The winter update to the Club Soccer Player Rankings, presented by IMG Academy, began with a look at the current boys senior class

2026 graduates are set to head to campus at some point next year after polishing off club and high school careers.

Dive into five players from the 2026 Boys Player Rankings.

Max Steelman, LA Galaxy – No. 101

While reclassifying has become more common in women’s Division I soccer, it comes around a bit less in men’s. Enter Steelman, an 09 national team regular who signed to join Duke(m) next year. It’s not the first time the Blue Devils bagged a talented YNT player and got him into school early, as Julian Eyestone did this a few years ago. Steelman is a buzzy and dynamic winger who will have to adjust quickly in order to make an impact at the ACC program.

Yuta Phoenix, Achilles FC – No. 164

A talented and dynamic midfielder, Phoenix can play through the middle or on the flanks. Local program American has added him to its 2026 recruiting class, and it makes plenty of sense. Phoenix isn’t the most physically imposing player, though he has the on ball quality and intensity that should translate in the Patriot League soon rather than later.

Ethan Scally, Los Angeles FC – No. 175

The goalkeeper is heading East to Ivy League program Cornell with a diverse array of experience. He recently made the rankings after representing Japan at this year’s Under-17 World Cup, where he captained the team to a quarterfinal appearance. It will be interesting to see if he ends up making it to school, or if LAFC considers making a strong offer of first-team football. Or, he could even look to begin his career in Japan, as his profile is likely massive among J-League clubs at the moment. 

Andrew Ardrey, Manhattan SC – No. 179

A top talent from the ECNL, Ardrey has the profile and look of a quality college player. Currently with Manhattan SC’s, he has soft feet, an athleticism that should translate immediately, and stands at 6-foot-4. Ardrey has regularly earned ECNL postseason awards the past few seasons, and with the club season now in full focus for Manhattan SC, he should make a decision on his next stop soon.

Gavin Flickinger, Albion SC Las Vegas – No. 181

One of the top players during the fall high school season, Flickinger and former teammate Chase Stewart are two of the Top 200 players set to compete at this week’s high school All-American game. Flickinger moved from ECNL to Albion SC Las Vegas this summer, and he has scored 14 goals in 11 games while also playing high school soccer. His numbers at Coronado High School were outrageous, scoring 67 times in 25 games. That also included 25 assists. Able to play as the 9, 7 or 11, he’s slated to play at Fordham(m) next year.

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