Men’s college soccer is all about unpredictability, where preseason predictions are often turned upside down by early-season surprises. As the Fall 2025 season unfolds, the United Soccer Coaches (USC) National Ranking stands out as the go-to measure of the weekly standings. This trusted poll, created by a panel of collegiate coaches, highlights which teams are thriving and which are struggling to find their rhythm. The latest edition, National Poll 2 for September 2, 2025, brings a major shake-up at the top, signaling a fresh twist in this season’s story.
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the latest rankings, beginning with the complete Top 25 list. It includes a detailed analysis of the top five teams, emphasizing their recent performances, standout players, and coaching strategies. The report also examines key trends in the poll, such as unexpected drops and emerging contenders. Finally, it explains USC’s ranking system, offering valuable insights into the poll’s objectives and limitations, which helps to create a clear understanding of the current landscape of college soccer.
United Soccer Coaches Men’s National Top 25
The second national poll of the season, released on September 2, 2025, reflects the outcomes of games played through August 31, 2025. The most significant development is the ascension of a new team to the top spot, displacing the reigning national champion. This shift, combined with other major movements, signals a wide-open race for national prominence. The table below presents the full list, with details on each team’s prior ranking, points, and current record.
| Rank | School | Prev | 1st Votes | Total Points | W-L-T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | 4 | 8 | 200 | 4-0-0 |
| 2 | Marshall University | 2 | 0 | 192 | 1-0-1 |
| 3 | Clemson University | 6 | 0 | 184 | 2-0-1 |
| 4 | Indiana University | 7 | 0 | 176 | 3-0-1 |
| 5 | North Carolina State University | 8 | 0 | 168 | 3-0-0 |
| 6 | West Virginia University | 10 | 0 | 160 | 2-0-1 |
| 7 | Wake Forest University | 5 | 0 | 152 | 2-0-1 |
| 8 | Virginia Tech | 12 | 0 | 144 | 2-0-1 |
| 9 | University of Vermont | 1 | 0 | 136 | 2-0-2 |
| 10 | University of Pittsburgh | 3 | 0 | 128 | 2-1-0 |
| 11 | University of Akron | 16 | 0 | 120 | 2-0-1 |
| 12 | University of North Carolina-Greensboro | 23 | 0 | 112 | 3-0-1 |
| 13 | Gardner-Webb University | 20 | 0 | 104 | 3-0-0 |
| 14 | Duke University | 9 | 0 | 96 | 2-0-1 |
| 15 | High Point University | 13 | 0 | 88 | 2-0-1 |
| 16 | Saint Louis University | RV | 0 | 80 | 2-0-1 |
| 17 | University of Kentucky | 18 | 0 | 72 | 2-0-1 |
| 18 | Utah Valley University | NR | 0 | 64 | 4-0-0 |
| 19 | Florida Atlantic University | 22 | 0 | 56 | 3-0-0 |
| 20 | University of Massachusetts | RV | 0 | 28 | 3-0-1 |
| 21 | University of Pennsylvania | NR | 0 | 27 | 1-0-0 |
| 22 | University of South Florida | NR | 0 | 17 | 2-0-2 |
| 22 | George Mason University | NR | 0 | 17 | 1-1-0 |
| 24 | University of Portland | RV | 0 | 16 | 2-0-0 |
| 25 | University of Michigan | NR | 0 | 14 | 3-0-1 |
The most striking change from Poll 1 to Poll 2 is the dramatic rise of Stanford University, which jumped from the #4 spot to claim the top position. This ascent displaced the preseason and Poll 1 leader, the University of Vermont, which fell to #9. The top five now features three teams from the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), highlighting the conference’s formidable strength in men’s soccer.
The Top United Soccer Coaches Men’s National Top 25 A Strategic Breakdown of the Elite Five
The latest United Soccer Coaches Men’s National Soccer Rankings paint a compelling picture of the early season. Stanford’s flawless record has rightly earned them the top spot, while Marshall, Clemson, and Indiana continue to demonstrate why they are perennial contenders. The perfect start for NC State showcases the immediate impact a new coach and a revitalized program can have on the national stage. The descent of the preseason favorite, Vermont, serves as a powerful reminder that in college soccer, every game and every result matters.
