Men's Midseason Top 100 Freshmen

by TopDrawerSoccer

October 21, 2024

The TDS Midseason Freshman 100 is out, ranking the 100 best players in what may be the best freshman class in NCAA history. Dean Boltz of Wisconsin leads, followed by a long list of superstar rookies redefining what it means to be an impact maker.

Dean Boltz, Wisconsin - The U19 MLS Next MVP carried his form straight into college soccer, beginning his career with seven goals and three assists in four appearances. His goal-scoring touch may have cooled of late, but it is hard to argue there has been a more impactful freshman in the country so far.

Tate Johnson, North Carolina - Showcasing maturity far beyond his years, Johnson has seamlessly slotted into the back line of one of the best teams in college soccer. Since serving a one-match suspension from a red card on his collegiate debut, the Florida native has played all but 23 minutes and has a legitimate case as the best left back in college soccer.

Niklas Soerensen, Pittsburgh - The Panthers have been one of the teams to dominate this season, and their star Swiss center-back has been at the forefront. Soerensen has hardly put a foot wrong despite playing in a high line with intense ball-playing requirements. With the freshman defender in the line-up, Pittsburgh looks like a College Cup team. Without him, they can lose to an unranked California team.

Tate Lampman, Georgetown - From one highly rated freshman center back to another, Lampman deserves high praise as someone who has yet to miss a minute for one of the best teams in the country. The Hoya offense has sputtered for most of the season, but the team has thrived thanks to Lampman and a defense that has kept as many clean sheets (8) as goals conceded (8).

Ransford Gyan, Clemson - The goal contributions have only recently started to appear, but do not be fooled, the two-time Gatorade National POTY is having an outstanding season. Whether winning penalty kicks for the team, beating several defenders to release a teammate, or creating opportunities that did not register on the stat sheet, Gyan has been one of the focal points of another stellar Clemson season.

Check out the rest of the top 100 here.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten