Men’s college soccer is growing in popularity and size. After intense tournaments like the World Cup, Olympics, and FIFA international competitions, more and more people have tuned into both the men’s and women’s games. Male college soccer players have the opportunity to play in the MLS after college, go abroad to play in Europe, play in a semi-pro league in the United States, or pursue another career.
We think that some of these big-name transfers that are currently in the portal could have what it takes to make a pro team post-college. But first, a university will have to swoop in and choose their favorite player from the bunch if they want a stalwart defender, playmaker, or number nine to bolster their ranks before the Fall season starts.
Top Five Men’s College Soccer Transfers
Colin Welsh
Every team needs a reliable goalkeeper who has experience, athleticism, and comfortable kicking and passing with both feet. Welsh has all three. This senior goalkeeper comes from the University of Memphis and played in 36 games over three seasons, earning the starting position for three out of his four years. During his time at Memphis, he earned the All-AAC Second Team roster spot, showcasing his stand-out skills.
Now, he has just transferred to Western Michigan where he hopes to fill the big shoes of Ethan Brandt, the Goalkeeper of the Year who just graduated school.
Justin Weiss
Justin Weiss has been named @B1GSoccer Offensive Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/sUfwf41WDH
— Northwestern Men's Soccer (@NUMensSoccer) September 12, 2023
Weiss played men’s college soccer for three years at one of the biggest soccer schools in the United States, Northwestern University. He just transferred to Indiana and hopes to continue his goal-scoring prowess for his senior year to stand out and get seen by potential pro teams.
His accolades include netting seven goals and providing seven assists during his junior year, earning the All-Big Ten First Team selection for two years, and helping propel his team to a fantastic 15-4-5 record last season. Now, his recent transfer to Indiana is turning heads for the upcoming men’s college soccer season.
Gunnar Studenhofft
Welcome to the Bay, Gunnar Studenhofft!#HornsUp🤘 pic.twitter.com/1KRX6xQd00
— USF Men's Soccer (@USFMSOC) December 20, 2023
Studenhofft is a fantastic player from the Cayman Islands who spent three seasons at Manhattan College, where he earned a spot on the All-MAAC First Team his junior year, netted seven goals and provided two assists last season, and worked his way into a spot on his national team’s roster.
He just transferred to South Florida and hopes to continue scoring goals for his team during his last year of men’s college soccer eligibility.
Also Read: UEFA Deals a Blow to 2 Premier League Clubs
Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos
Rodrigues dos Santos played men’s college soccer for three seasons at Memphis, where he helped the team secure a spot in their first-ever NCAA tournament win. He provided 14 goals in crucial games for his team, made seven assists for his teammates, and rightfully earned a roster spot on the United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American list.
Now, after transferring to Marshall, he hopes to fill the gap that has been left behind by Matthew Bell who was recently drafted in the MLS Super Draft.
Joey Maher
Joey Maher was named to the TDS Team of the Week! #IUMS https://t.co/iaZuaQFir4 pic.twitter.com/5VqkDN69M5
— Indiana Men's Soccer (@IndianaMSOC) March 30, 2021
Joey Maher is the only defender on this list, but that doesn’t make his transfer any less important. This stalwart and veteran defender will soon be a graduate student at Saint Louis University after being a four-year starter at Indiana in the Big Ten Conference.
Maher amassed numerous accolades, starts, minutes, and key defensive blocks during his time in Indiana. However, he has chosen to return home to play one last season at Saint Louis for his final year of eligibility.
Saint Louis will be happy to have a player who was named in the Big Ten First Team Selection and All-North Region Team after the 2023 season.
Stay up to date with the latest men’s college soccer news before the 2024 season starts.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
