As the 2026 high school boys soccer season draws near, central Ohio programs are fine‑tuning their attacking philosophies and gearing up for a schedule that will test their depth against stronger competition.
Defending Champions and Their Offensive Blueprint
Watterson Eagles coach Aaron Linden, who has guided the team to two state tournaments, emphasizes an attack‑based approach. The Eagles return seven starters and immediately face Division I district title contenders Olentangy Orange and Pickerington North, setting the tone for a demanding early stretch.
Among the standout attackers is junior forward Jack Collaguazo of Ready. He burst onto the scene with 24 goals and four assists last season, earning first‑team all‑district and all‑state honors.
Senior forward Will Hamill from Dublin Jerome brings 23 goals and six assists to the table, ranking third in the Central Buckeye Conference for both goals and total points.
Toby Hatzifotinos of Grandview Heights is making a notable position change, moving from goalkeeper to attacking midfielder as he prepares for his senior year.
Maddox Keifer, a senior forward from Westerville Central, is expected to be a pivotal piece as the Warhawks aim to return to the Division II state tournament.
Blake Miller, a senior forward from Worthington Christian, topped his team in goals over the past two seasons and also serves as the school's football kicker.
Liam Neidenthal, a senior midfielder from Dublin Jerome, has returned from injury and opened the season with strong performances in his first two games.
Kaden Procuniar, a senior midfielder from Fairbanks, led the Panthers to their first district and regional championships last fall and will look to build on that momentum.
Tyler Sammons, a junior center back from New Albany, is slated to anchor a defensive unit under a new coaching staff.
Carter Smith, a senior midfielder from Westerville North, earned the No. 1 spot on the preseason All‑USA Ohio Top 25 list and helped his team capture its first regional title since 2012.
Calvin Spitznagle, a senior center midfielder from Tree of Life, captained the Trojans to three consecutive district championships and was named Player of the Year for his efforts.
Seth Tedla, a senior forward from Olentangy Orange, scored on half of his shots last season and played a key role in guiding the Pioneers to a Division I regional final.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, central Ohio teams are poised to make deep runs in their respective divisions, promising an exciting year of high‑school soccer.