ROME, Ga. - After falling just short of the 2025 USA South Men's Soccer conference title last season, the 2026 Methodist University men's soccer team look to come out on top after getting chosen third, with 33 total points in the 2026 USA South Athletics Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll as announced by the league offices on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The defending USA South Tournament Champions, North Carolina Wesleyan University was placed atop the rankings with 47 total points with five first place votes, followed by the reigning USA South Regular Season Champions of Pfeiffer University with 45 total points and three first place votes.
 
The Pacers of William Peace University rank out fourth with 31 total points, with Greensboro College being selected fifth with 24 total points. Rounding out the poll is Southern Virginia University with 19 total points, followed by Brevard College with 18 total points, and Mary Baldwin University with seven total points.
 
Methodist will travel on the road for their season opener on Tuesday, September 1st, battling Barton College for a 7:00 PM first kick. The Monarchs home opener at Duggins Soccer Stadium will commence on Saturday, September 5th against Shenandoah University at 2:00 PM with USA South play beginning on Saturday, September 26th at 12:00 PM, on the road at Southern Virginia University.
 
The first round of the 2026 USA South Men's Soccer Tournament will take place on Saturday, October 31st at the highest seeds of the third through sixth regular season placements with seeds one through two on a bye. The top two squads will host in semifinals on Wednesday, November 4th, with the highest seed hosting the USA South Men's Soccer Tournament Championship on Saturday, November 7th, with all times to be announced.