BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vanderbilt soccer was picked first in the 2026 SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the conference announced Thursday morning.
The Commodores step into the role of conference favorites following a historic 2025 season. Picked sixth in last season’s coaches’ poll, the Dores won seven of 10 conference games, earning a No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament before winning the final via penalty shootout against LSU.
After reaching the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time in program history, the squad returns 80% of last season’s goals and assists production. SEC Forward of the Year Sydney Watts returns, as does All-SEC midfielder Courtney Jones.
The top-picked Dores play at home three times in the month of August, beginning with the season opener against SMU on August 12 at 7 p.m. Both season and single-match tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. The Black-Gold intrasquad is this Saturday, August 1, at 6 p.m. The event is free to the public and will include a post-game clinic and autograph session.
SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Vanderbilt
2. Arkansas
3. Georgia
4. (tie) LSU
4. (tie) Tennessee
6. South Carolina
7. Texas
8. Florida
9. Alabama
10. Oklahoma
11. Auburn
12. Texas A&M
13. Kentucky
14. Mississippi State
15. Ole Miss
16. Missouri