Wake Forest Takes Over No. 1 Spot in United Soccer Coaches Men's Top 25

Jonathan Turner
Sep 17
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

Wake Forest Takes Over No. 1 Spot in United Soccer Coaches Men's Top 25

Wake Forest University has climbed to No. 1 in the latest United Soccer Coaches men’s Division I rankings, moving up three spots after an unbeaten 4-0-2 start to the season.

The Demon Deacons leapfrogged North Carolina State, Stanford, Portland and former top-ranked Indiana, which dropped to No. 5 following a loss last week. NC State moved into the No. 2 position with a 5-0-1 record, while Stanford (6-1-0) and Portland (5-0-1) rose to Nos. 3 and 4, respectively.

Saint Louis, Michigan among biggest movers

Saint Louis University made the largest jump of the week, surging from No. 24 to No. 7 following a 3-1-2 start. The University of Michigan also entered the rankings for the first time this season, checking in at No. 8 after a 4-0-2 stretch that includes impressive nonconference results.

Furman (No. 15), San Diego (No. 23) and Georgia Southern (No. 25) were among four teams that broke into the Top 25 after receiving votes in previous weeks.

Teams trending down

Several programs saw notable declines. Clemson, previously No. 2, dropped to No. 14 following a pair of draws, while Gardner-Webb fell from No. 7 to No. 18 after suffering its first loss of the season. Akron slid seven spots to No. 10, and Louisville dropped from No. 6 to No. 12.

Unbeatens remain strong

Utah Valley (6-0-0), Bryant (5-0-1) and High Point (4-0-2) continue their unbeaten starts and remain in the top 20. Marshall, despite remaining unbeaten at 2-0-3, sits at No. 6 as draws have limited its ascent.

The ACC once again leads all conferences with five teams in the Top 25: Wake Forest, NC State, Duke (No. 19), Clemson and North Carolina Greensboro (No. 21).

Notable matchups ahead

This week’s schedule features several ranked-on-ranked matchups, including Wake Forest hosting Clemson, Michigan traveling to face Indiana, and Portland visiting San Diego in a key West Coast showdown.

The complete Top 25 is available at UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.

AP Top 25 - Men’s College Soccer (Sept. 17, 2025)(United Soccer Coaches Poll)