PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer team was picked to finish third in the 2026 WIAC Preseason Poll which was released on Thursday afternoon by the conference.

Two-time defending champion UW-Eau Claire sits atop the preseason poll, followed by UW-Whitewater, who shared the regular season title with the Blugolds last year. After the Pioneers in third, UW-Stevens Point, UW-River Falls, and UW-Stout Polytechnic concluded the poll.

Head coach Jesse Tinney returns for his fourth season at the helm after guiding the Pioneers to a 36-11-15 mark over his first three years. Twenty-six letterwinners return, but just four starters from last year's team remain.

A pair of returners earned WIAC postseason honors a season ago, including 2025 Co-Newcomer of the Year in sophomore midfielder Roberto Salinas. Salinas made 11 starts as a freshman and recorded a pair of assists. On the backline, junior Westley Hankes is back after receiving WIAC Honorable Mention recognition. He showcased his offensive skills as well last season, scoring twice and adding two assists.

Senior midfielder Brady Harwood played over 1200 minutes across his 17 starts last season, most among Pioneers returners. He finished with one goal and two assists. Joining him in the midfield will be senior Justin Williams, who tallied three assists across 13 games played last season, and brings six goals and 14 assists across his first three seasons.

Junior defender Chase Dwinal made nine starts a year ago and will play alongside Hankes on the Pioneers backline. Sophomore forward/midfielder Caden Wits made some plays in limited action as freshman, with his nine points (three goals and three assists) the fourth-most on the team.

UW-Platteville opens the season at home on Tuesday, September 1 at 3:30 p.m. against Macalester College. The Pioneers will play just two of the final seven games of September at home before facing UW-Stevens Point in the WIAC opener on October 3 inside Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. Senior Day will take place on October 24 against UW-River Falls.