Michigan State University Athletics
Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography
Spartan Men’s Soccer Announces 2026 Captains
8/17/2026 5:11:00 PM | Men's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Ahead of the first game of the 2026 season on Thursday, Michigan State head men's soccer coach Damon Rensing announced the Spartans' three captains for the 2026 season in Will Eby, Richie Ludwig and Miles Merritt.
"This team is a really fun group to work with. I couldn't think of a better combination of leaders, personalities and soccer talent to lead this group than Miles, Richie and Will," Rensing said. "They lead by example and with their actions. They lead with their voices and they lead with their play on the pitch."
Eby, a senior defender for Michigan State, is in his second season as a captain. He started 15 of 16 games last season. The Northville, Michigan native has scored three goals in his Spartan career. He earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team during the 2023 season.
Ludwig, a senior forward, started 15 games last season. The Clarkston, Michigan native was third on the team in points scored last year with four goals and one assists for nine points. During his three seasons at Michigan State, Ludwig has played over 3,000 minutes and scored 20 points.
Merritt is a senior midfielder who started 15 games in his first season at Michigan State. The Albuquerque, New Mexico native played two seasons at Incarnate Word. Last season, Merritt was tied for the team lead in scoring with four goals and two assists for 10 points.
MSU opens the 2026 season against UAlbany on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium.
Michigan State Soccer Ticket Membership are available for $100 for adults & $50 for youth/senior. Season tickets are on sale now online through the Spartan Ticket Office here or by calling 517-355-1610.
To purchase tickets for any Michigan State athletics event, visit the Spartan Ticket Office online at MSUSpartans.com; fans can also call the Spartan Ticket Office at 517-355-1610, or email tickets@msu.edu for questions or more information, or fans can visit the MSU Ticket Office in person, located in 1855 Place.
"This team is a really fun group to work with. I couldn't think of a better combination of leaders, personalities and soccer talent to lead this group than Miles, Richie and Will," Rensing said. "They lead by example and with their actions. They lead with their voices and they lead with their play on the pitch."
Eby, a senior defender for Michigan State, is in his second season as a captain. He started 15 of 16 games last season. The Northville, Michigan native has scored three goals in his Spartan career. He earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team during the 2023 season.
Ludwig, a senior forward, started 15 games last season. The Clarkston, Michigan native was third on the team in points scored last year with four goals and one assists for nine points. During his three seasons at Michigan State, Ludwig has played over 3,000 minutes and scored 20 points.
Merritt is a senior midfielder who started 15 games in his first season at Michigan State. The Albuquerque, New Mexico native played two seasons at Incarnate Word. Last season, Merritt was tied for the team lead in scoring with four goals and two assists for 10 points.
MSU opens the 2026 season against UAlbany on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium.
Michigan State Soccer Ticket Membership are available for $100 for adults & $50 for youth/senior. Season tickets are on sale now online through the Spartan Ticket Office here or by calling 517-355-1610.
To purchase tickets for any Michigan State athletics event, visit the Spartan Ticket Office online at MSUSpartans.com; fans can also call the Spartan Ticket Office at 517-355-1610, or email tickets@msu.edu for questions or more information, or fans can visit the MSU Ticket Office in person, located in 1855 Place.
Players Mentioned
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