KANSAS CITY, Mo.— Eastern Oregon University Men's Soccer remains in the national spotlight, receiving votes in the 2026 NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll following a historic 2025 campaign. The Mountaineers finished the season undefeated in regulation, captured the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Championship, and earned an automatic berth in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.

Eastern Oregon posted a 13-0-6 overall record and went 10-0-2 in CCC play during its record-setting 2025 season. Head Coach Jessy Watson enters his seventh season at the helm, returning 13 players while welcoming 20 newcomers and graduating 12 players from last year's squad.

Five starters return to anchor the Mountaineers, including CCC Defender of the Year Jacob Russell, defender Armando Castro, All-Conference Honorable Mention midfielder JJ Gallardo, All-Conference Second Team forward Henry Lopez, and All-Conference Second Team center back Rene Prieto.

Eastern Oregon will look to fill several key departures, including CCC Goalkeeper of the Year Anthony Lemus, All-Conference First Team selection Marcos Bravo, and All-Conference Second Team selection Pablo Cardenas-Sanchez.

The Mountaineers welcome four freshmen and 16 transfers to this year's roster. Among the newcomers expected to make an impact are center back Jason Ortiz, midfielders Christian Samayoa and Jeff Jaimes, and striker Davyd Fedina.

Eastern Oregon opened its preseason with two scrimmages and will play one more preseason contest next weekend before beginning regular-season play. The Mountaineers officially open the 2026 season on Sept. 3 on the road against Indiana Tech.