ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's water polo team was picked to finish second in the MPSF East division in the preseason coaches' poll released on Wednesday.

The Vikings, who have won the title four years in a row, compiled 59 points in the poll, just one behind Johns Hopkins in the top spot in the MPSF's Eastern Division. Rhys Lomax returns as an ACWPC All-American and a three-time All-MPSF selection. Augustana finished the 2025 season with an 18-9 overall record and 7-1 in conference play. 

Auige's 59 points in the preseason poll were 14 more than third-place Austin's and 26 ahead of Connecticut in fourth. The Vikings kick off the 2026 campaign with a home contest against McKendree on Sept. 12.

2026 MPSF East Preseason Poll:
1. Johns Hopkins, 60 points
2. Augustana, 59 points
3. Austin, 45 points
4. Connecticut, 33 points
5. Penn State Behrend, 31 points
6. Washington & Jefferson, 16 points
7. Wheaton, 15 points