KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United Soccer Coaches announced its 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Defenders to Watch List for the upcoming season. Drake's
Eskil Gjerde was included on the USC watch list as one of the potentially premier defenders in 2025.
A 6-foot senior from Egersund, Norway, Gjerde was named the Missouri Valley Conference Co-Midfielder of the Year last season alongside Missouri State's Tyler Caton. He was also included on the All-MVC First Team and received another honor from the United Soccer Coaches in All-West Region Second Team status.
Gjerde started all 14 of his 2024 appearances and cashed in on two goals and an assist for five total points. He made 17 total shots with nine on target.
The USC Watch Lists are compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2024 who are scheduled to return for the 2025 campaign.
"Entering the 2025 season, these previous honorees represent some of the best at their positions," said Ralph Polson, Senior College All-America Administrator. "As pre-season training opens, we are pleased to recognize these outstanding student-athletes from our member schools. I would like to thank Jennifer Rockwood, DI Women's All-America Chair, Ryan Hopkins, DI Men's All-America Chair, and their respective committees for their efforts in compiling these lists."
2025 NCAA Division I Men's Defenders to Watch
Jefferson Amaya – Sr. – High Point
Elijah Bishop – Jr. – Central Arkansas
Dren Dobruna – So. – Dayton
Jace Foster – Sr. – Oakland
Fravolini Whitchurch – Sr. – Princeton
Takahiro Fujita – Jr. – Marshall
Jackson Gilman – Sr. – Pittsburgh
Eskil Gjerde – Sr. – Drake
Noah Gold – Sr. – Charleston
Jack Jasinski – Sr. – Princeton
Andrew Johnson – Sr. – Cornell
Aidan Kelly – Sr. – UMass
Zack Lillington – Sr. – UC Davis
Clarence Loriot – Sr. – New Hampshire
Alex Matthews – Sr. – Missouri State
Nolan Miller – Sr. – Michigan
Calle Mollerberg – Jr. – UCSB
Luka Nikolai – Jr. – North Carolina
Parker Owens – Jr. – Cal Poly
Rai Pinto – Jr. – Marshall
Christian Shannon – Sr. – Western Michigan
Casper Svendby – Sr. – Pittsburgh
