Even though we're only three weeks into the 2026 soccer season in Greater Cincinnati, there has been constant action, a few surprising results and some parity as traditionally strong teams have struggled while new contenders have emerged.
Here is the first boys soccer team power ranking of the season.
All records and stats are updated through Sept. 1.
10. Mariemont Warriors (3-1-1)
The Cincinnati Hills League title always comes down to the end with several quality programs. Mariemont has had the best overall start of the group and started league play with a 2-2 draw at Madeira Sept. 1. Mariemont has solid wins over Seven Hills, Ross and Grandview Heights. The Warriors have been doing well despite the loss of standout attacker Aidan Gross, who has not played yet this season.
Senior Santino Serger has six goals and senior Henry Brown four.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Cincinnati Christian (Sept. 5), vs. Taylor (Sept. 8).
9. Talawanda Brave (6-0)
The only unblemished team in the rankings, Talawanda hasn’t had the most impressive schedule but has been impressively dominating to the tune of an aggregate score of 34-1 in six games. Senior Noel Albarran has 13 goals and three assists. Junior Ryder Hicks has four goals and seven assists. The Brave should get a big test at also undefeated Franklin next week.
Upcoming schedule: at Reading (Sept. 3), at Franklin (Sept. 8)
8. Ryle Raiders (6-2)
Traditional Northern Kentucky power Ryle has won five straight after two close losses to strong downstate teams. The Raiders have beaten Simon Kenton 4-1 and Campbell County 3-0 last week. Cooper Neace leads a balanced offense with three goals and three assists. The Raiders have a marquee match this week against defending state runner-up Covington Catholic, who will look to prove they belong in the rankings.
Upcoming schedule: vs. CovCath (Sept. 3), vs. Henry Clay (Sept. 8)
7. Summit Country Day Silver Knights (3-1-2)
Like last year, the reigning DV state champions face a brutal schedule and don’t worry about having an impressive record heading into the postseason. They have outscored foes 12-3 so far this year. Senior Austin Fry has five goals and senior Harlan Smith four.
Upcoming schedule: at Loveland (Sept. 8)
6. Elder Panthers (3-2-1)
The Greater Catholic League-South is a bit muddled at the moment and things will start to round into shape when they start playing each other next week. Elder has had the best start of the group with wins over Badin and McNicholas leading the resume. Senior Carson Prewitt has three goals and three assists.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Sept. 5 (Highlands), at St. Xavier (Sept. 9)
5. Mason Comets (2-2)
Mason, which has won seven of eight Greater Miami Conference titles, is adjusting to graduation losses from last year. The Comets have played one league game, routing Princeton 5-0, then beat a usually strong Upper Arlington program, 2-1.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Colerain (Sept. 3), at Moeller (Sept. 5), at Middletown (Sept. 8)
4. Turpin Spartans (4-0-1)
The Eastern Cincinnati Conference is always tight and comes down to the wire with several teams in contention. So far, this year looks to be no different. Turpin started league with a 1-1 draw against Kings, and has solid wins over McNicholas, Walnut Hills and Oak Hills. The Spartans suffered heavy graduation losses but have not missed a beat. Senior Sam Harding has eight goals and two assists.
Upcoming schedule: at Winton Woods (Sept. 3), vs. Covington Catholic (Sept. 8)
3. Anderson Raptors (4-0)
The Raptors are off to a 2-0 start in the ECC with wins over Loveland and West Clermont, and have shutout wins over McNick and St. Xavier. Senior Brady Dorko has two goals and three assists, and the Raptors have three shutouts in four games with junior Jackson Lee in goal.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Lebanon (Sept. 3)
2. Kings Knights (4-0-2)
The 2025 Division II state runner-up Knights took a lot of graduation losses but have not missed a beat. Senior Keith Hiridson has three goals and one assist. The Knights have that 1-1 draw with Turpin, and have also drawn Elder 1-1. They beat reigning Division V state champ Summit Country Day 1-0 and also have solid wins over Wyoming and Oak Hills.
Upcoming schedule: at Milford (Sept. 3)
1. Fairfield Indians (5-0-1)
The Indians have been the best in the GMC so far, beating Beavercreek, Lakota West and La Salle along the way. Senior Mekhi Waters leads the offense with six goals, and the team has allowed three goals.
Upcoming schedule: at Lakota East (Sept. 3), vs. Hamilton (Sept. 8)
On the radar
Badin, Covington Catholic, East Central, Georgetown, Highlands, Madeira, Milford, Moeller, Seven Hills, Sycamore, Wyoming
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: See which teams made the initial 2026 boys soccer power rankings
