The 2026 highschool soccer season is true across the nook, with the season kicking off on Thursday, Aug. 20, when Buena performs Castaic at Valencia Excessive.
The Star unveils its annual preseason high 65 gamers within the space:
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1. Isaiah Phelps, Pacifica: The Star’s reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr, now dedicated to San Diego State, led the state in tackles with 232 as he powered the Tritons to Marmonte League, CIF-Southern Part Division 3 and CIF-State Division 1A regional titles as a junior. He is additionally a robust operating again for the Tritons.
Pacifica’s Isaiah Phelps brings down Fresno-Central East’s Kevin Cooks throughout the CIF-State Division 1-A championship bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Saddleback School in Mission Viejo. Pacifica misplaced, 42-28.
2. Taylor Lee, Pacifica: The 6-foot-2, 189-pound quarterback, who dedicated to Portland State in June, broke the Ventura County data for TD passes in a single season (53) and single recreation (8) as a junior.
Pacifica quarterback Taylor Lee fires a move towards Fresno-Central East throughout the first quarter of the CIF-State Division 1-A championship bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Saddleback School in Mission Viejo. Pacifica misplaced, 42-28.
3. Alifeleti Tuihalamaka, Oaks Christian: The 6-foot-4-260-pound defensive lineman, who dedicated to USC in Could, had a team-high eight sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss as a junior.
Oaks Christian’s Alifeleti Tuihalamaka leaps to knock down a move try by St. Bonaventure quarterback Jaxson Carper throughout a CIF-Southern Part Division 4 first-round recreation on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Oaks Christian. The host Lions gained, 16-13.
4. Charles Davis, Westlake: The 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver caught 30 passes as a junior, however 11 of them have been touchdowns. The four-star recruit had greater than 25 provides when he dedicated to UC Berkeley, becoming a member of his brother Niles, in April.
Westlake’s Charles Davis catches the ball whereas being defended by Calabasas’ Leo Cavallaro earlier than heading to the tip zone to attain a landing throughout the Warriors’ 35-10 win in a regular-season finale on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Calabasas Excessive.
5. Caleb Pasina, St. Bonaventure: Matt Perez could also be in Reno, however the Seraphs can nonetheless transfer some our bodies. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior, who arrived from Las Vegas earlier than final season, as already one of the crucial bodily linemen within the county. He has greater than 15 provides, together with UCLA, Cal and Texas A&M.
St. Bonaventure Excessive lineman Caleb Pasina pumps his teammates up after a observe on Aug. 13, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Excessive. The Seraphs will open the 2026 season at residence towards Paraclete on Friday, Aug. 21.
6. Demare Dezeurn, Westlake: The depraved quick senior wideout amassed 1,372 receiving yards and 27 whole touchdowns final 12 months at Palisades Excessive and will see loads of open subject reverse fellow Cal commit Charles Davis.
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7. Tony Dargan, St. Bonaventure: The electrical three-phase playmaker, who already has provides from Oregon and UCLA, had 1,142 all-purpose yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions as a freshman. He additionally set the county freshman report within the 100 meters.
St. Bonaventure’s Tony Dargan scores a landing whereas being hit by Pacifica’s Max Magana throughout the second quarter of a Marmonte League recreation on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Pacifica Excessive. Pacifica gained 24-23 to remain unbeaten at 7-0.
8. Kingston Celifie, Calabasas: The 6-foot sprinter brings 111 receptions for 1,584 yards and 19 TDs, plus 4 return TDs, into his senior season. He dedicated to UCLA in Could.
9. Alijah Royster, Pacifica: The fleet-footed playmaker enters his senior season with 41 touchdowns, 10 greater than every other returning participant. That determine consists of eight in CIF-State play.
Pacifica’s Alijah Royster tries to shake freed from Fresno-Central East’s Trey Greenwood throughout the CIF-State Division 1-A championship bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Saddleback School in Mission Viejo. Pacifica misplaced, 42-28.
10. Darrien Johnson, Newbury Park: The Panthers’ multi-tool flashed his immense expertise as a sophomore, when he threw for a TD, ran for eight TDs, caught a TD move, had two interceptions, blocked a punt and likewise returned kicks and punts in simply six video games. Affords from Sacramento State and Georgia State are just the start.
Newbury Park’s Darrien Johnson tries to shake freed from Westlake’s Owen Rockabrand throughout a Conejo Coast League recreation on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Westlake Excessive. Westlake gained in double extra time, 29-23.
11. Micah Hannah, Simi Valley: The 6-foot-2 junior nook, who has provides from UCLA, USC, Florida, Notre Dame and 13 different faculties, had three interceptions in six video games as a sophomore.
