Save 30% off on a TDS Subscription with the promo code 'college25' as the new season begins.

The Player of the Year leaderboard is a weekly list of the ten players making the best case to win the prestigious award. With the understanding that only a few games have been played, this first update is far more about recognizing the talents who have started the season well than it is predicting who will win the award come December.

More: TDS Player of the Year History | Preseason Player of the Year Favorites | Best of Men’s College Soccer Week 1

Zachary Bohane, Stanford (Newcomer)

Bohane's hot start launches him into the top ten. The senior captain scored one and assisted another versus Sacramento State, then struck the game-winner to defeat No. 3 Denver. If he keeps this form, the award is within reach.

Marcus Caldeira, West Virginia (Newcomer)

Arguably enjoying the strongest start, Caldeira has already tallied three goals and three assists in just two games. The variety stands out too, from pinpoint free kicks to instinctive flicks over the keeper and unselfish passing. The Mountaineers face a tough run of games, a prime opportunity to enhance a Player of the Year resume.

Enzo Dovlo, UNC Greensboro (Newcomer)

Dovlo opened with a brace and assist versus Radford, then a hat-trick against VCU. His five goals already match his total from last season, setting up a breakout campaign for the French forward. 

Gabriele Galluccio, Kansas City (Newcomer)

The Kangaroos have handled a brutal schedule with class, and Galluccio has been at the center, assisting three goals between the 2-2 draw with No. 7 SMU and the defeat of No. 22 Missouri State. If the Spanish midfielder can continue creating at that incredible rate, then he could become the first Kansas City star to win the Player of the Year trophy.

Ulfur Bjornsson, Duke

Bjornsson will be disappointed not to have scored yet, but his presence has helped Duke to a perfect 2-0 start, highlighted by an assist against San Diego. The Icelandic striker will have to start scoring soon to maintain his position in the top 10. 

Daniel D'Ippolito, Fordham

The New York native made his reputation as a do-it-all forward last season, and that has continued with an assist versus James Madison and a goal against Drexel. That ability to create or finish gives D’Ippolito multiple avenues to dominate a match for the Rams.

Cooper Flax, Wake Forest

Wake Forest has played just once so far, a 1-0 defeat of UCF, where Flax played 54 minutes. A relatively soft non-conference schedule will give the senior attacker an opportunity to build his resume. 

Ransford Gyan, Clemson

The Clemson staff has entrusted Gyan with a more advanced role this year, and the results have been impressive, with the sophomore scoring in both games so far. What is more impressive is the astounding number of clear-cut opportunities Gyan has created, which suggests there are games with gaudy numbers in his future. 

Maximilian Kissel, Vermont

Kissel and the defending champions have started well with two wins from two. The Catamounts have scored six goals, and the senior has contributed to half of them with one goal and two assists. Those numbers for a national contender are as clear a path to the Player of the Year trophy as any.

Donavan Phillip, NC State

With a goal versus Queens (NC) and a five-minute hat trick against Wofford, Phillip has made an early statement as the best forward in college soccer. The Wolfpack offense creates plenty, which puts the junior in an excellent position to win the award.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

TDS Men's Division l Top 25: Oct. 13

TDS Women's Division l Top 25: Oct. 13

IMG Academy Player Rankings: Girls 2028