The 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament marks the 67th edition of America’s premier collegiate soccer championship, bringing together the nation’s top 48 university programs in a single-elimination battle for glory.
With defending national champion Vermont looking to repeat its historic breakthrough and powerhouse programs like Marshall, Ohio State, and Wake Forest hungry for redemption, the tournament promises exceptional competition culminating at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, on December 12 and 15.
This season showcases the beautiful unpredictability of college soccer, where emerging programs can challenge traditional dynasties and create unforgettable moments on the road to becoming national champions.
The NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament represents the pinnacle of collegiate soccer in the United States, bringing together the nation’s top university programs in a thrilling single-elimination championship.
As the 2025 season progresses, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about teams, rankings, standings, and stadiums.
2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament Format and Structure
The NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament features 48 teams competing in a single-elimination format to determine the national champion. The tournament structure includes:
- 22 automatic bids for conference champions
- 26 at-large bids selected by the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Committee
- The top 16 teams receive seeds and first-round byes
- Tournament dates: November through December, culminating in the College Cup
The selection process utilizes the Rating Percentage Index (RPI), which comprises a team’s winning percentage (25%), opponents’ winning percentage (50%), and opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage (25%). This system emphasizes the strength of schedule, accounting for 75% of the calculation.
2025 Current Rankings and Top Teams
United Soccer Coaches Poll
The current 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament rankings, as of October 05, 2025, from the United Soccer Coaches poll are:
United Soccer Coaches Men’s Top 25 Poll
| RK | Team | REC | PREV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portland | 7-0-1 | 2 |
| 2 | NC State | 7-0-2 | 1 |
| 3 | Stanford | 9-1-1 | 6 |
| 4 | Vermont | 7-0-3 | 7 |
| 5 | Bryant | 9-0-1 | 14 |
| 6 | Georgia Southern | 8-0-1 | 19 |
| 7 | High Point | 6-0-3 | 9 |
| 8 | West Virginia | 6-1-2 | 10 |
| 9 | Duke | 5-0-3 | 16 |
| 10 | UNC Greensboro | 6-1-1 | 17 |
| 11 | Michigan | 5-1-2 | 5 |
| 12 | Indiana | 7-2-1 | 3 |
| 13 | Princeton | 6-1-0 | NR |
| 14 | Georgetown | 6-2-2 | NR |
| 15 | San Diego | 6-1-3 | 11 |
| 16 | Virginia | 5-1-2 | 12 |
| 17 | Marist | 6-0-2 | 20 |
| 18 | Maryland | 6-0-2 | 23 |
| 19 | Akron | 7-2-1 | NR |
| 19 | Oregon State | 5-3-0 | NR |
| 21 | Saint Louis | 5-2-3 | 8 |
| 22 | Marshall | 3-1-4 | 4 |
| 23 | Notre Dame | 5-2-2 | 21 |
| 24 | Kentucky | 5-0-3 | 18 |
| 25 | Furman | 5-1-3 | NR |
These rankings are based on coaches’ votes and reflect team performance early in the 2025 season.
Vermont enters as the defending national champion, having defeated Marshall in overtime during the 2024 championship. The Catamounts’ remarkable 2024 season saw them capture their first-ever national title, making them the team to beat in 2025.
Rising Programs and Notable Movers
Several teams have made significant jumps in the rankings, including Virginia Tech (ranked 12th, previously unranked), High Point (13th), and Oregon State (14th). These programs demonstrate the competitive depth and parity within Division I men’s soccer.
Conference Standings and Competitive Landscape
American Athletic Conference Standings
The American Athletic Conference showcases early-season competition :
| Team | Conference | Overall | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic | 0-0 | 2-0 | 1.000 |
| FIU | 0-0 | 1-0-1 | .750 |
| South Florida | 0-0 | 1-0-1 | .750 |
| Charlotte | 0-0 | 1-1 | .500 |
Big West Conference Standings
The Big West demonstrates strong early-season performance :
| Team | Conference | Overall | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine | 0-0 | 2-0 | 1.000 |
| CSUN | 0-0 | 1-0-1 | .750 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 0-0 | 1-0-2 | .667 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 0-0 | 2-1 | .667 |
Historic Powerhouse Programs
Most Successful Programs in NCAA History
The historical dominance of certain programs shapes the tournament landscape :
| Program | National Titles | Most Recent | Notable Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 9 | 1973 | 1959-1973 dynasty |
| Indiana | 8 | 2012 | 1980s-2010s success |
| Virginia | 7 | 2014 | 1990s dominance |
| UCLA | 4 | 2002 | Multiple decades |
| Maryland | 4 | 2018 | Recent champion |
| Clemson | 4 | 2023 | Modern powerhouse |
Programs to Watch
Stanford University has emerged as a modern dynasty, winning three consecutive championships from 2015 to 2017 under coach Jeremy Gunn. Wake Forest and Maryland remain perennial contenders, boasting strong recent performances and championship pedigrees.
