Michigan State University Athletics
MSU’s Miles Merritt Named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
10/2/2026 2:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer
MSU's Miles Merritt Named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State men's soccer senior midfielder Miles Merritt was named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List on Friday. The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer and is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female players of the year.
Merritt is the first Spartan to be named to the Watch List since Jonathan Stout was named to the preseason Watch List in 2024. Giuseppe Barone and Patrick Nielsen were named to the Hermann Watch List in 2019. Prior to that, Ryan Sierakowski was honored in 2017. Goalkeeper Avery Steinlage was named to the watch list in 2010. In 2014, midfielder Jay Chapman was named a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, becoming the first Spartan in school history to achieve the feat.
A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Merritt is in his second season with Michigan State coming from Incarnate Word. Merritt is the heart of the Spartan midfield that has been stellar this season, as MSU stands 7-1-1 this season. He has two goals and two assists for six points.
Merritt is one of six players from the Big Ten named to the list along with Washington's Harry Bertos and Zach Ramsay, UCLA's Shakir Nixon, Ohio State's Isaiah Chisolm and Indiana's Oliver Moller Jensen
The 2026 midseason watch list was compiled by members of the Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List Committee. A total of 15 players will be named 2026 Hermann Trophy semifinalists on December 4 at the conclusion of NCAA Division I All-American voting. From that list, head coaches will cast votes, and three players will be named finalists. The 2026 recipient will be announced January 8, 2027, in a ceremony at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, Mo.
The No. 8/7 Spartans will travel to UCLA on Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. ET.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State men's soccer senior midfielder Miles Merritt was named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List on Friday. The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college soccer and is presented annually to the most outstanding male and female players of the year.
Merritt is the first Spartan to be named to the Watch List since Jonathan Stout was named to the preseason Watch List in 2024. Giuseppe Barone and Patrick Nielsen were named to the Hermann Watch List in 2019. Prior to that, Ryan Sierakowski was honored in 2017. Goalkeeper Avery Steinlage was named to the watch list in 2010. In 2014, midfielder Jay Chapman was named a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, becoming the first Spartan in school history to achieve the feat.
A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Merritt is in his second season with Michigan State coming from Incarnate Word. Merritt is the heart of the Spartan midfield that has been stellar this season, as MSU stands 7-1-1 this season. He has two goals and two assists for six points.
Merritt is one of six players from the Big Ten named to the list along with Washington's Harry Bertos and Zach Ramsay, UCLA's Shakir Nixon, Ohio State's Isaiah Chisolm and Indiana's Oliver Moller Jensen
The 2026 midseason watch list was compiled by members of the Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List Committee. A total of 15 players will be named 2026 Hermann Trophy semifinalists on December 4 at the conclusion of NCAA Division I All-American voting. From that list, head coaches will cast votes, and three players will be named finalists. The 2026 recipient will be announced January 8, 2027, in a ceremony at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, Mo.
The No. 8/7 Spartans will travel to UCLA on Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. ET.
Players Mentioned
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