The new men’s college soccer season is upon us, which means the return of the TDS Player of the Year Leaderboard, a weekly tracker of who is in play for the highest individual honor in college soccer. Last season saw Junior Diouf of Grand Canyon become the first freshman to receive the honor, but now in professional soccer, the crown is wide open. Here are the ten favorites for the TDS Player of the Year trophy ahead of the 2026 season.

Mitchell Baker, Georgetown

Baker is on top of the world right now, capping off his senior debut for the Indonesia national team with a hat trick versus Cambodia. When the towering striker returns to campus, he will undoubtedly be full of confidence, ready to lead a potential College Cup run for the Hoyas. If the goals flow as they have this summer, then Georgetown could have yet another TDS Player of the Year on its hands.

Harrison Bertos, Washington

Not only a lockdown center back, but Bertos also scored five goals last season, none bigger than the golden-goal game winner in the national final. San Diego FC drafted the senior in the aftermath but will return for one final college season, hopefully leading the Huskies to a successful title defense. If he can produce another dominant season, then the award could be headed to the Massachusetts native.

Jeremy Francou, Kansas City

From four goals as a sophomore to 11 and three assists as a junior, Francou has already shown gradual improvement. Then he embarked on a jaw-dropping summer campaign, scoring 18 to lead Vermont Green to the USL 2 title. If the French forward can return to Kansas City with the same form, he could be receiving the award come December.

Ransford Gyan, Clemson

Gyan started last year on fire, then faded as did Clemson in the second half. The two-time Gatorade National POTY is a technical genius, boasting a feel for the game that is unmatched at this level. If the Tigers can achieve more success as a team, then the award could be headed to Gyan.

Diego Hernandez, Furman

After captaining the Paladins to the College Cup semi-final, Hernandez came close to winning the TDS Player of the Year trophy last season. Most of the stars from that run are back, and the brilliant Texas native will again lead the charge. Another season of similar success would likely be enough to win the trophy.

Daniel Lugo, High Point

After transferring from North Carolina, Lugo enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, scoring 14 and assisting five in 20 games. Lethal forwards like the Florida native are game-changing, and the Panthers will again look to him to provide in the biggest moments. If High Point can come close to the College Cup, then the TDS Player of the Year trophy is in play.

Stephane Njike, Indiana

Enrolled at his fourth school in three seasons, Njike is an enigma on and off the field. What matters is the French forward is arguably the best 1-v-1 player in the nation, a dream addition for an Indiana team that had an uncharacteristically poor season last year and has since reloaded. If the forward can repeat his match-winning impact from Maryland, then the highest individual honor in college soccer could be his.

Diego Rosas, Portland

The 2025 WCC Midfielder of the Year carried that momentum to the summer, helping Vermont Green to the USL 2 title as a creative force. Portland will again count on the Texas native to be a dynamic force, something he has now proved he can do at every level. If the Pilots live up to their potential as College Cup challengers, then Rosas will likely win the TDS Player of the Year trophy.

Andrew Samuels, Princeton

Undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the country, the 6-foot-5 shot stopper recorded more clean sheets (13) than he conceded goals (7) last year. While his performances fueled a top 10 national ranking and an Ivy League double, Princeton was unable to make a deep postseason run. That is something the California native must help correct to become the second goalkeeper ever to win the TDS Player of the Year trophy.

Ryan Zellefrow, North Carolina

Zellefrow is a winner, end of story. Whether it is helping Vermont to the national title in 2024 or leading Vermont Green to back-to-back USL 2 national titles as the 2026 final MVP, the Pennsylvania native has stepped up when needed most. Look no further than the hat trick he scored in the latest USL 2 semifinal, or his championship winning penalty kick to understand what the attacking midfielder can do in the biggest games. The question now is if Zellefrow can produce that same success for a stacked North Carolina roster.

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