MIDDLETOWN, Ohio – The River States Conference announced its 2026 Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll, with IU Columbus Crimson Pride selected to finish sixth in the standings, as voted on by the league's head coaches.
The Crimson Pride, under the direction of head coach Kevin Nolan, enter their third season of competition looking to continue building momentum within a competitive conference landscape. IU Columbus posted a 6-10-1 overall record last season, including a 3-6 mark in RSC play, and will look to take another step forward this fall.
WVU Tech Golden Bears was picked as the preseason favorite, totaling 49 points and earning seven of the eight first-place votes. Rio Grande RedStorm claimed the remaining first-place vote and placed second with 43 points. Midway Eagles checked in at third with 35 points, followed by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Pomeroys in fourth (29 points) and Brescia Bearcats in fifth (25 points).
IU Columbus earned 22 points to take the sixth spot in the poll, finishing ahead of IU East Red Wolves (15 points) and Kentucky Christian Knights (7 points), who rounded out the rankings.
The Crimson Pride will open conference play on October 3 when they travel to face No. 3 WVU Tech Golden Bears.
2026 RSC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
- WVU Tech – 49 points (7 first-place votes)
- Rio Grande – 43 points (1 first-place vote)
- Midway – 35 points
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods – 29 points
- Brescia – 25 points
- IU Columbus – 22 points
- IU East – 15 points
- Kentucky Christian – 7 points
For the latest news and updates on IU Columbus Crimson Pride Athletics, visit iuccrimsonpride.com or follow @IUCAthletics on social media.
For the full poll, click here.