2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament Championship Venues and Stadiums
WakeMed Soccer Park: The Premier Championship Venue
WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, serves as the crown jewel of collegiate soccer venues and will host the 2025 College Cup on December 12 and 15.
Facility Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000 seats in the main stadium (First Horizon Stadium)
- Total Area: 150 acres
- Main Field: FIFA international regulation size (120 × 75 yards)
- Additional Fields: 7 soccer fields total, including 2 lighted practice fields
- Construction Cost: $14.5 million (original, 2002) + $6.3 million (2011 expansion)
Facility Features
The complex includes state-of-the-art amenities :
- Purpose-built soccer-specific stadium design
- Professional-grade lighting and playing surfaces
- Full-length cross-country course
- Media facilities accommodating 50+ journalists
- Athletic training areas for multiple teams
- Premium seating and hospitality areas
Historic Significance
WakeMed Soccer Park has hosted numerous College Cups and serves as home to North Carolina FC (USL Championship) and North Carolina Courage (NWSL). The venue’s consistent selection demonstrates its excellence in hosting premier soccer events.
Future Championship Venues
The NCAA has announced upcoming College Cup locations through 2025 :
- 2025: WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary, N.C.) – Men’s
- Future venues include Sacramento Republic FC Stadium and Lynn Family Stadium (Louisville)
2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament Schedule and Key Dates
2025 Championship Timeline
The tournament follows a structured progression :
| Round | Dates | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Show | November 17, 2025 | Bracket announcement |
| First Round | November 20, 2025 | 16 games, campus sites |
| Second Round | November 23, 2025 | 16 games, campus sites |
| Third Round | November 29-30, 2025 | 8 games, campus sites |
| Quarterfinals | December 5-6, 2025 | 4 games, campus sites |
| College Cup | December 12 & 15, 2025 | WakeMed Soccer Park |
The new format adjustment provides additional rest days between rounds, moving from Thursday/Sunday to Friday/Tuesday scheduling for early rounds.
Quarterfinals Schedule
Vermont Region 1
- December 5
- Portland 0–1 Furman – Portland, OR
Virginia Region 2
- December 6
- Georgetown 2-3 NC State – Washington, DC
Princeton Region 3
- December 6
- Akron 2–3 Saint Louis – Akron, OH
Maryland Region 4
- December 6
- Maryland 1–3 Washington – College Park, MD
2025 Men’s College Cup
Semifinals
- December 12
- Furman vs Washington – Cary, NC
- NC State vs Saint Louis – Cary, NC
Men’s College Cup final
- December 15
- Furman/Washington vs NC State/Saint Louis – Cary, NC
Selection Process and Qualifying Criteria
Automatic Qualification
Twenty-two conferences receive automatic bids for their tournament champions :
- Major conferences: ACC, Big Ten, Big East, American Athletic
- Mid-major conferences: Horizon League, Summit League, Patriot League
- Smaller conferences: ASUN, Big South, Ohio Valley
At-Large Selection Criteria
The remaining 26 spots are filled through an at-large selection based on:
- RPI ranking and strength of schedule
- Head-to-head results against quality opponents
- Regional performance and geographic balance
- Late-season momentum and injury considerations
Championship History and Tradition
The NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship began in 1959 with St. Louis defeating Bridgeport 5-2. The tournament has evolved from an 8-team format to its current 48-team format, reflecting the growth of collegiate soccer.
Recent Champions
| Year | Champion | Score | Runner-up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Vermont | 2-1 (OT) | Marshall | Cary, N.C. |
| 2023 | Clemson | 2-1 | Notre Dame | Louisville, KY |
| 2022 | Syracuse | 2-2 (PK) | Indiana | Cary, N.C. |
| 2021 | Clemson | 2-0 | Washington | Cary, N.C. |
Looking Ahead: 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament Predictions
As the season progresses, several storylines emerge:
- Vermont’s title defense as the first-time champions seeks to repeat
- Traditional powers like Indiana, Virginia, and Wake Forestare aiming to reclaim glory
- Rising programs such as Marshall and Pittsburgh are establishing themselves as contenders
- Geographic diversity with strong representation from all regions
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament promises to deliver exceptional competition, showcasing the best of collegiate soccer in world-class facilities. With its rich history, competitive balance, and premier venues, the championship continues to grow as America’s premier collegiate soccer event.