Houston Christian University men's soccer head coach Ryan Pratt unveiled the 2026 season schedule, marking the fourth year of competition in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The Huskies will kick off their season with two exhibition matches before hosting Jacksonville University on August 20. Coming off a strong 11-5-3 season, the team seeks to build on its recent success, having reached back-to-back OVC championship matches that ended in double overtime. Half of the 18 matches this season will take place at home, including a series of three consecutive home games to start the season.

By the Numbers
  • The Huskies finished the 2025 season with an 11-5-3 overall record.
  • HCU placed third in the OVC with a conference mark of 5-3-2.
State of Play
  • The OVC will consist of eight teams, with UTRGV replacing Liberty University for the upcoming season.
  • All teams will compete in a 10-game league schedule divided into two four-team pods.
  • The OVC Men's Soccer Championship will occur from November 8-14 in St. Charles, Missouri, hosted by Lindenwood University.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Huskies aim to maintain their top-two positioning in the OVC, which would bring playoff advantages. The team will rely on its returning players and a mix of transfers and rookies to bolster their competitiveness this season. The outcome of the early matches will be critical in setting the tone for their championship aspirations.

Bottom Line

The upcoming season is vital for HCU, as the combination of returning talent and new recruits could propel the team towards a championship title. With a solid track record in recent seasons, the Huskies must leverage home advantage and a strategic schedule to secure their position as title contenders in the OVC.