By OkayGoal 
The 2025 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Soccer season is set to launch on August 14. Which teams are fans anticipating will dominate the pitch? With a mix of returning champions and rising contenders, here’s a look at the top teams set to lead the division.
University of North Carolina Tar Heels
You won’t find a collegiate women’s soccer list without the reigning champions, the Tar Heels. Fresh off their 23rd national championship, UNC has been unanimously voted No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. With a solid core of returning players from their championship-winning side, they’re primed to defend their title and continue their dominance.
University of Notre Dame
Second in the poll is the University of Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish finished the last season with a strong 14-4-4 record and are widely considered to be a top contender this year with 190 points in the preseason poll (following UNC’s 200). With a talented roster and vision for success, they’ll be a serious threat in the 2025 lineup.
Florida State University
FSU is third on the list, with a history of success. They had a strong 15-2-4 record last season, and despite some major departures last year (including three-time All-American Taylor Huff, who joined Bay FC after graduating), the Seminoles are still expected to be in the national championship conversation.
Duke University
The Blue Devils, ranked No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll, will be a team to watch, especially after an impressive 18-3-1 season last year. Duke is a consistent presence in collegiate women’s soccer, and their team is always well-coached and full of talent. With a strong recruiting class, they’re poised for another successful season.
USC
Rounding out the top five is the University of Southern California. USC finished last season with an 18-1-4 record and made a strong run in the tournament, showing they have what it takes to compete with the elite. With strategic offseason transfers and a core group of returning players, the Trojans are looking to be a major factor in the national title race.
University of Arkansas
Ranked No. 6, Arkansas is a team on the rise. The Razorbacks put together a stellar 16-2-3 record last season and have been climbing the national rankings. Their blend of veterans and fresh talent makes them a dangerous opponent and a team that could easily surprise some of the top-ranked programs.
Stanford University
Despite a tough finish to their 2024 campaign, Stanford is ranked No. 7 and is a team with a championship pedigree. The Cardinal, who went 16-5-2 last year, have all the pieces to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Led by a proven head coach and a roster full of skilled players, Stanford should always be taken seriously.
UCLA
Lastly, the Bruins, ranked No. 8, are coming off a 17-4-3 season and are ready to compete at the highest level. Like their rival across the city, UCLA has a history of success and a reputation for producing top-tier talent. Their strong showing last year and consistent ability to challenge for titles make them a prime candidate to be a factor deep into the postseason.
With so much talent across the board, the 2025 NCAA women’s soccer season promises to be one for the books. From strong programs defending their legacy to new contenders making a name for themselves, the race to the College Cup is wide open. As preseason training gets underway and teams prepare for their first matches in August, all eyes will be on these top programs as they vie for the ultimate prize in collegiate soccer.
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