Earlier this year, the Pac-12 announced a collaborative partnership with the Big West Conference to help strengthen competition in the West for men’s soccer. The main result of this partnership means the Pac-12 will be back for men’s soccer in 2026 with seven teams and a conference tournament starting with a semifinal round.
California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will be added as affiliate members, joining full members Gonzaga, Oregon State, and San Diego State.
Here is a quick rundown of the seven men’s soccer teams in the Pac-12 this year and some key conference matchups to watch in 2026:
Oregon State – Likely a preseason favorite, they ended the 2025 season ranked #22 in RPI and have made NCAA Tournament appearances in six straight years. This will be Head Coach Jerred Brookins second season at the helm.
California Baptist – Another Pac-12 contender, as CBU has won 10 games in four of the past five seasons and has made the NCAA Tournament twice in the past four years. Head Coach Coe Michaelson will be entering his 11th season in charge in 2026.
San Diego State – San Diego State won the WAC in 2024 and has been ranked three times in the past five years. Head Coach Ryan Hopkins enters his seventh season with the Aztecs.
Cal Poly – Head Coach Oige Kennedy has led Cal Poly to back-to-back regular season Big West titles and will be entering his fourth season leading the program.
UC San Diego – UC San Diego is led by its second-winningest coach in program history, Jon Pascale (153 wins), who will be entering his 19th season at the helm.
Gonzaga – Gonzaga will be led by Head Coach Chris McGaughey, who has earned the job full-time this season after assuming the role as an interim manager in 2025.
UC Riverside – The Highlanders are led by Tim Cupello, who will be entering his 14th season as Head Coach, and has been the most successful coach in program history.
Pac-12 Matchups to Watch:
Oregon State at San Diego State – Sep. 30
California Baptist at Cal Poly – Oct. 4
UC San Diego at UC Riverside – Oct. 7
Gonzaga vs Oregon State – Oct. 31
