming tournament.
That championship run ended in a narrow title match loss to South Dakota State, which finished the year with a 13‑3‑6 record and a 4‑1‑3 conference slate, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament where they faced Iowa.
Player honors highlight a competitive outlook
Among the standout performers, Brianna Castleberry of Oral Roberts was named to the 2025 First Team All‑Summit League after contributing 15 points, including three goals and nine assists.
Mallorie Benhart in goal earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors for South Dakota State, posting a 12‑3‑5 record and nine shutouts, while Mia Bosch added nine assists and 15 points for the same team.
Omaha’s Kendall Dobberstein received both Second Team All‑Summit League recognition and a spot on the All‑Newcomer Team, underscoring the conference’s depth of talent.