With the college season approaching, here is my preview of the IE men’s programs heading into the 2026 season.
UCR (NCAA D1)
Coach
This will be Tim Cupello’s 13th season in charge of the Highlanders. Since his start in 2013, UCR has made 8 playoff appearances, including two Big West tournament titles and 1 one Big West regular-season trophy.
Last season
The Highlanders ended the 25′ season with an overall record of 4 wins-9 losses-4 ties (2-6-1 in conference). That performance placed them 8th in the Big West and out of the postseason race. UCR also competes in a once-a-year crosstown derby match vs CBU. That matchup ended in a 1-1 tie, yet UCR has the better record against the Lancers (3-2-3).
Notable changes
A big conference shift was announced on March 30th, merging some Big West men’s programs in the PAC-12 starting this season. CBU, Cal Poly and UC San Diego, along with UCR, will be affiliate members. The announcement does not state whether the new members will be able to qualify for the playoffs. Usually, when an individual program enters a new conference, it remains ineligible for postseason play for a couple of seasons.
Opinion
It’s been 3 years since UCR made the big dance, and I started to notice Tim’s season strategy of focusing more on conference play than on the whole season consistently. What he does well is that he builds confidence with his players who later go on to play at the next level (Daniel Aguirre at Chivas de Guadalajara) or come back to help him on the coaching staff (Romario Lomeli, class of ’16). Success in individuals is his strong suit, but perhaps with the challenge of facing Pac-12 opponents, that adversity and novelty of opponents can change his seasonal approach and bring the best out of this squad.
As mentioned before, the Pac-12 website does not state whether new members are eligible for postseason play. However, I feel this season won’t be one where they will reach that threshold. On a side note, having the crosstown derby match now a conference game will be more meaningful than before.
Poll
I sent a poll to my followers asking if they think each IE college program will make the playoffs. Some of my followers are coaches and former players so they do have some weight.
| Playoffs? | Votes |
| Yes | 10 |
| No | 6 |
CBU (NCAA D1)
Coach
This is Coe Michaelson 10th season in charge of the Lancers. Since 2022, Michaelson led CBU to 4 consecutive playoffs appearances including 2 WAC conference tournament titles in 22′ and 23′ as well as the WAC regular season trophy in 25′.
Last season
Aside from clinching the playoffs, the Lancers had other notable achievements such as upsetting #20 UC Irvine 2-0 last September, then being nationally ranked #25 in October, only to be upset by Utah 2-1 in the same week. CBU fell to SJSU 2-1 after OT in the WAC postseason.
Notable changes
As mentioned before, CBU being in the Pac-12 seems like another stage in their program’s evolution from a DII program more than 10 years ago to entering DI, dominating the WAC conference, NCAA deep runs, upsetting nationally ranked teams, and being nationally ranked themselves.
Opinion
I feel what CBU has done as a program post-COVID has really shown how much of a powerhouse they are becoming in soccer. From the coaching to player recruitment, CBU has progressed to being recognized across the country.
The consistency has not stopped, and with entering the PAC-12, I feel this challenge of bigger-name programs only elevates them more with tougher conference matches. Certainly, they are more on level compared to UCR entering the new conference. Again, if there is postseason eligibility, I’m sure CBU is right up there in the top 4.
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes |
| Yes | 12 |
| No | 3 |
CSUSB (NCAA D2)
Coach
This season will be Josh Hill’s 5th season in charge of the Coyotes. Throughout his tenue since 21, he helped lead CSUSB to 3 playoff appearances.
Last season
Cal State ended the 2025 season with an overall record of 9-3-8 (4-2-4 in conference), including a 7-game undefeated streak in non-conference. That run helped them reach a national ranking of #7 in DII; they placed 4th in the CCAA standings and clinched a playoff spot. They fell to Point Loma on penalties in the playoffs.
Opinion
Having an impressive non-conference streak last season helped Josh’s players find consistency with one another. However, the CCAA playoff loss to CSUSM on penalties showed a weakness in composure during the critical moments.
In fact, a massive loss in composure led to penalties and emotions flaring up after the game, which led to a scrap in the stands with players and fans. Police were involved to restore order, and no one was charged during the incident. The cause was due to provocation by the players to one another, and fans built tension throughout the game.
While I can’t remember who started it, it’s important to keep your players calm during these situations if CSUSB ever wants to make a deep playoff run. Not to mention, the team’s lack of a PR statement addressing the situation on social media was disappointing. Being a professional in the college game is more important than playing in the adult amateur leagues, and at the very least, telling the public and apologizing for the incident (whether you started it or not) sends the message to current and future players that CSUSB has high expectations.
Even with that disappointing end to the season, I’m sure they will come back to the playoffs again. They have a great squad…… With the new addition of UC Merced to the conference, which is ineligible for the postseason, CSUSB has more chances in its favor.
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes |
| Yes | 13 |
| No | 5 |
University of Redlands (NCAA D3)
Coach
With the retirement of legendary coach Ralph Perez, the Bulldogs will now be led by Alex Ortega and assistant Simeon Steward. The new coaching staff brings a lot of East Coast and local experience to the Bulldogs program. This will be a big change to the program in more than 19 years.
Last season
The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 9-7-4 (6-3-3 in conference), placing 2nd in the SCIAC standings and clinching the playoffs for a 3rd consecutive year. They surpassed Pomona Pitzer 2-1 in the SCIAC semifinals before losing to Occidental 1-0 in the SCIAC finals.
Opinion
The biggest challenge for anyone is to bring change to something that has been going on for almost 20 years. Coach Ralph had a level of excellence and composure leading the Bulldogs for a long time. Still, Coach Alex is not a stranger to success, but as a first-year coach following up a Hall of Famer is no easy task. I expect him to struggle for the first 2-3 years, as sophomores, juniors, and seniors will adjust to a new coaching style.
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes |
| Yes | 9 |
| No | 5 |
La Sierra University (NAIA)
Coach
This will be David Trevino’s 11th season in charge of the Eagles. Last season was his most successful with the program, when they won the GSAC regular season and tournament titles.
Last season
LSU ended the 2025 season with an overall record of 14-4-1 (10-3 in conference), placing 1st in the standings and had a 9-game winning streak. They lifted the GSAC tournament title at home for the first time ever in program history vs Benedictine Mesa. Then they traveled to Indiana to face Olivet Nazarene University in the first round of the NAIA national tournament and fell 4-0 to end their dream run.
Opinion
As a collective unit, La Sierra did great, but one notable player for me was graduate student Sean Palena. Scoring 11 goals and assisting 7, he has the technical ability, game IQ, and spatial awareness that make teammates trust his abilities. Having a player like him gives the team an advantage that makes a good team better.
Most likely, he will move on in the 2026 season, but again, collectively La Sierra has a solid squad; I expect them to reach the top 3 in the GSAC.
Poll
| Playoffs? | Votes |
| Yes | 7 |
| No | 8 |
What do you think? You think all the men’s programs will do good this season?