The men’s 2021 college football season officially kicks off in a little over a week. Many ranking teams will take part in exhibition games and scrimmages before the official start date on Thursday, August 26th. With all the talent in the top 25 last season, we’ve decided to keep an eye on five of the many players this season.
Vitor Dias, Marshall University – senior, midfielder
Marshall athletics
Although Marshall was able to fly under the radar for most of last season, the secret is out. The Thundering Herd will be competitive again this season largely as it will return to the Senior Vitor Dias. Dias is the first player in Marshall history to be recognized as a semi-finalist in the MAC Hermann Trophy, First Team All-American, and Conference USA Male Athlete of the Year. Dias made history at Marshall by being part of the first team to ever win a national championship, but he will look to continue his legacy by breaking even more records in his senior season.
Career statistics
| SEASON | GP | G | ON | PTS | NS | SO-CALLED | SO-CALLED% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20th | 3 | 3 | 9 | 14th | 6th | 0.429 |
| 2020-21 | 17th | 6th | 7th | 19th | 28 | 16 | 0.571 |
| TOTAL: | 37 | 9 | 10 | 28 | 42 | 22nd | 0.500 |
EXPERIENCE THE TITLE WINNING: Marshall scores golden goal in OT
Victor Bezerra, Indiana University – junior, striker
Indiana athletics
Bezerra has had an impressive spring season in which he was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and ended the season with 12 goals, 4 assists and 28 total points. Bezerra was also a finalist in the Mac Hermann Trophy and led the Hoosiers in almost every offensive category. After losing in overtime to Marshall in the national championship, Bezerra will have everything to play as he leads the mission to bring Indiana its first national title in the sport since 2012.
Career statistics
| SEASON | GP | G | ON | PTS | NS | SO-CALLED | SO-CALLED% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 | 8th | 3 | 19th | 37 | 18th | 0.486 |
| 2020-21 | 16 | 12th | 4th | 28 | 50 | 26 | 0.520 |
| TOTAL: | 37 | 20th | 7th | 47 | 87 | 44 | 0.503 |
Valentin Noel, Pittsburgh – Juniors, Midfielder
Pittsburgh Athletics
After setting a school record for consecutive games with one goal in the 2020-21 season, Noel cemented his reputation not only as one of Pitt’s greatest offensive threats, but also as one of the nation’s greatest offensive threats. Noel finished second in the country for total number of goals scored last season as well as third for total points. Noel was a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, First Team All-American and ACC Offensive Player of the Year. The Panthers will again rely on Noel as the catalyst for their success this season.
Career statistics
| SEASON | GP | G | ON | PTS | NS | SO-CALLED | SO-CALLED% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 18th | 3 | 3 | 9 | 29 | 14th | 0.483 |
| 2020-21 | 19th | 14th | 2 | 30th | 42 | 0 | 0,000 |
| TOTAL: | 37 | 17th | 5 | 39 | 71 | 14th | 0.197 |
PRE-SEASON RANKINGS: Check out the full top 25
Dante Polvara, Georgetown – Junior, midfielder
Georgetown Athletics
Heading into the 2021 season, it’s no surprise that Dante Polvara is a preseason for the entire Big East selection. Polvara was named a midfielder for First Team All America and First Team All Big East after an incredible offensive performance last season. Polvara led the league in terms of total points and total goals, with 18 points in 12 games and a total of eight goals. After narrowly missing a spot last season, Polvara will seek to lead the Hoyas back to the College Cup.
Career statistics
| season | GP | G | ON | PTS | NS | SO-CALLED | SO-CALLED% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 24 | 4th | 2 | 10 | 26 | 11 | 0.423 |
| 2020 | 14th | 8th | 2 | 18th | 34 | 17th | 0.500 |
| TOTAL: | 38 | 12th | 4th | 28 | 60 | 28 | 0.461 |
Kyle Hiebert, Missouri State – RS Senior, Defense Counsel
Missouri State Athletics
Hiebert was named United Soccer Coaches National Scholar Player of the Year, a MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist and two-time All America selection. Hiebert started all 14 games for the state of Missouri in the 2021 season and extended his overall series to 68 consecutive starts in the Bears’ backline. Hiebert was a key factor in leading the state of Missouri to its first round three NCAA tournament appearance and will make even more history for the bears this fall.
Career statistics
| SEASON | GP | G | ON | PTS | NS | SO-CALLED | SO-CALLED% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17th | 1 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 3 | 0.188 |
| 2018 | 17th | 0 | 1 | 1 | 12th | 3 | 0.250 |
| 2019 | 20th | 1 | 2 | 4th | 6th | 3 | 0.500 |
| 2020 | 14th | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8th | 3 | 0.375 |
| TOTAL: | 69 | 3 | 4th | 10 | 42 | 12th | 0.328 |
