PITMAN, NJ - The two-time defending champion Rowan men's soccer team is the favorite in the New Jersey Athletic Conference as the Profs were picked first in the 2026 NJAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Rowan Men's Soccer Season Preview
 
The Profs garnered six first-place votes from the NJAC coaches to finish ahead of Montclair State. Rowan is coming off its second consecutive NJAC Championship while it reached the NCAA Third Round in 2025.
 
Rowan enters the 2026 season ranked #12 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason National Poll, after finishing last year with a 17-4-4 record and a #12 ranking.
 
"We return a solid core of players and will add several new players who can make an immediate impact.  The returners will be the foundation of the team and will look to continue the success that the program has had over the past few years," said head coach Scott Baker, now in his 13th season at his alma mater. "Our newcomers, who consist of elite level freshmen and transfers, will provide a new and exciting look for the Profs. Our coaching staff is confident in the talent, work rate, and character of our 2026 Roster."

Among the top returnees for the Profs are defenders Greg Ferreira and Luke McNamee, as well as midfielder Christian McGillen and forward Carill Asanji. Baker welcomes a large group of newcomers into the fold led by transfers Evan Vilaboy (Marist), Aaron Zhao (Chicago State) and Korey Philpot (Elon). 

TCNJ is picked third in the poll followed by Stockton and first-year conference member New Paltz. Rutgers-Camden is sixth, followed by Rutgers-Newark, William Paterson, Kean and Ramapo.
 
Rowan gets the season underway on Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m. by hosting rival Stockton in a rare non-conference matchup. Tickets for the opener and all Profs' matches are available now at the Rowan Box Office on HomeTown Ticketing. Fans are encouraged to purchase online in advance to streamline the entrance process.