Furman University’s men’s soccer program arrives at the start of the 2026 season as the clear preseason favorite in the Southern Conference, having secured 34 votes and four first‑place ballots in the league’s official poll.
Opening Night Showdown
The Paladins will kick off their schedule on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field, facing Clemson in a match that will be streamed live on the ACC Network, setting the tone for what many expect to be a championship‑contending campaign.
Adding to the excitement, six athletes earned preseason All‑SoCon honors, underscoring the depth of talent returning to the roster and the high expectations placed on the team’s core.
Wilfer Bustamante, who recorded eight goals and nine assists in 2025, returns with a reputation for delivering match‑winning strikes, while Diego Hernandez, the 2025 SoCon Player of the Year, brings a blend of creativity and defensive tenacity.
Midfielders Luke Hutzell and Braden Dunham contribute versatility, each amassing double‑digit goal‑assist numbers, and Ryan Wagner’s sophomore season earned second‑team All‑SoCon recognition after starting every match.
Between the posts, Ivan Horvat captured Goalkeeper of the Year honors, posting a 0.87 goals‑against average and eight shutouts, positioning him as a cornerstone of the defense.
With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars, Furman aims to translate preseason optimism into another Southern Conference title, building on a recent 16‑2‑5 record and a 4‑0‑1 conference mark.