CORBIN, Ky. — According to the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was released by the league office early Tuesday afternoon, the Montreat College Cavaliers are anticipated to finish their AAC regular season campaign tied for 11th place.

The Cavs earned 45 points to tie Johnson University for 11th place, finishing 15 points behind Bryan College and 15 points ahead of Bluefield University. Union Commonwealth University received 10 first-place votes and 158 points to claim the top spot in the AAC preseason poll, while Milligan University earned one first-place vote and 136 points to finish second.

Montreat wrapped up the 2025 campaign with a 5-10-3 overall record and a 4-6-2 mark in conference play.

The 2026 AAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll was voted on by the head coaches of each institution within the league. Teams received 13 points for a first-place vote, 12 for second place, 11 for third place and so on until all 13 teams were ranked. Programs were then ordered by most points received to least points received.

The Cavs hope to piece together a strong conference campaign and qualify as one of the eight teams who make the annual AAC Tournament. This year's postseason bracket is scheduled for early November at various host sites. 

AAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
School (First-Place Votes) - Total Voting Points 
1. Union Commonwealth (10) - 158 
2. Milligan (1) - 136 
3. Truett McConnell - 130 
4. Tennessee Wesleyan - 127 
5. Pikeville (1) - 113 
6. Reinhardt - 100 
7. Columbia International (1) - 93
8. Spartanburg Methodist - 76 
9. Columbia - 70 
10. Bryan - 60 
T11. Johnson - 45 
T11. Montreat - 45 
13. Bluefield - 30