Kansas City, MO – The University of the Cumberlands men's tennis team continues to establish itself among the nation's top programs, earning the No. 7 spot in the 2026-27 NAIA Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the national office Friday. The Patriots move up one spot from last year's preseason ranking of No. 8, marking their seventh consecutive season appearing in the NAIA Top 25.
Cumberlands capped off its 2026 season with a 17-9 overall record, advancing to the NAIA National Championship Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. The Patriots earned the No. 8 seed in the national tournament, their highest in program history, securing an opening-round bye. UC then swept No. 9 Holy Cross (Ind.) 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals before falling 4-1 to eventual national champion Georgia Gwinnett.
The Patriots finished as runners-up in the Mid-South Conference Tournament before continuing their postseason run on the national stage. Their quarterfinal appearance marked another successful season for the program as UC continued to compete among the nation's top teams.
Cumberlands is one of two Mid-South Conference programs ranked inside the top ten, joining Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), which checks in at No. 6. Bethel (Tenn.) also represents the conference at No. 24, while Cumberland (Tenn.) and Campbellsville (Ky.) received votes.
Defending national champion Georgia Gwinnett holds the top spot after completing a perfect 25-0 season. Tennessee Wesleyan follows at No. 2, with Keiser (Fla.), Southeastern (Fla.), and William Carey (Miss.) rounding out the top five.
With another top-ten preseason ranking, the Patriots look to build on their recent postseason success heading into the 2027 spring season.
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