Ryan Okerayi, a forward from Houston College of the University (HCU), has been selected for the United Soccer Coaches’ NCAA Division I Men’s Players to Watch list for the 2026 season, a distinction that marks the first time a player from the program has earned a spot on the prestigious watch list.
The announcement follows a breakout 2025 campaign in which Okerayi started 17 of 18 appearances, leading the team with nine goals and 21 total points. His performance helped HCU finish the season with an 11‑5‑3 record and advance to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament finals for the second straight year.
Okerayi’s accolades extend beyond this latest honor; he has been named to the OVC All‑Conference First Team for three consecutive seasons and was recognized as Freshman of the Year in 2023. He also topped the conference in goals, points, game‑winners and several other offensive metrics last year.
A milestone for HCU soccer
The recognition positions Okerayi as a leading candidate for the Hermann Trophy, awarded annually to the national player of the year, and underscores the growing profile of HCU soccer on the national stage.
With a career that already places him seventh in HCU history for goals and among the top ten for points, Okerayi’s trajectory suggests he could reshape the program’s record books, building on a legacy that began with his freshman breakthrough and continues to attract attention from scouts and analysts nationwide.