Looking ahead, the next several weeks will be critical. The highly competitive nature of the ACC, with four teams in the top 15 and several others receiving votes, ensures that conference play will be a crucible of high-stakes matchups. These games, along with key inter-regional contests, will continue to shape the rankings and determine which teams are best prepared for a postseason run. The race for the College Cup is just getting started, and the USC poll will continue to provide a fascinating look at the evolving hierarchy of the sport.
Stanford University
Stanford’s impressive rise to the No. 1 spot in the United Soccer Coaches Men’s National Top 25 is the standout storyline in the latest rankings. The Cardinal began the season ranked a respectable No. 13 in the preseason poll. Their subsequent undefeated start, winning four straight games with a 4-0-0 record, propelled them to No. 4 in Poll 1 and now to the top of the national standings. This rapid ascent is a clear demonstration of how a team’s on-field performance can quickly validate and even exceed its initial talent projections.
The team’s success is rooted in its potent combination of returning talent and a top-tier recruiting class. In their opening match against Sac State, Stanford’s victory was described as dominant, setting the stage for their climb. This performance was not an anomaly but a direct result of a well-balanced roster. The team returned top goal scorers Zach Bohane and Shane de Flores, whose offensive prowess provides a reliable attacking threat. On the defensive side, the presence of veteran keeper Rowan Schnebly and the Bank twin brothers, Palmer and Fletcher, gives the squad a strong foundation.
Furthermore, the addition of the nation’s number two recruiting class provides a deep pool of talent, ensuring the team’s sustained excellence. The committee’s votes reflect this, recognizing that Stanford’s flawless record against a challenging early schedule makes it the most deserving team to hold the top spot. The Cardinal’s jump from preseason No. 13 to No. 1 is a testament to the fact that while preseason rankings are a good indicator of talent, consistent, high-level performance is the ultimate determinant of a team’s true standing.
Marshall University
The Marshall Thundering Herd maintains its elite status, holding firm at the No. 2 spot with a 1-0-1 record. Their ability to stay in the top three despite a recent tie speaks volumes about the program’s perceived strength. The Herd began their season with a solid 2-1 victory over George Mason, a win that marked a significant milestone for Head Coach Chris Grassie, his 200th career coaching win. Their subsequent result was a challenging 2-2 draw with No. 12 Virginia Tech, a result that could have easily caused a drop in the rankings for a lesser program.
The fact that Marshall did not fall in the standings is a direct reflection of the USC ranking criteria, which heavily values strength of schedule and results against top opponents. A tie against a high-caliber team on the road is often viewed more favorably than a narrow victory against a weaker opponent. The coaches on the ranking committee recognize that Marshall consistently competes at the highest level, a reputation solidified by its status as the national runner-up from the previous season. The program’s defensive strength is a key component of this success, anchored by junior defender Takahiro Fujita, who was named the Sun Belt Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. This combination of a veteran coaching staff and a reliable defensive core allows Marshall to remain a formidable force, even when the win-loss record isn’t perfect
Clemson University
Clemson, a program with a storied history and four national championships, is back in the top five, climbing three spots to No. 3. The Tigers hold a 2-0-1 record, with their recent performances showcasing both offensive firepower and tactical resilience. Their 2-2 draw against a tough Indiana team demonstrates their ability to compete with another of the nation’s top programs. They followed this up with a commanding 6-0 shutout victory over UAB, a performance that highlighted their offensive depth. It is holding top 2 position in the United Soccer Coaches Men’s National Top 25 list.
The team’s success is highlighted by forward Ransford Gyan’s recognition as the Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Week. This award reflects the squad’s impressive talent, a hallmark of elite ACC programs. The ACC itself plays a crucial role in Clemson’s high ranking, being one of the nation’s most competitive leagues. The conference’s intense quality ensures that performances within it carry significant weight in national polls. Clemson’s rise, even with a tied game, showcases the committee’s acknowledgment of their tough schedule and ability to handle challenging games. The Tigers aren’t just winning; they’re competing at a level that makes them serious contenders for a College Cup run.
