KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Fresh off winning the 2025 National Championship, Western Michigan is right back at the top of the national polls to begin the 2025-26 season.

The preseason USCHO poll was released Monday afternoon, with WMU garnering 921 points and 29 first-place votes to lead the way. This is WMU's highest preseason ranking in program history. Boston University (907 points), Michigan State (877), Denver (840) and Penn State (820) rounded out the top five. 

The NCHC had eight teams ranked or receiving votes. Miami was the lone conference team to not be recognized in the initial preseason poll. 

The Broncos are coming off a historic season, winning a program-best 34 games. Outside of winning the National Championship, the Brown and Gold also captured the Penrose Cup and NCHC Frozen Faceoff title. Western Michigan enters the 2025-26 campaign on a 10-game win streak. 

The Broncos open the season with a home exhibition game against the USNTDP on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6 PM. The regular season opener is set for Thursday, Oct. 9 against Ferris State. Puck drop is slated for 7 PM at Lawson Arena.