The 13 Players Scouts Must Know from the Michigan 2026 Class

The Prep Soccer Michigan Boys 2026 Rankings have been updated this week. The Michigan rankings reflect the most recent scouting of this class. To learn more about the rankings process, <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/">click here</a>.    With this update, we have moved some of the players who are focused on other sports out of the rankings.    There is only one player in this update with a verbal commitment at this point. There are a couple of other Michigan-native players who are verbal commits, but they play for MLS Academies out of the state so they are included in other state rankings.    The new top ranked player in this class is [player_tooltip player_id='12292' first='Drew' last='Rensing'] who returned to the [program_tooltip program_id='276681' first='Michigan' last='Wolves'] recently after spending some time with St. Louis City's Academy. The midfielder has been expectational in recent games at the MLS Next level.    Check out a scouting report on some of the top upside players in this class are below.     [program_tooltip program_id='276681' first='Michigan' last='Wolves'] U17 went 8-1-1 during the first half of the MLS Next season and Rensing was a major reason why they've experienced the success at the start of the campaign. The attacking midfielder immediately stood out for his passing. He's a sharp passer with a good first touch. He's the type of player who immediately stands out as someone who looks like they can play at a much faster level. He shows all the trademarks of a player who will be playing at the highest level for a long time. Although his passing is his strength, it's his defensive instincts that makes him the most impactful. He's a willing contributor in the press and shows good strength in the duel. Rensing has been outstanding for Wolves this season in MLS Next.      Hickson is a center forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='276681' first='Michigan' last='Wolves'] U17 MLS Next team. He has emerged as an elite finisher in this class. Quick feet, darting runs, and shifty in tight spaces, Hickson's game shows shades of Matthew Roou, the Notre Dame standout. I believe he is just scratching the surface though. Hickson's soccer intelligence is similar to Roou in the timing of his runs and finding the gaps between the two center backs. He's got top qualities for the next level.      Bielecki is a defender on the [program_tooltip program_id='276681' first='Michigan' last='Wolves'] U17 MLS Next team. He can play outside back or center back. Right back is likely his position for the college level. The versatility is certainly a strongpoint of his player profile. He shows a high-level soccer intelligence as a defender. He is rarely out of position and does an excellent job as a 1v1 defender. He is calm and confident on the ball and can break pressure with his ability to progress the ball off the dribble. Bielecki's recent play showed his versatility and quality as a defender.      Faraj is a winger on the [program_tooltip program_id='276681' first='Michigan' last='Wolves'] U17 MLS Next team. He's a highly effective player at the MLS Next level. He's right footed, but capable playing on either side of the formation. He's got great close control and the ability to take on any defender on the wing with his dynamic qualities on the ball. Faraj is creative in the final third. He's a good finisher and excellent crosser.     Santos is a left-footed midfielder for [program_tooltip program_id='276691' first='Midwest' last='United'] U17 MLS Next. He's five-foot-10 with good skill, strength, and excellent vision. Watching the Midwest game film, Santos stood out for his play on the ball. He's a 360-player. He doesn't force the pass in the direction he is facing, but surveys his options quickly and does well in keeping the ball for his team. When he is playing in an advanced role, he's a creative passer and contributed a few assists in recent games.      Dipres is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='276691' first='Midwest' last='United'] U17 MLS Next team. He is also part of the Dominican Republic National Team. He has previously played for MLS Academy teams, New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati. He's an imposing force on the field. Strong on the ball and good playing with his back to the goal, Dipres is one of the best center forwards in the state. He's been a consistent scorer at the MLS Next level in a variety of ways. He's shown the quality to suggest he will be an impact player at the next level.      Meyer is a goalkeeper on the [program_tooltip program_id='276679' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars'] U17 MLS Next team. He had a couple of outstanding games during the MLS Next event in December in Southern California. Previously one of our top ranked goalkeepers, Meyer continues to impress with his shot-stopping abilities. He's six-foot-five with a long wingspan and strong hands. The potential is obvious with Meyer.      Zou is a forward/midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='276679' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars'] U17 MLS Next team. He's a silky smooth player who dazzles on the ball. With quick feet and brisk decision-making, he's one of the key players of the Jaguars attack. He showed his quality during the MLS Next event. Whenever he was on the ball, he just bursts past defenders and created separation with his first touch. Zou has the on-ball skill and soccer smarts to be a top attacking talent in this class.      Mohamad is a center back on the [program_tooltip program_id='276679' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars'] U17 MLS Next team. He's our top ranked center back and defender for this class. The six-foot-two center back had an excellent showing in California during the MLS Next event. He's moves his feet well and never gets caught on his heels. He shined with his 1v1 defensive abilities. He matched up against bruising forwards as well as speedy wingers. He can try to do too much at times on the ball - in terms of dribbling too far up the field, but his athleticism lets him get away with it at the MLS Next level. It's an aspect of his game that will need to improve before he starts at the next level.      Kadiu is a midfielder/forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='276692' first='Nationals' last=''] 08 ECNL team. He was named to the ECNL All-Conference First Team last season. He's a tall midfielder with exceptional vision and passing. He comes from a soccer family which shows up with his soccer intelligence. He's been a top player on one of the best teams in the ECNL for some time.      Xu is a midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='276680' first='Vardar' last=''] U17 MLS Next team. He's five-foot-11 and right footed. He is a playmaker from the defensive midfield role. He likes to be on the ball with the chance to spring the attack with a swift strike of the ball. Xu impressed with his heads up play and knack for checking his shoulders before receiving the ball. He has all of the trademarks of a player who will continue to be a standout for a long time.      Kilpatrick is a defender/midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='276692' first='Nationals' last=''] 08 ECNL team. He's a standout on his high school team as well - earning All-State honors. Kilpatrick is a fascinating player to scout. His play at the ECNL level was strong enough to earn him a spot on the All-Conference First Team. He has that type of quality as a center back. His play for his high school was outstanding as well - in a defensive midfield role. I think his future is center back at the Division I level. He's a fierce competitor and the type of player that makes a team better with his leadership.      Addai is a six-foot-two center back from the [program_tooltip program_id='276691' first='Midwest' last='United'] U17 MLS Next team. He's a physical defender who uses his body well in duels. He is good in aerial duels too. Addai can ping a pass with accuracy over range. He's comfortable with the ball at his feet and shows good instincts with distribution. He brings elite physical and soccer traits to the center back position.

The Prep Soccer Michigan Boys 2026 Rankings have been updated this week. The Michigan rankings reflect the most recent scouting of this class. To learn more about the rankings process, click here.