KANSAS CITY, Missouri --- United Soccer Coaches named its selection of forwards on its NCAA Division I Men's Players to Watch list for the 2026 season, with HCU's Ryan Okerayi being named as one of 28 across the country.
 
Okerayi is the first player in program history to be recognized as part of a list compiled and released by the All-America Committees. The national watch-list acknowledgement is a lead up for the prestigious Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, which is presented to the National Player of the Year at the end of the regular season.
 
USC is the world's largest association of soccer coaches, serving members at every level with education, community and recognition.
 
HCU finished 11-5-3 overall last year as the senior forward from Houston helped HCU advance to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship match for the second straight season, recording the most victories in a single season since 1990.
 
For his efforts Okerayi was named to the OVC All-Conference First Team for the third straight season to become the first player named with first-team honors three times in the same conference since Carlos Gill was a four-time first-team All-Trans America Conference selection from 1982-85.
 
He made 17 starts in 18 appearances and led the team in goals scored for the second time in three seasons, recording nine to go with three assists and 21 total points. He is seventh in career goals at HCU, one of just seven players all-time to tally 20 or more, and he also ranks fourth in game-winners and eighth in total points.
 
Last season he led the OVC in goals, points, game-winners and penalty kicks as well as shots on goal per game and shot accuracy. Okerayi was named to the OVC All-Tournament team in 2025, and was also named the Freshman of the Year in 2023.
 
The Huskies played their first preseason friendly last Friday evening, racing out to a 4-0 lead at the intermission behind two goals from Okerayi in what became a 5-1 final scoreline over Dallas Richland at Sorrels Field. HCU will play a second home exhibition on Saturday, August 15 against St. Edward's University with kick-off set for 7 pm.
 
The regular season begins with three straight fixtures on Fondren Road, beginning with an August 20 matchup against Jacksonville University.

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