Rice University Athletics
Owls Picked Third in American Soccer Poll; Three Named to Watch List
7/31/2026 9:59:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HOUSTON – The Rice soccer team was selected third in the 2026 American Conference Coaches Preseason Poll, the league announced Friday morning. Jadyn Jaeger, Lilly Reuscher and Dayo Tennyson were all named to the American Watch List.
The Owls are coming off 10-4-6 (3-2-5 American) season, reaching the American Conference Championship game. Rice secured its sixth 10-win season in seven seasons under Head Coach Brian Lee.
Jaeger is coming off a stellar freshman season, where she was named the American Conference Freshman of the Year. Jaeger collected two goals and five assists for nine points during the 2025 season. She had the game-winning goal against Grambling State and had four assists during conference play, including on the game-winning goal against Temple.
Reuscher was an All-Conference Third Team selection last year, contributing to five shutouts by the Owl defense. Her efforts earned Second Team All-Region honors and Reuscher has now been named to the Preseason Watch List in consecutive seasons. Reuscher's freshman campaign earned a spot on the American All-Freshman Team, starting in all 20 games for the Owls.
Tennyson started in all but one of Rice's games last season, where she tallied two assists as a defender. Tennyson was named to the American Conference All-Tournament Team after helping Rice's defensive line allow just one goal over the team's three games.
2026 American Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
Note: (First-place votes)
The Owls are coming off 10-4-6 (3-2-5 American) season, reaching the American Conference Championship game. Rice secured its sixth 10-win season in seven seasons under Head Coach Brian Lee.
Jaeger is coming off a stellar freshman season, where she was named the American Conference Freshman of the Year. Jaeger collected two goals and five assists for nine points during the 2025 season. She had the game-winning goal against Grambling State and had four assists during conference play, including on the game-winning goal against Temple.
Reuscher was an All-Conference Third Team selection last year, contributing to five shutouts by the Owl defense. Her efforts earned Second Team All-Region honors and Reuscher has now been named to the Preseason Watch List in consecutive seasons. Reuscher's freshman campaign earned a spot on the American All-Freshman Team, starting in all 20 games for the Owls.
Tennyson started in all but one of Rice's games last season, where she tallied two assists as a defender. Tennyson was named to the American Conference All-Tournament Team after helping Rice's defensive line allow just one goal over the team's three games.
2026 American Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
| 1 | Memphis (10) | 100 |
| 2 | UTSA | 80 |
| 3 | Rice | 73 |
| 4 | South Florida (1) | 71 |
| 5 | Tulsa | 63 |
| 6 | Charlotte | 58 |
| 7 | ECU | 52 |
| 8 | UAB | 45 |
| 9 | North Texas | 28 |
| 10 | Florida Atlantic | 25 |
| 11 | Temple | 10 |
Note: (First-place votes)
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, March 09
Saturday, December 04
Thursday, December 02