Wake Forest men鈥檚 soccer has welcomed Oliver Kurnik, a talented midfielder from Orange County SC, to its 2026 roster. Kurnik honed his skills training with the first team at the USL club, showcasing his potential alongside former Wake Forest players. His impressive background includes playing with the San Diego Surf ECNL and City SC MLS NEXT programs, all of which have prepared him for college-level competition. Head coach Bobby Muuss expresses excitement about Kurnik's abilities, particularly his vision and playmaking skills. Additionally, Kurnik is not just an athlete; he graduated as salutatorian from Oasis High School, continuing a family tradition of athletic excellence.

By the Numbers
  • Kurnik made his debut in a 3-0 victory against Laguna United in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
  • He joins a top-10 2026 recruiting class that includes notable players like Henry Rosenfeld and Nolan Tinsley.
Yes, But

While Kurnik's experience with a professional club is impressive, transitioning from the USL Championship to NCAA soccer can present challenges, requiring adjustments to the college game speed and style.

State of Play
  • Wake Forest is actively recruiting, with Kurnik being the latest addition to a strong class for 2026.
  • The team is preparing for the season with Kurnik and other recruits expected to contribute significantly.
What's Next

Kurnik is poised to integrate into the Wake Forest program, where he will train ahead of the 2026 season, potentially becoming a key player in their lineup.

Bottom Line

Oliver Kurnik's addition to Wake Forest signals the program's commitment to building a competitive team, combining technical skill with a strong academic background, setting high expectations for his collegiate career.