Trojans on the Rise: Trevecca Men’s Soccer’s Record-Breaking Season Reaches the NCAA Tournament

What a season it has been for the Trevecca Nazarene University men’s soccer team.

Picked eighth in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll, the Trojans have rewritten the program record books in 2026. They finished the regular season 12-1-2 overall and 7-1-2 in league play, sharing the GSC regular-season title with Auburn Montgomery—the first conference championship in program history and Trevecca’s first Gulf South title in any sport. They climbed as high as No. 7 in the United Soccer Coaches national poll, set a program record with 14 wins, and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time.

Head coach Danny Leavy, in his 18th season and named GSC Coach of the Year, captured the emotion after the regular-season clincher against West Alabama: “I’m so glad I got to be a part of the greatest night in the history of Trevecca men’s soccer.” That night sealed the top seed in the conference tournament and a share of the title.

The postseason brought both triumph and heartbreak. Trevecca advanced through the GSC quarterfinals and semifinals before falling 3-2 to West Alabama in the championship match after leading 2-0 at halftime. Senior midfielder and team leader Jack Franklin played a central role throughout, earning First Team All-GSC honors and a spot on the All-Tournament Team. He scored in the tournament, including a key goal in the final, and provided the assist on Chris Douglas’s early strike that night. Franklin’s steady presence in midfield—combining creation, timely finishing, and leadership—helped define this group’s identity.

Despite the conference final disappointment, the Trojans’ body of work earned them a place in the 40-team NCAA field. Seeded fourth in Super Region 2, they will host fifth-seeded Francis Marion (16-4-2) in the second round on Sunday, November 15, at 3:00 p.m. CT at the Trevecca Soccer Pitch. It marks the first time the NCAA men’s soccer tournament comes to the Hill.

This is a special group. Chris Douglas set Division II-era program marks with 20 goals and earned Offensive Player of the Year. Goalkeeper Hunter Walker took Defensive Player of the Year honors with program records in wins and solo shutouts. Multiple players earned All-GSC recognition. From preseason expectations to national rankings and now a home NCAA date, the turnaround has been remarkable.

Nashville, this team has given everything. They have competed with grit, skill, and belief.

Come out this Sunday and fill the stands. Cheer loud. Support the players who have put Trevecca soccer on the national map. The Trojans have earned this moment—now let’s help them make more history right here at home.

Kickoff is 3 p.m. Sunday, November 15, at the Trevecca Soccer Pitch. Purple Reigns.