The NCAA season is back, and this might be the best time to identify who we think are some of the top players in college soccer this year. The NCAA has proven to be an important stepping stone for player development in North America, with countless players breaking into MLS and other professional leagues. Clubs are beginning to take steps to ensure that no player in college is missed, with many scouts from MLS clubs keeping very close tabs on player’s performances. From freshmen to well-known seniors, the calibre of players in the league seems to get stronger and stronger each year. Let’s take a look at 15 notable players that we’ll be keeping an eye on this year.
Lineker Dos Santos – Marshall University
Lineker finished the 2023 NCAA season with 14 goals and 5 assists in 19 matches for Memphis University. Since then, he has made a transfer to Marshall University where he looks set to continue to put up absurd numbers in front of goal. Lineker was named a player to watch for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best player in NCAA. The forward plays with flare as you would expect from a Brazilian winger, and if he can continue his sharp finishing this year, he certainly has the potential to push on beyond the NCAA.
Alex Harris – Cornell University
Alex heads into his sophomore year with Cornell as an under the radar, but still highly rated prospect. In his first college soccer season, he made 15 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists. Alex was previously named as the Gatorade Player of the Year while still in high school. Alex is a dynamic forward that has a strong ability to drive forward and be direct on the dribble. Not only can he pick out a shot from outside the box, but he also puts himself in dangerous positions inside the box to score classic ‘poacher’ goals.
Lucca Dourado – University of Central Florida
A pure #9, Lucca Dourado enters his senior year with University of Central Florida having scored 37 goals in his college career. Our scouts have coined his style of play to be similar to that of Segio Augero, a balanced striker that can take players on, make runs in behind, hold up the ball, and finish from any area in and around the penalty box. The Brazilian striker is one of the most electric forwards in the league and we are sure that he will consistently find the back of the net again this year.
Sachiel Ming – Syracuse University
A freshman with Syracuse, Sachiel is a shifty winger who demonstrates his creativity game after game with his crafty moves to play out of pressure. His explosiveness and agility allow him to excel in wide areas. Ming is more of a creator rather than a goalscorer, providing precise crosses and line-breaking passes and has a mindset to always play forwards. Ming has also recently represented the Bermuda National Team. He started Syracuse’s opening game of the season and we’re confident that he’ll continue to impress throughout the entire season.
Sam Sarver – Indiana
During his time at Columbus Crew SC Academy, he played in 55 matches with 44 starts and scored 44 goals. He also competed with the U17 U.S. Youth National Team. The former black & gold academy player was recognized as a United Soccer Coaches Player to Watch, and he is currently on this year’s Hermann Trophy watch list. This summer, he was named the NPSL young player of the season. He is a hard work tempo forward with a knack for scoring goals. Additionally, he is known for his positive personality.
Ransford Gyan – Clemson University
A player that first caught our eye while playing with Cedar Stars U19s in MLS Next, Ransford is an elite player that can play anywhere across the front three or in midfield. Named Gatorade Player of the Year, Ransford is a tricky attacking-minded player with blistering pace that can change the direction of a game in an instant. Ransford plays with a sense of confidence that he can take any player 1-on-1. It will be interesting to see if Ransford can replicate his game at the college level, where the physicality will certainly be higher than at the MLS Academy level.
Nick Fernandez – University of Portland
Nick is a highly ranked player from the University of Portland. He played for Chicago City in the USL 2 and is considered to be a top-ranked player in his position for the upcoming draft. Last season, he won the WCC Midfielder of the Year award, becoming the first Pilot to ever win this award. He played in 15 matches with 13 starts, scoring two goals and providing seven assists. Nick is known for his technical abilities and his skill in one-on-one situations. His most exciting attribute is his ability to transition within games at a high intensity. He contributes equally to both offence and defence, making him a valuable asset for success at the next level.
Marco Silva – Marshall University
Marco Silva had a notable record of 7 goals and 5 assists in 17 appearances last year from midfield. Marco is a very technical player that combines his elegance on the ball with intelligent decision making. His decision making is often not even on the ball, but instead utilising open space on the pitch. The former Philadelphia Union Academy player plays in midfield but is heavily involved in his team’s attack, as Marco is more than capable of making penetrating runs from deep.
Ask Ekeland – Boston College
A 6’3” midfielder from Norway, Ekeland is a key player for Boston College. His physical prowess fits naturally in the style of play often found in NCAA Soccer. Boston College, Ekeland played for Duquesne, and now after 38 NCAA matches he has scored 22 goals. His prolific scoring rate is remarkable considering he often lines up on the pitch in central midfield, although he is capable of playing in higher positions. In addition to his goal-scoring threat, his calmness and composure on the ball allows him to slow the game down and dictate the tempo of the match.
