NC State Climbs to No. 1 in United Soccer Coaches Men’s Poll

Jonathan Turner
Sep 23
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

NC State Climbs to No. 1 in United Soccer Coaches Men’s Poll

North Carolina State University has claimed the top spot in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top-25 men’s soccer rankings, continuing its unbeaten run with a 7-0-1 record. The Wolfpack rise from No. 2 to No. 1 after another strong week that has cemented their place among the nation’s elite.

Shuffling at the Top

Portland (5-0-1) moves up two places to No. 2, while Indiana (6-1-1) climbs to No. 3. Marshall (3-0-3) and Michigan (5-0-2) round out the top five. Stanford, which had held the No. 3 position, slides back to sixth following its first loss of the season.

Vermont (6-0-3), Saint Louis (4-1-3), High Point (5-0-2), and West Virginia (5-1-1) complete the top 10, with West Virginia making a notable jump from No. 13 last week.

Biggest Movers

San Diego made the biggest leap of the week, vaulting from No. 23 to No. 11 with a 6-1-2 record. Virginia also surged back into the poll at No. 12 after receiving votes last week. Bryant (No. 14) and Gardner-Webb (No. 15) continue to climb, each standing at 7-0-1 and 7-1-0 respectively.

Wake Forest, which previously held the No. 1 ranking, slid to No. 13 after suffering its first setback of the season.

New Faces in the Top-25

Four programs break into the rankings this week:

Connecticut (No. 22, 6-0-3)
Maryland (No. 23, 5-0-1)
Bucknell (No. 24, 4-1-2)
George Mason (No. 25, 3-2-1)

These newcomers replace several teams that dropped out after struggling in recent weeks.

Teams on the Rise

Georgia Southern’s 6-0-1 start has carried the Eagles up to No. 19, while Marist and Notre Dame also earned national recognition, entering at No. 20 and No. 21. Kentucky (No. 18) and UNC-Greensboro (No. 17) also made upward moves, both continuing unbeaten stretches.

Looking Ahead

With the season entering its critical mid-season stretch, the rankings reflect a wide-open national picture. From the ACC dominance of NC State and Virginia, to surging mid-majors like Bryant and Gardner-Webb, the Top-25 is brimming with parity.

Next week’s slate features several key matchups, including Stanford’s clash with UCLA and Michigan’s test against conference rivals, both of which could further shake up the rankings.