Ryan Okerayi of HCU has been named a Player to Watch for the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer season by United Soccer Coaches. He is the first player in the program's history to earn this national recognition leading up to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy for National Player of the Year. Okerayi, who helped HCU achieve an impressive 11-5-3 record last season, has consistently excelled, earning OVC All-Conference First Team honors for three consecutive years.

By the Numbers
  • Okerayi scored 9 goals and recorded 3 assists in the previous season.
  • He ranks 7th all-time at HCU with 20 career goals.
State of Play
  • HCU recently won a preseason friendly 5-1, with Okerayi scoring two goals.
  • The team is set to play another exhibition match against St. Edward's University on August 15.
What's Next

The regular season kicks off for HCU with three home games, beginning with Jacksonville University on August 20. Okerayi aims to enhance his performance further as he competes for the Hermann Trophy nomination.

Bottom Line

Okerayi's recognition as a Player to Watch underscores his talent and potential impact this season, making him a key player in HCU's pursuit of success in both the conference and national levels. His continued performance will be crucial for the team's ambitions in the upcoming season.