A New Recruiting Landscape for Ohio State Men’s Soccer
Ohio State’s men’s soccer program is entering a new recruiting era, fielding a roster that blends seven transfers, seven freshmen and six international athletes. The mix reflects a broader shift as coaches seek talent beyond traditional pipelines.
Among the newcomers, senior forward Will Arnesen arrives from Copenhagen, having transferred from Old Dominion in 2025. He cites the chance to pursue both athletic competition and academic goals as a key factor in his decision.
Midfielder Cole Evans, a product of the FC Cincinnati Academy, also chose Ohio State, drawn by personal ties to Ohio and the program’s developmental pathway. His background illustrates the growing influence of MLS Academy teams on college soccer.
Balancing Competition and Education
Coaching staff members Matt Foldesy and head coach Brian Maisonneuve stress that competition level remains the primary evaluation metric, even as the pool of prospective players expands through the transfer portal and global scouting.
The resulting squad includes veterans such as defender Joel Demian and goalkeeper Luke Laramore, as well as other MLS Academy alumni like Nyle Waugh and Aaron Hurge, underscoring how developmental leagues are shaping collegiate rosters nationwide.