FHSU Athletics
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The third-ranked Fort Hays State men's soccer team has been picked to defend its GAC/MIAA conference championship, with the Tigers sitting atop the 2026 preseason coaches poll announced Wednesday (Aug. 19).
The Tigers secured four of six possible first-place votes, collecting 34 points in the balloting process. Sixth-ranked Rogers State was listed atop the remaining three ballots, finishing one point behind with 33. The Tigers defeated the Hillcats four times in 2025 - twice in the regular season, once in the conference championship game and once in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinal.
Led by head coach Alex Nichols, the Tigers reached new heights in 2025, hitting the 20-win plateau for the first time with a mark of 20-1-3. Last year's squad claimed FHSU's fourth regular season conference title, its third conference tournament championship and reached the national semifinals for the second time.
The 2026 squad will look significantly different on the field, with the Tigers returning just five players from last season. Three returners were all-conference selections last season, including All-American goalie Payton Roehrich, second team forward Juan Linares and honorable mention defender Oliver Wright. Coach Nichols bolstered this year's roster with 30 newcomers, including 17 transfers and 13 freshmen.
The Tigers open the 2026 season next Thursday (Aug. 27) when they host 13th-ranked Rockhurst at 3 p.m. FHSU will play nine of its 18 regular season matches at home, including a September 17 date with No. 6 Rogers State to open conference play.
2026 GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer Coaches' Poll
1. Fort Hays State (4) 34
2. Rogers State (3) 33
t3. Newman 23
t3. Southern Nazarene 23
5. Northeastern State 15
6. Ouachita Baptist 13
7. Harding 6
NOTE: Coaches could not vote for their own squad.