Michigan State will open the season with a little extra recognition attached to its name.
The Spartans landed three players on the 2026 Big Ten Men’s Soccer Players to Watch list, with senior midfielder Miles Merritt, junior defender Brandon Munson and sophomore midfielder Peter Soudan all earning spots on the conference’s preseason honor roll, the league announced Tuesday.
The Big Ten also released its preseason poll, and Michigan State was picked to finish 10th by the conference’s 11 coaches. Defending national champion Washington checked in first, with Maryland second and Indiana third.
Merritt, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is entering his second year with Michigan State after transferring from Incarnate Word. He finished the 2025 season tied for the team lead with 10 points and shared the team lead in goals with four, matching Richie Ludwig. Merritt was also one of MSU’s three captains.
Munson, a native of Spring Hill, Florida, started 11 matches for the Spartans last season and put up one goal and one assist for three points. His first two seasons have been interrupted by injuries.
Soudan, from Western Springs, Illinois, arrives on the watch list after a decorated freshman campaign. He was named the 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and also earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Last season, he tied Merritt for the team lead with 10 points, paced Michigan State with four assists and added three goals.
Michigan State begins the regular season Thursday, Aug. 20, against UAlbany at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium.
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Soares has drawn attention for the way he has carried himself in camp, while Savourys progress has stood out as the team looks for young pieces to take another step. Pretzlaff, meanwhile, is back in the mix and making his presence felt again as Michigan State evaluates how its depth chart will take shape under the new regime, with camp now offering the clearest glimpse yet at which players are positioning themselves for bigger opportunities. [Read more 🡒]