Indiana University
Indiana University, known for its strong tradition of excellence, climbs to the No. 4 spot in the rankings with a 3-0-1 record. Recent highlights include a 2-2 tie with Clemson and an impressive 2-0 win against No. 14 Oregon State. The Hoosiers’ consistent success is not just about their current performance but also reflects their solid reputation and stable coaching leadership.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Todd Yeagley, who is beginning his 16th season, the program has a legacy of unparalleled success. Since 2009, no other NCAA Division I men’s coach has more wins or College Cup appearances than Yeagley. His program has been a consistent pipeline for professional talent, producing an All-American in each of the last 11 seasons and 13 first-round selections in the MLS SuperDraft during his tenure. This rich history and proven ability to develop players create a self-sustaining cycle of success. The USC ranking committee’s consideration of “traditional strength of league, state and/or region” plays a significant role in Indiana’s sustained high ranking, as coaches acknowledge the program’s enduring legacy and its proven ability to compete for national titles year after year.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University makes a statement by cracking the top five for the first time this season, landing at No. 5 with a perfect 3-0-0 record. This flawless start is not a sudden surge but the continuation of a positive trajectory under Head Coach Marc Hubbard. Hubbard, who took over at the end of the 2023 season, led the Wolfpack to their most successful campaign in 30 years in 2024, culminating in a run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.
The team’s recent 2-0 win over FIU showcased their dominant playstyle, outshooting their opponents 27 to 3. Their offensive pressure is backed by a solid defense led by goalkeeper Logan Erb, who secured his third straight clean sheet in the match.
NC State’s jump to the United Soccer Coaches Men’s National top five highlights the committee’s recognition of not just the victories, but the cultural and tactical progress that makes their success sustainable. Hubbard’s philosophy of “teamwork, sacrifice, and commitment” is clearly paying off, turning the program into a genuine national contender.
The Week’s Big Stories: Movers, Shakers, and New Faces
The top five often steal the spotlight, but diving deeper into the rankings reveals some fascinating stories. The University of Vermont faced the biggest drop, falling from their preseason and Poll 1 No. 1 position to No. 9. Even with an unbeaten 2-0-2 record, two ties knocked it out of the top spot, which was claimed by Stanford’s perfect 4-0-0 start. This change highlights how tough it is to maintain the top rank, where even minor setbacks can drastically affect a team’s weekly standing.
In a different kind of movement, Utah Valley University made a significant jump, going from unranked in Poll 1 to No. 18 with a perfect 4-0-0 record. This illustrates that a strong start is the most effective way for an unranked program to gain national recognition. Similarly, other teams like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan entered the Top 25 for the first time, while Saint Louis University and the University of Portland moved from “receiving votes” (RV) to a ranked position. These new entrants demonstrate the fluidity of the poll and the committee’s willingness to reward programs for a strong start, regardless of their preseason status.
Understanding the Process: How the Rankings Are Made
To NCAA truly appreciate the nuances of the United Soccer Coaches poll, it is essential to understand the methodology behind it. The rankings are not a product of a computer algorithm but are compiled by a committee of dedicated coaches who volunteer their time. This process is divided into regional and national components.
First, the country is separated into regions, which may consist of one or several states, often aligned with NCAA-designated areas. A Regional Chair works with a network of coaches to report scores and discuss results. These coaches use their knowledge of regional teams and data from sources like the College Soccer Scoreboard to compile a regional Top 10 list. Finally, these regional insights are consolidated through a national conference call, where only coaches can vote, to determine the national rankings.
Several criteria guide the committee’s voting process. A team must have a winning percentage of at least 750 to be considered for a national ranking, with a tie counting as a half-win and a half-loss. Beyond this, the committee considers a range of factors:
- Overall win-loss percentage.
- Strength of schedule.
- Traditional strength of the league, state, or region.
- Inter-regional results.
- Other pertinent information, such as the performance of top players or playoff results.
Crucially, the USC explicitly states that its rankings are an indicator of a program’s week-to-week status and should not be used as a guide for championship selection or eligibility. The primary intent of the rankings is to promote awareness and recognize outstanding programs in men’s and women’s soccer.