Ole Miss Soccer is gearing up for the start of its 2026 campaign, marking the first season under new head coach Todd Shulenberger. The Rebels will open their schedule on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Oxford, facing Murray State in a match that will be the fourth meeting between the two programs, a series in which Ole Miss holds a 3‑0 advantage.
A Fresh Coaching Landscape
Shulenberger, who arrived in December 2025 after a successful stint at Washington State, brings a proven track record of developing talent and guiding teams to deep NCAA Tournament runs, including a historic College Cup appearance in 2019.
Murray State, under first‑year head coach Ben Madsen, enters the contest with a strong recent record, having finished the 2025 season with ten wins, four ties and five losses, highlighted by an unbeaten stretch of seven games to close the year.
Key Players to Watch
The Rebels will lean on a core group of returning players, including forward Katie Ramsden, who led the team in goals, points, shots and shots on goal last season, and goalkeeper Taylor Prigge, whose .750 save percentage ranked among the best in the conference.
Freshman midfielder Isabella Pontieri earned a spot on the 2026 NCAA Division I Midfielders Watch List for the Hermann Trophy, while five Ole Miss athletes — including Audrey Shackelford and Jenna Studer — made the 2026 SEC Soccer Preseason Watch List.
With 17 newcomers joining the roster, among them transfers from Washington State and high‑school signees, the team blends experienced leadership with fresh energy, aiming to extend its early‑season momentum and contend for a deep postseason run.