Mississippi State University’s women’s soccer program has placed four of its players on the SEC preseason watchlist for the 2026 season, a recognition that underscores the team’s blend of returning talent and fresh faces.
Watchlist Selections
The selections include senior forward Laila Murillo, midfielder Hailey Johnson, utility player Kyli Switalski and veteran forward Ashley Tutas, each of whom will look to contribute to a squad that has embraced a new coaching direction.
Heading the program is first‑year head coach Kevin O’Brien, who arrived with a reputation for developing versatile lineups and now oversees a roster that features 19 newcomers, among them ten transfers, reshaping the team’s dynamics.
The Bulldogs opened their campaign with two exhibition matches, dropping a 2‑0 decision to Memphis before securing a 2‑0 victory over Southeastern Louisiana, a game in which Switalski found the back of the net.
Their non‑conference slate comprises seven contests, six against teams outside the Power 4, highlighted by a showdown with Power 5 opponent Oklahoma State on August 27, while a road trip to face LSU and a home meeting with Tennessee are also slated.
After finishing seventh in the SEC last year and being projected as low as 14th by league coaches in July, the Bulldogs are aiming to translate their preseason optimism into tangible results on the field.