KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The United Soccer Coaches (USC) published their 2026 preseason rankings on Tuesday afternoon, and RSU men's soccer has achieved a program-high ranking of No. 6.
 
This record-breaking position follows a historic 2025 campaign in which the Hillcats reached the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals with a 14-4-5 overall record (8-2-2 GAC/MIAA). For the first time, RSU hosted the first three rounds of the NCAA Tournament at Soldier Field, securing victories over No. 17 Cedarville (1-0) and No. 15 Lincoln (1-0). As a result, they finished the season ranked No. 6, the highest in program history.
 
The Hillcats, who finished second in both the regular season and conference standings, return several key players from last year, including All-Americans Alex Laing and Louis Bassett.
 
Elsewhere in the poll, Fort Hays State is ranked No. 3, while defending national champions Midwestern State are the preseason favorites. RSU is also set to play No. 13 Rockhurst in Kansas City on Sept. 2.
 
For more information, visit NCAA DII Mens Rankings – National | United Soccer Coaches.