NEW ORLEANS – Three Sun Belt Conference men’s soccer players received preseason recognition by United Soccer Coaches on its Players to Watch lists ahead of the 2026 campaign.
 
The 2026 Sun Belt Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, West Virginia forward Pablo Pozos is one of 29 forwards nationally to be recognized, while Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Takahiro Fujita at UCF was one of just 20 defenders honored at his position.
 
A 2026 Preseason All-Sun Belt Team pick, Kentucky’s Agustin Lopez was among 32 midfielders selected nationally.
 
The 2026 regular season kicks off Thursday, August 20 with all 10 Sun Belt teams in action against non-conference opponents.
 
The lists are compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2025 who are scheduled to return for the 2026 season. For the United Soccer Coaches’ full release with all Watch List honorees, visit here.
 
2026 United Soccer Coaches Men’s Players to Watch (Sun Belt):
 
Defenders
Takahiro Fujita, UCF
 
Midfielders
Agustin Lopez, Kentucky
 
Forwards
Pablo Pozos, West Virginia