BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The University of Charleston was voted first overall in the 2026 Mountain East Conference Preseason Poll, the league announced on Friday afternoon. 

The Golden Eagles earned six of the first place votes, collecting 36 total points. UC finished 21-4 overall, 6-0 in conference play during the 2024-25 campaign. Charleston won both the Mountain East and NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships. The Golden Eagles concluded the season at the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, in Florida. 

West Virginia Wesleyan collected the other first place vote in the poll, followed by Fairmont State, West Virginia State, Davis & Elkins, Frostburg State and West Liberty. 

The preseason poll was voted on by the league's seven head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team. 

2026 MEC Men’s Tennis Preseason Poll
1. Charleston - 36 (6)
2. West Virginia Wesleyan - 29 (1)
3. Fairmont State - 28
4. West Virginia State - 19
5. Davis & Elkins - 18
6. Frostburg State - 11
7. West Liberty - 6

( ) – First-place votes
* Coaches unable to vote for own team