A New Era for Ole Miss Soccer
The Southeastern Conference has unveiled its 2026 preseason watch list, and five Ole Miss Rebels have earned spots that signal both the program’s rising ambition and the influence of recent transfers.
Paxton Bock, a junior who transferred from SMU, becomes the first Ole Miss player to appear on the list. Over two seasons with the Mustangs he logged 1,048 minutes and dished out four assists, demonstrating steady growth that caught the conference’s eye.
Ava Ghoreishi arrived from Washington State and immediately made an impact. She scored her first collegiate goal against Georgia and added an assist against LMU, hinting at a dynamic offensive skill set that could reshape the Rebels’ attack.
Audrey Shackelford, also a Washington State alum, compiled eight total points in her sophomore season with two goals and four assists, earning All‑WCC Second Team recognition. Her performance has translated smoothly to Oxford, where she is expected to be a key scoring threat.
Jenna Studer brings a wealth of experience to the roster. Having appeared in 75 career matches and logged 5,055 minutes across six seasons at Washington State and Arizona, she contributed two goals and an assist in the 2024 campaign before a mid‑season injury curtailed her 2025 year.
Alena Watts, another Cougars transfer, appeared in every game of the 2025 season, accumulating 1,678 minutes on the field. She builds on 3,103 minutes from her first three years, establishing herself as a reliable defensive presence for the Rebels.
The collective presence of these athletes on the SEC watch list reflects a strategic push by Ole Miss to blend seasoned talent with fresh energy. If the early indicators hold, the 2026 campaign could mark a turning point for the program’s competitiveness in the league.