Kingston, R.I. – Rhode Island was picked to finish eighth in the Atlantic 10 Preseason Coaches Poll, released by the league Monday.
In voting amongst the league's head coaches, the Rams were picked to finish tied for eighth along with Saint Joseph's, with each team collecting 68 points. The Rams were one point shy of seventh-place Loyola Chicago.

Defending A10 champion Saint Louis topped the poll with all 13 first-place votes and 169 total points. Last season the Billikens made a run to the NCAA College Cup semi-finals. Dayton and George Mason round out the top 3 with 146 and 136 points, respectively.

This is the highest preseason poll position for Rhody since 2023 when they were picked to finish sixth. The Rams return a key core of players from last season including forward Theo Harris who co-led the team with 12 points, as well as midfielders Tiago Barriguinha, Everson Goglia, goalie William Synnestvedt, and defenders Brett Schwab and Maksim Kalina.

URI finished last season 4-8-5 overall and 2-3-3 in league play, missing the conference tournament by one spot.
Rhody opens its 2026 campaign on the road against Stonehill on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 4 p.m.
 
2026 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Saint Louis (13) - 169
2. Dayton – 146
3. George Mason – 136
4. Fordham – 132
5. VCU – 120
6. Davidson – 106
7. Loyola Chicago – 69
T-8. Rhode Island – 68
T-8. Saint Joseph's – 68
10. Duquesne – 58
11. La Salle – 50
12. St. Bonaventure – 32
13. George Washington - 29