After another successful season in 2025, the University of Scranton men's soccer team will begin the 2026 campaign as one of the nation's top programs, earning the No. 17 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Preseason Top 25 Poll, which was released on Tuesday.

United Soccer Coaches Release

The Royals finished the 2025 season with a 13-1-6 overall record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament after recording the program's first NCAA Tournament victory since 2016. Scranton concluded the year ranked No. 17 in the final United Soccer Coaches poll and opens the 2026 season in the same position.

Head coach Andy Loughnane returns a talented group from last year's squad that posted one of the nation's top defensive campaigns. The Royals finished the regular season unbeaten in Landmark Conference play and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Defending national champion Tufts University claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason poll, followed by Trinity (Texas), St. Olaf, Emory and Bowdoin to round out the top five.

Scranton is one of two Landmark Conference programs receiving national recognition in the preseason poll, with Catholic University listed among the teams receiving votes.

The Royals will open the 2026 season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 1, when they welcome No. 16 Messiah University to Weiss Field for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.