The 2026 Sun Belt preseason poll has placed West Virginia University's men's soccer team at the summit, awarding the Mountaineers 94 points and four first‑place votes, a clear indication of the conference's expectations for the program.
Preseason Accolades
Senior forward Pablo Pozos was recognized as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, capping a career that includes 21 appearances, 11 goals and three assists for a total of 25 points that rank among the nation's top 25.
Joining him on the preseason All‑Conference team are juniors Isaac Scheer and Nacho Martinez, both of whom contributed significantly in the previous season and are expected to play pivotal roles this year.
The Mountaineers' recent history of preseason and regular‑season Player of the Year awards underscores a program that consistently produces standout talent; Marcus Caldeira captured the honor in 2024 and 2025, while Sergio Ors Navarro earned the regular‑season award in 2024.
Conference Landscape
Marshall University follows in second place with 87 points, while UCF and Kentucky sit at third and fourth with 81 and 76 points respectively. The Sun Belt's competitive depth is further highlighted by additional awardees such as Takahiro Fujita, named Defensive Player of the Year, and Matisse Hébert, honored as Goalkeeper of the Year.
With a strong returning core and a coaching staff that has cultivated award‑winning players over successive seasons, West Virginia enters the campaign as a favorite not only to contend for the conference title but also to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Fans can anticipate a season filled with high‑scoring matches, solid defensive organization, and the continued development of emerging stars who aim to add their names to the program's growing legacy.