SAN RAMON, California — The Pac-12 Conference and The Big West jointly announced today a collaborative men’s soccer partnership designed to strengthen and sustain Division I men’s soccer opportunities across the western United States.
 
As part of this strategic partnership, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will compete as affiliate members in Pac-12 men’s soccer beginning with the 2026–27 season. In addition, the Pac-12 and Big West will implement a scheduling collaboration featuring crossover matches between member institutions of both conferences.
 
This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving competitive opportunities for student-athletes and ensuring long-term sustainability for men’s soccer programs across the region.
 
Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly Quote
“This partnership represents what can happen when conferences work together with purpose,” said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. “Our shared goal has been clear — protect opportunities for student-athletes, preserve Division I men’s soccer in the West, and ensure our institutions continue to have meaningful access to NCAA championship pathways. This collaborative approach reflects the strength of our partnership with the Pac-12 and our collective commitment to the future of the sport.”
 
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould Quote
“The Pac-12 is proud to partner with the Big West on this important initiative,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. “By working together, our conferences are ensuring stability for men’s soccer programs across the region and maintaining strong competitive opportunities and postseason access for our student-athletes. This collaboration and partnership advances our goal of supporting competitive and viable Olympic sports.”

Men’s Soccer Notes from the Pac-12 Pitch

• Oregon State recently played for the national championship in 2023
  • The Beavers have made six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and seven appearances in the past eight seasons.
  • Head coach Jerred Brookins is entering his second year in charge of the program after spending the previous two as an assistant in Corvallis
• Gonzaga is led by head coach Chris McGaughey, who was the interim head coach in 2025, and had his interim tag removed in November
  • The Bulldogs tallied their most points in five seasons in West Coast Conference play under McGaughey, while also boasting an MLS SuperDraft selection and 10 all-academic selections
• San Diego State had a banner year in 2024, which saw them win the WAC regular season title and finish 7-0-1 in WAC play, en route to WAC Coach of the Year honors for Ryan Hopkins
  • The Aztecs have been ranked in the Top 25 three times in the past five seasons
• California Baptist has won 10 or more matches in four of the past five seasons under head coach Coe Michaelson, including 2025
  • The Lancers last made the NCAA tournament in 2023, where they reached the second round
  • Have made the NCAA tournament twice in the past four seasons.
• Cal Poly won each of the past two regular season titles in the Big West (2024 and 2025)
  • The Mustangs are led by Oige Kennedy, who will enter his fourth season in San Luis Obispo in 2026-27
• UC Riverside most recently made the NCAA tournament in 2022 and are led by Tim Cupello
  • Under Cupello’s guidance UC Riverside won The Big West regular season titles in 2014 and 2022, as well as The Big West Conference Tournament in 2018 and 2022, resulting in NCAA Tournament berths
• UC San Diego most recently made the NCAA tournament in 2019 and is led by the program’s second winningest coach, Jon Pascale (153-109-57 in 18 seasons)