Zach Bohane – Stanford
Last Year, Zach Bohane was drafted by the Philadelphia Union. He possesses a keen soccer intelligence and a powerful left foot that results in numerous goals and assists. He is highly proficient in taking set pieces, whether for deliveries or scoring. Additionally, he excels at creating scoring opportunities and consistently endeavours to move the ball into the penalty area. He was ranked #1 on Topdrawer Preseason player rankings. As he aims to lead Stanford to an NCAA National title, it will be interesting to see if the Union believe he will be prepared to make the leap to the next level after this season.
Sam Williams – University of North Carolina
At just 19-years-old, Sam Williams already has 37 appearances at the professional level in USL Championship where he played with New York Red Bulls II. That is a remarkable feat for a teenager in the NCAA. Sam is a very strong central midfielder that excels defensively. He is a reliable and durable player that is capable of putting up consistent performances at the highest level. In addition to his background at the pro level, Sam was also invited to the USA U19 National Team. There are not many players in college soccer that can boast a resume such as Sam’s.
Aleksandar Vukovic – Marshall University
A 6’4” left-footed center back, Aleksandar immediately fits the profile of an in-demand position at the pro level. Vukovic imposes his presence in the defensive line with his physicality, athleticism and commanding style of play. Not only is he defensively sound, but can also be a threat offensively, specifically on set pieces. Vukovic boasts excellent range of passing paired with composure on the ball that allows him to play out of the back under pressure. Previously with UC Riverside, Vukovic made the transfer to Marshall University and will be a key player to watch in college soccer this year.
Josh Jones – Louisville University
Josh Jones returns to Louisville after being selected in the MLS SuperDraft last year in round two by Real Salt Lake. Standing 6’2” tall, Josh is a physical beast in the backline. Josh is a highly intelligent player with a keen ability to read the game. Instead of forcing himself into challenging defensive situations, he anticipates plays and intercepts attacks early, allowing him to avoid needing to go to ground in duels. Josh is another defender on this list that excels in offensive set pieces and frequently finds himself putting balls into the back of the net from crosses.
Mohamed Cisset – Pennsylvania State University
Mohamed Cissé is a 20-year-old left-footed center back at Penn State. Cissé has been called up to the Under-23 Mali National Team, and he has started two friendly games for Mali against Japan and Uzbekistan. Most recently, he was also called up to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with Mali. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Mohammed is 6ft tall and is expected to be a key player in Penn State’s backline this year. The Mali native will definitely be a player pro scouts look out for, as he can keep up physically with any player and does not rely solely on his athleticism to dictate his game. His composure and on-the-ball skills differentiate him from others in his position, which is why he can also play in the #6 role.
Chimere Omeze – Syracuse University
Chimere’s ability to advance the ball and break lines both on the dribble and by playing passes in second-to-none. Having already played for Canada’s Youth National Team, his versatility allows him to drive forward and contribute in the attack while still remaining a key piece to Syracuse’s backline. He scored a goal from a set piece in the opening week of games for Syracuse, setting the standard for his potential right from the start.
Isaac Nehme – Denver University
Known as one of the top goalkeepers in NCAA, Isaac has recorded 41 starts in his college career, only conceding 34 goals. Quite remarkably, he has kept a shutout in nearly 50% of all games he has played in NCAA. Isaac has had numerous opportunities to train with Colorado Rapids’ first team and represented the USYNT in his youth.
John Tyler Harms – Indiana University
JT Harms is a formidable presence in goal that frequently pulls out game-changing saves. Standing 6’1” tall, Harms is not on the taller side of goalkeepers, however he makes up for it with his excellent reaction times and acrobatic dives. He ranks amongst the top NCAA goalkeepers with an impressive 0.78 goals against average. A Columbus Crew Academy product, Harms has Ederson-esque passing range and is very comfortable playing under pressure.
Trace Robert Alphin – Wake Forest University
A 6’2” goalkeeper that has also been named on the 2024 United Soccer Coaches Goalkeepers to Watch List. A product of North Carolina FC’s Academy, Trace has experience training with the first team in USL as well as FC Helsingor, a Danish Second Division side. The 2002-born goalkeeper could certainly be a player that is on the radar of Scouts towards the end of the season with the MLS SuperDraft.
Zac Kelly – Michigan State
Zac Kelly, a player based in Lansing, is an All-Big 10 goalkeeper. He has been recognized by the United Coaches’ preseason Players to Watch list. Kelly is one of only six goalkeepers nationwide to be included on this list. Last season, Kelly started all 16 games for the Spartans and ended the year with the third-lowest goals-against average. His strong mental skills are a key factor in his game and contribute to his success as a top goalkeeper in the NCAA.
Blake Kelly – Notre Dame
The Kelly family has a tradition of producing top-notch goalkeepers. Blake Kelly, who plays as a goalkeeper at Notre Dame, is Zach Kelly’s brother. Blake, a former RSL academy player, has already participated in 13 games in MLS Next Pro, despite being only 18 years old. As a freshman, he aims to become a starter for the recent NCAA College Cup Finalist. He remains calm under pressure, is comfortable with his feet, and plays well with the backline.
