The latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 is reported to have placed South Carolina at No. 1, with all eight first-place votes. The Gamecocks are also described as the only undefeated and untied team in Division I.
That run includes victories over four ranked opponents, giving the ranking a firm competitive foundation rather than relying solely on reputation. South Carolina’s previous best position was No. 2, achieved in 1987, while this start is reportedly the programme’s strongest since 2003.
The most significant result came on 18 September, when South Carolina reportedly won away at No. 13 Old Dominion. That result helped move the Gamecocks above established programmes such as Stanford, Indiana and Ohio State in the poll.
The early schedule also included a victory over Clemson, South Carolina’s first win in the rivalry since 2014. Combined with a reported 1-0 start in Sun Belt play, the result has positioned the Gamecocks as serious conference contenders.
Coach Tony Annan is in his sixth season in charge and is only the second head coach in programme history, following founder Mark Berson. The update says Annan had not previously taken South Carolina to the NCAA Tournament, making this surge especially important.
The programme’s recent tournament record remains limited, with only three appearances since a 2010 Sweet 16 run and no qualification since 2016. The current ranking therefore raises expectations as well as attention.
South Carolina reportedly hosts College of Charleston on Tuesday before welcoming James Madison on Sunday. Those fixtures will test whether the Gamecocks can protect their unbeaten start and turn a historic ranking into a sustained season.