Kentucky men's soccer breaks into Top 25 national poll following undefeated start

Kentucky men’s soccer is off to a terrific start in 2025.

The Wildcats opened this season with a pair of wins, first beating a ranked Western Michigan team on the road 2-1 before returning home and taking down Bellarmine 1-0 a few days later. Thanks to the 2-0-0 early-season record, Kentucky has gone from unranked to being considered among the country’s best. The United Soccer Coaches slotted the ‘Cats at No. 18 in this week’s rankings update, which was released Tuesday afternoon.

Kentucky will look to keep the positive momentum going next week when the UCLA Bruins come to the Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington for what will be the second of five straight home games. Kickoff is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 1, at 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Week 1️⃣ @UnitedCoaches Men's Rankings ⚽️#NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/nVuUt7MoKV

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 26, 2025

Newcomer Alex Ruiz was excellent in his Kentucky debut against Western Michigan, scoring both goals for the Wildcats. UK won the possession battle against the Broncos, 57-43, while holding WMU to only two shots on goal. In Kentucky’s win over Bellarmine, it was transfer Joaquin Brizuela who saved the day with the lone goal of the match. Again, Kentucky won the possession battle, 64-36, as goalkeeper Sebastian Conlon recorded his first clean sheet as a ‘Cat.

Kentucky women’s soccer also remains undefeated

The other soccer program on campus is having just as much success early on. Although the Kentucky women have yet to break into the top 25 national polls, the Wildcats are off to a 4-0-0 start, including three shutouts. UK most recently took down Detroit Mercy 2-0 on Sunday, which marked the fourth straight home game in the midst of a nine-game home stretch.

Up next for the Wildcats will be a showdown with Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday at the Bell Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network+.