The UCLA women's soccer team was voted No. 2 in the Big Ten preseason coaches' poll. The Bruins finished third in the conference standings in 2025 and tied for third in the conference tournament after winning the tournament in 2024.

Michigan State, who finished second in 2025, is number one in the preseason poll, while defending champion Washington is third. 

Additionally, three Bruins have been selected to the Big Ten Players to Watch List - sophomore forward Leena Powell, sophomore midfielder Grace Shank and senior forward Olivia Woodson. Powell started 16 of 19 games played a year ago and totaled one assist. She is a member of the U.S. Under-19 National Team, along with Shank, who played in all 21 games in 2025 and made 14 starts while totaling one goal and one assist. Shank was selected to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Woodson, a transfer from Auburn, has scored 18 career goals and was an all-region honoree in 2024.     

2026 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Michigan State
2. UCLA
3. Washington
4. Wisconsin
5. Ohio State
6. Penn State
7. USC
8. Northwestern
9. Illinois
10. Iowa
11. Michigan
12. Nebraska
13. Purdue
14. Minnesota
15. Rutgers
16. Indiana
17. Maryland
18. Oregon