Simi Valley’s Micah Hannah makes an interception over Spanish Springs’ Jackson Sundeen throughout the first quarter of a season-opening recreation on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Simi Valley’s Bob Jacob Memorial Stadium. Simi Valley misplaced 41-21.
12. Malaika Sione, Pacifica: The 6-foot, 235-pound edge rusher had 97 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks and 12 hurries a sophomore.
Pacifica’s Malaika Sione tackles a Fresno-Central East runner throughout the CIF-State Division 1-A championship bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Saddleback School in Mission Viejo. Pacifica misplaced, 42-28.
13. Tristan Savage, Ventura: Whether or not as a bulldozing operating again or an acrobatic jump-ball risk, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior finds the tip zone. He scored 25 of Ventura’s 90 TDs final fall.
Ventura Excessive’s Tristan Savage makes an over-the-shoulder catch whereas being defended by St. Ignatius’ Shemar Noriega throughout the second quarter of the CIF-State Division 3-AA championship bowl on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Fullerton. Ventura misplaced, 42-35.
14. Dominik Hardy, Calabasas: The 6-foot-2 senior returns as the world’s most skilled quarterback, main in profession completions (381), makes an attempt (586) and passing yardage (4,457).
Calabasas Excessive quarterback Dominik Hardy fires a move towards Agoura throughout a nonleague recreation at Agoura Excessive on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Agoura gained the rivalry recreation, 31-17, to retain the Las Virgenes Cup.
15. Jaxson Carper, St. Bonaventure: The 6-foot-3, 160-pound quarterback, who has provides from UCLA, Nebraska and Iowa, enters his junior season having already tried greater than 400 varsity passes.
St. Bonaventure quarterback Jaxson Carper rolls aways from the Simi Valley protection to get a move off in a Marmonte League recreation on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Camarillo Excessive. St. Bonaventure gained, 41-26.
16. Bryson Kennedy, Oak Park: The 6-foot-3 sophomore quarterback’s arrival from Little Rock, Arkansas — by approach of Duncanville, Texas — has been the information of coaching camp. Affords from Arkansas, Auburn and Missouri herald a promising expertise.
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17. George Hastings, Agoura: Linebacker or security? Working again or quarterback? The largest query is what roles the Chargers will fill with their star senior this fall.
Agoura’s George Hastings finds a gap in Ventura’s protection throughout the third quarter of a CIF-Southern Part Division 6 semifinal recreation on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Agoura Excessive. Ventura gained 28-14.
18. Anthony Jacobs Jr., Pacifica: Maybe the most constant of Taylor Lee’s trio of elite targets, the 5-foot-10 senior speedster hauled in 54 catches for 1,202 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has provides from Georgia State and New Hampshire.
Pacifica’s Anthony Jacobs Jr. breaks free from the Fresno-Central East protection throughout the CIF-State Division 1-A championship bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Saddleback School in Mission Viejo. Pacifica misplaced, 42-28.
19. Davis Benson, Moorpark: A multi-event star on the observe in springtime, the 6-foot wideout arrived on the gridiron in electrical trend final fall, reeling in 11 TDs and gashing opposing groups on kickoff returns.
Moorpark’s Davis Benson checks his environment whereas making a catch and taking it to the tip zone for a landing towards Ventura throughout a Channel League recreation on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at Moorpark Excessive. Ventura gained 34-23 to take over sole possession of first.
20. Apisai Fifita, Oaks Christian: The 6-foot-6, 235-pound deal with who transferred from Mountain View-St. Francis this offseason has provides from Washington, Notre Dame, BYU, Arizona, Cal and UCLA.
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21. Zayne Reed, Agoura: The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive finish, who has provides from Washington and Colorado, will miss the primary half of the season after transferring from Oaks Christian to Agoura.
22. Ford Inexperienced, Westlake: The 6-foot-2 quarterback gained his first 10 begins as a freshman, throwing for 2,195 yards and 31 TDs. He already has provides from Ohio State, Michigan and Florida State.
Westlake quarterback Ford Inexperienced fires a move throughout the Warriors’ 35-10 win over Calabasas in a regular-season finale on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Calabasas Excessive. The Warriors went 10-0 total and gained the outright Marmonte League title at 5-0.
23. James Watson, Ventura: The junior operating again was simply the backfield jolt the Cougars wanted on final 12 months’s playoff run, amassing 964 yards and eight TDs dashing in eight video games after transferring from St. Bonaventure.
Ventura’ Excessive’s James Watson runs away from the St. Ignatius protection to attain his second landing of the primary quarter within the CIF-State Division 3-AA championship bowl on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Fullerton. Ventura misplaced, 42-35.
