KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Hillcat men's soccer made history with a program-best No. 5 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Week 1 poll on Tuesday. RSU surpassed its previous high of No. 6, set in the final USC poll of 2025 and the preseason poll for 2026.
 
The Hillcats achieved a record-breaking ranking after a strong 2-0 start to the season, defeating McKendree 1-0 in their opener and Maryville 3-1 on Saturday morning. Both regional opponents made the NCAA Tournament in 2025.
 
As a result of their strong performance over the weekend, senior Alex Fletcher was named GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Week, while true freshman Tristan Miller earned GAC/MIAA Goalkeeper of the Week honors. This marks the first time both athletes have received these recognitions.
 
Elsewhere in the poll, defending NCAA Division II National Champion Midwestern State is ranked No. 1, followed by Rollins College, Franklin Pierce and Point Loma. Fort Hays State dropped to No. 14 after suffering a 1-0 loss to Regis, marking their first regular-season defeat since falling to RSU on Oct. 3, 2024, in Hays, Kansas.
 
For more information, visit NCAA DII Mens Rankings – National | United Soccer Coaches.