RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Noted as one of the most improved clubs in the league in 2025, the Ouachita men's soccer squad has been voted No. 6 in the 2026 Great American Conference/Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Entering his third season as head coach, Wes Holifield's Tigers ending the year on a 5-2-1 run last season in the team's final eight games and will look to carry that momentum over into 2026. Overall, Ouachita finished at 6-9-3 in 2025, including a 4-7-1 mark in league games.

The 2026 Tiger roster includes 20 returning student-athletes, led by midfielder Andrew Castellanos, who finished his freshman campaign with first team all-conference honors and a spot on two different all-region teams.

Also back are the three leading goal scorers for the Tigers last year in Jack Langford, Philip Bolk, and Nathan Buwemi. All three scored twice in 2025.

Senior Hunter Reck returns to anchor the back line, while returners Isaac Murie and Landon Summers will vie for minutes in between the posts.

The 2026 preseason wraps up for the Tigers this Saturday on the road in an exhibition contest against Southwest Baptist. Ouachita opens the regular season with a four-game home stand, starting August 27 against Union.  

2026 GAC MEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Fort Hays State, 34 points, 4 first-place votes
Rogers State, 33 points, 3 first-place votes
Newman, 23 points
Southern Nazarene, 23 points
Northeastern State, 15 points
Ouachita, 13 points
Harding, 6 points