JACKSON, Tenn.- Ahead of the 2026 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer season, the GSC has released the preseason poll and All-Conference selections as determined by the head coaches. The conference also released a Newcomers to Watch list. Lewis Harding, Simeon Betapudi, and Niclas Peranitsch were featured in that list.

Harding comes to Union from across the pond and is a frosh forward from Wakefield, England. Betapudi is a graduate transfer to Union from Belmont University. He was named Male Graduating Student Athlete of the Year. Before undergrad, he prepped at Memphis University School. Peranitsch is another transfer from Georgia Gwinnett College. During his time as a general, he helped his team to a CAC Conference championship and a trip to the NAIA National Quarterfinals in 2025.
 
In the preseason poll, Union took the ninth-place spot. AUM led the pack, followed by Mississippi Christian and Christian Brothers.
 
Steven Cox returns to Smith Memorial for his 10^th season with the Bulldogs, alongside newly promoted Associate Head Coach, Christian Young.
 
The Bulldogs kick off nonconference play in Arkadelphia against Ouachita Baptist (8/27). GSC play begins on September 12 at Mississippi Christian University.
 
Fans can enjoy free admission to all home games thanks to the generosity of FirstBank.
 
To keep up with the squad, follow @uuathleticsms on Instagram and Twitter.
 
-UNION-