With the men’s college soccer season hitting its midpoint, it is time to unveil the Midseason TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Rankings. The list spotlights the some of the impact freshmen of the campaign so far, measuring their minutes on the field, statistical achievements, and, most notably, their influence on winning.

1. Junior Diouf, Grand Canyon

For context on how good Diouf has been this year, consider that he recently broke into the TDS Player of the Year leaderboard even though no freshman has ever won the award. The CSA Bergen product has combined an absurd highlight reel with 25 points (5th most in the nation), putting Grand Canyon on the brink of a national ranking.

2. Nicholas Simmonds, Virginia

As a day one starter and impact maker for the No. 3-ranked team in the nation, Simmonds has enjoyed a fruitful campaign. The statistics may not leap off the charts, but the eye test reveals a dominant force whose one-percentile combination of size, mobility, technique, and soccer IQ adds up to a near-guaranteed top-five pick come draft time.

3. Braden Dunham, Furman

Furman, ranked No. 11 nationally, is enjoying its best season in years, and the core difference maker is Dunham, a freshman center back who leads the team in minutes. Whether delivering a well-timed tackle, setting up a goal with a long throw-in, or skying for a powerful header, the Georgia native has been a marvel.

4. Jack Pymm, Stanford

The Cardinal have relied on several underclassmen this season, and Pymm has been the most impressive as a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal. There is no denying that the Connecticut native has quickly become an indispensable asset to a College Cup contender. 

5. JoJo Elliott, Delaware

The Delaware Blue Hens are enjoying one of the best seasons in program history, and Elliot, an in-state product, is shining in goal. His shot-stopping and distribution have made him one of the best in the country. Those talents and that rapid impact have made the Philadelphia Union product a top-five freshman.

Check out the rest of the top 100 here.

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