The Big South Conference has released its 2026 preseason watch list, spotlighting standout players who are expected to shape the upcoming men's soccer season.
USC Upstate is represented by four of its own, each earning a spot among the conference’s top prospects.
Midfield mastery and defensive reliability
Midfielders Oscar Kelly and Henry Burt join the list, underscoring the program’s depth in the middle of the park. Their inclusion reflects a coaching staff’s confidence in the duo’s ability to control tempo and create scoring chances.
Defender Jalen Moore, who transferred from Gardner‑Webb, rounds out the Gamecocks’ representation on the watch list, while goalkeeper Jarrett Wuerslin brings second‑year experience between the posts.
A program on the rise
USC Upstate’s four honorees tie for the second‑most selections among Big South programs, a testament to the team’s balanced roster and recent recruiting successes. The recognition places the Spartans alongside the conference’s most promising squads as they prepare for a competitive schedule.
Coach praised the honorees, noting that the watch‑list acknowledgment validates the hard work put in during the offseason. With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, the Gamecocks aim to translate preseason optimism into on‑field results when the campaign kicks off.