The Big Ten’s preseason coaches’ poll has already set the stage for what promises to be a competitive 2026 men’s soccer season. Washington emerged as the clear favorite, earning seven first‑place votes and a No. 1 ranking in the league‑wide survey.
Preseason Favorites
Maryland and Indiana followed closely behind, securing second‑place votes that kept them in the conversation for the championship, while traditional powerhouses UCLA and Michigan rounded out the top five, underscoring the depth of competition across the conference.
Adding to the excitement, the conference unveiled a Players to Watch List that spotlights nine student‑athletes who distinguished themselves in the 2025 campaign. Among them, Maryland’s Laurin Mack was recognized as the Goalkeeper of the Year, and Michigan State’s Peter Soudan earned Freshman of the Year honors.
Opening Day Outlook
The season will officially open on Thursday, with all eleven Big Ten programs slated to take the field, ensuring that the early momentum generated by the poll and the player spotlight will carry forward into the first round of matches.