RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference unveiled the 2026 Preseason Soccer Coaches Poll on Thursday, where the Bulldogs landed second.

The Dawgs matched Harding with three first-place votes but were narrowly edged out in the poll by one point, with Ouachita Baptist right behind for third.

This is the first time since 2023 that SWOSU has garnered a top-two spot in the preseason poll. That year, they earned the four seed in the GAC, falling to Oklahoma Baptist in the GAC Semifinals.

Last season, the Bulldogs went 11-5-3, while going 7-2-3 inside conference play. After securing the two seed in postseason play, they were knocked out by Ouachita Baptist in the GAC Tournament. Their 11 wins represented the most since the 2021 campaign. Six All-GAC selections from 2025 return this season, highlighted by GAC Newcomer of the Year and First Team selection Saoirse Hourigan.  

The 2026 season will start at home against Colorado Christian on August 27 at 4:00 at the SWOSU Athletic Complex, before going on the road to face St. Edward's on Aug. 30th. GAC play will start on September 16th at 5:00 p.m. vs. Oklahoma Baptist at home.

Full Preseason Poll Results

1. Harding - 31 (3)
2. SWOSU - 30 (3)
3. Ouachita Baptist - 29 (1)
4. Northwestern Oklahoma State - 24
5. Southern Nazarene - 13
t6. East Central - 10
t6. Oklahoma Baptist - 10