Michigan State’s men’s soccer program entered the 2026 campaign under a cloud of optimism, landing at No. 24 in the United Soccer Poll and opening the season with a decisive 6‑0 victory over Albany.
Ranking and early results
The Spartans followed that performance with a second win, pushing their record to 2‑0 – the first time they have started 2‑0 since the 2023 season – and setting the stage for a doubleheader against SIUE on Aug. 27, a matchup that will also feature the women’s team.
Key contributors
Coach Damon Rensing has named Richie Ludwig, Miles Merritt and Will Eby as captains, and the trio will be joined on the field by junior defender Brandon Munson, who contributed two goals and an assist in the opener, and sophomore forward Kayden Hudson, who recorded his first collegiate goal assisted by Munson and Luke Spadafora.
Miles Merritt, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of three team captains and currently ties for the team lead in goals with four, while Munson’s three‑point haul (one goal, one assist) highlights his all‑around impact.
The Spartans have deployed six different scorers in their first two games, a depth that has helped them outscore opponents 23‑8 across the opening matches, and the coaching staff highlighted the performances of sophomore midfielder Peter Soudan, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, on the 2026 Big Ten Players to Watch list.
Schedule and Big Ten context
Upcoming, Michigan State will enjoy a five‑game homestand, with the next road test scheduled for Sept. 11 at Kansas City, while the program remains one of five Big Ten schools fielding both men’s and women’s teams ranked in the national polls.