CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Men's Soccer Program will begin its 2026 season this weekend as the Statesmen head to Arkansas for their opening two matches of the season.

The Statesmen will travel to Searcy, Ark., to take on Harding University on Thursday, August 27, at 7:00 p.m. (CDT). The Statesmen will then travel to Conway, Ark., to face Central Baptist College on Saturday, August 29, at 6:00 p.m. (CDT).

Scouting the Statesmen

• The Statesmen have an even mix of newcomers and returners, with 16 of each and 32 total on the roster for the 2026 season.
• The Green and White are looking to prove the polls wrong as they were picked 10^th in the GSC Preseason Coaches' poll announced last week.
• The Statesmen return experience in the cage as they return senior keeper Daniel Santema. Santema returned from an ACL injury last season where he had 13 saves in three matches played.
• Senior Elijah Belk and Graduate Ajay Stewart are bringing back some experience in the midfield and attack from last season. Stewart scored two goals with an assist in six matches played. Belk logged 810 minutes in the midfield with an assist and four shots on goal.  

Scouting the Bisons

• The Bison hope to improve their season from last season with a record of 2-14-2
• Junior Nojus Grudis returns to the black and gold after leading them last year with 4 goals totaling 8 points
• Sophomore Dillon Hart returns for the back line of defense for Harding. Hart had 14 saves with 9 goals against, playing 239 minutes total

Scouting the Mustangs

• The Mustangs have already opened their season with a 1-1 tie against Ecclesia College this past Saturday in Rogers, Ark.
• The blue and white last season had a record of 5-9-2 with an appearance in the American Midwest Conference quarterfinals where they fell in penalties to Hannibal-LaGrange.
• The Mustangs are returning senior defender Clay Glomski. Glomski had a points total last season of eight with three goals and two assists.