INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Horizon League announced its #HLMSOC Preseason Poll results, ranking Oakland fifth in the poll.

The Golden Grizzlies are back on the rise after not reaching the Horizon League Championship match for the first time in three seasons in 2025. Oakland is reloaded in 2026, featuring a wide array of returning and new talent. Its backline returns to being one of the best units in the conference, as Zach Townsend, Jayden Pinheiro and Josh Francou all return to action after missing the majority of the 2025 season.

Championship-proven players like Andriy Bilous, Noah Roka, Miller Knestrict, Kinan Abdulrazzak, Christopher Jean Leger, Markus Wienerroither and Julian Kanzler all return in major roles for the Golden Grizzlies as well, bringing balance across the field.

Oakland's new faces are just as promising as its returners, with South Carolina and Wisconsin transfers Grant Mateer and Cal Kurzawa bringing Power Five experience, while freshmen Edouard Haineault, Ethan Clarke-Rootham, Jarrett Pechar and more bring a youthful presence to Rochester.

With a top-five offense in conference play in 2025, ranking fourth in goals (11), sixth in assists (11), third in shots (121) and first in shots on goal (51), Oakland is poised for another strong season and a return to championship glory.

See the full 2026 #HLMSOC Preseason Poll results below:
2026 Under Armour #HLMSOC Preseason Poll
Place. Team – Points
1. Cleveland State – 111
2. Green Bay – 95
3. NIU – 92
4. Purdue Fort Wayne – 89
5. Oakland – 71
6. Milwaukee – 69
7. RMU – 64
8. IU Indianapolis – 38
9. Detroit Mercy – 37
10. Northern Kentucky – 33
11. Wright State – 27