SMU men’s soccer adds eight newcomers and gets Owen Zarnick back, giving Kevin Hudson a deeper, tougher roster ahead of a loaded 2026 home slate in Dallas.
DALLAS - SMU men’s soccer isn’t quietly filling out its 2026 roster. Kevin Hudson is stacking it with size, versatility and enough proven production to make the Mustangs considerably more dangerous.
SMU announced eight summer additions of five freshmen and three transfers while also confirming the return of veteran defender Owen Zarnick through a medical hardship waiver.
Combined with seven players signed during the spring, the Mustangs have assembled an incoming group ranked among the nation’s best by TopDrawerSoccer.
Zarnick’s return could be the biggest development of them all.
The experienced defender has started 46 matches for SMU and contributed to 22 clean sheets during his career.
He started the first eight games of last season before suffering an injury, cutting short what was expected to be his final college campaign.
He also showed some scoring punch in 2024 by producing four goals.
Now, he’ll get another shot to anchor a rebuilt back line.
Freshman center back Sam Cunniffe arrives after posting seven goals and four assists for the U19 Boston Bolts.
Ryder Balch was named District 4-6A Defensive Player of the Year at Byron Nelson High School, while 6-3 Max Sauceda brings three MLS Next National Academy Championship All-Star selections.
Sam Miller adds positional flexibility after earning Oregon First Team All-State honors and scoring 21 high school goals.
Joseluis Villagomez may be the most intriguing newcomer after being named the 2025 ECNL Conference Player of the Year.
He also scored five goals in three matches during the 2026 ECNL Championship.
That’s a lot more than defensive depth. It’s a collection of defenders who can help create goals.
The transfer additions provide immediate college experience.
Central midfielder Tweneboa “Bingo” Kodua started all 17 matches for Oral Roberts last season and logged 1,454 minutes.
Dunes Nielsen scored five goals with one assist at Utah Tech while earning Second Team All-WAC recognition.
Goalkeeper Micah Ramirez could also push for immediate playing time after making 104 saves for Western Illinois in 2025. His 4.60 saves per game ranked 25th nationally.
Hudson now has options at nearly every level of the field. He can rely on experienced transfers, develop a highly decorated freshman group and welcome back one of the program’s most dependable defenders.
SMU opens the season against Stetson on Aug. 20 and will play 10 regular-season matches at Washburne Stadium.
The Mustangs didn’t merely add bodies. They added competition and nobody’s starting job should feel completely safe.