24. Finn Ward, Agoura: The 6-foot-3, 285-pound deal with and reigning Tri-County League Lineman of the Yr holds a Division I provide from Dayton. Including 30 kilos of muscle and maintaining with new teammate Zayne Reed was the senior’s focus this offseason.
Junior deal with Finn Ward practices blocking throughout an Agoura Excessive soccer observe on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
25. Will Jones Jr., Pacifica: The 6-foot-2, 175-pound multisport star, who had a pivotal 61-yard TD catch within the Division 3 remaining, emerged from a sophomore season as a soccer prospect. Boston School and Utah have already provided.
Pacifica’s Will Jones Jr. heads towards the sideline whereas Fresno-Central East’s Jontae Della prepares to knock him out of bounds throughout the CIF-State Division 1-A championship bowl on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Saddleback School in Mission Viejo. Pacifica misplaced, 42-28.
26. Gabriel Goroyan, Westlake: The Stanford commit nailed 50 of 51 extra-point makes an attempt and 7 of 12 field-goal tries, together with a 45-yarder, as a junior.
Westlake kicker Gabriel Goroyan blasts a field-goal try throughout a observe on Aug. 11, 2026, at Westlake Excessive.
27. Miguel Ledezma, Simi Valley: The 6-foot-3, 310-pound guard is a three-year starter who will anchor the Pioneers up entrance.
Simi Valley Excessive Faculty lineman Miguel Ledezma, who transferred from Alemany final season, will get able to go to work throughout a Pioneers observe on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Simi Valley. Ledezma is prone to begin at middle.
28. Simon Mekari, Newbury Park: The 6-foot-1, 195-pound exterior linebacker, the cousin of NFL lineman Patrick Mekari, is a budding star with an Oregon State provide.
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29. Riley Williams, Grace: The best-volume passer in Ventura County not named Taylor Lee, the senior threw for 3,668 yards and 48 touchdowns final 12 months for the Division 12 part champions in his first 12 months taking part in the place.
Grace Faculty quarterback Riley Williams tries to interrupt a deal with by a San Diego-Morse defender throughout the CIF-State Division 6-A regional recreation at Moorpark School on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Grace misplaced, 57-40.
30. Will Gelt, Agoura: The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive finish amassed 11 sacks final fall — probably the most of any returner. The senior has been provided by the College of San Diego.
31. Gary Ferguson, Oak Park: The 6-foot-3 Sacramento State commit, previously the quarterback at St. Bernard, will strive his palms at receiver as a senior.
32. Sal Villa, Simi Valley: If the 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior is over the shoulder harm that hampered him a 12 months in the past, he’ll be pivotal to the Pioneers’ floor recreation.
Simi Valley’s Sal Villa finds a gap within the Thousand Oaks protection to attain a landing throughout the Pioneers’ 48-28 win in a nonleague recreation on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Simi Valley Excessive.
33. Denver Smith, Simi Valley: The 6-foot, 205-pound linebacker, who had 11 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks as a junior, will mix with the Samon brothers — Brody and Landon — to kind the energy of the Pioneers protection.
Thousand Oaks Excessive quarterback Jackson Taylor removes the ball whereas being hit by Simi Valley’s Denver Smith throughout a nonleague recreation on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Simi Valley Excessive. Simi Valley gained, 48-28.
34. Jason Homan, St. Bonaventure: The 5-foot-9 tackling machine had 150 tackles, together with 9 for a loss, as a junior.
St. Bonaventure’s Jason Homan returns an interception for a landing throughout the Seraphs’ 19-0 victory over Oaks Christian in a Marmonte League recreation on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Ventura School.
35. Cole Ziegler, Agoura: The reigning Tri-County League Linebacker of the Yr was prolific in 2025, logging 129 whole tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, two sacks and two interceptions. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior will see his offensive function broaden this season.
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36. Gael Flores, Santa Paula: The 5-foot-10, 200-pound senior was a disruptive drive for the Cardinals protection, with 21 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks together with 102 tackles — 47 of them solo.
37. Landon Stuart, Newbury Park: The 6-foot, 260-pound defensive lineman, the son of former Westlake Excessive legend Michael Stuart, will play all three spots on the line of defense for the Panthers.
Newbury Park’s Landon Stuart hits Thousand Oaks quarterback Jackson Taylor proper after he will get the move away throughout a Conejo Coast League recreation on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Thousand Oaks Excessive. Thousand Oaks gained 17-7.
38. Tristan Dottin, Westlake: The 6-foot senior cornerback has provides from Minnesota, Cal and San Diego State.
39. Tadd Mitchell, Pacifica: The 6-foot-2 senior cornerback, who transferred from Carlsbad Excessive, is dedicated to Montana.
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40. Saul Fraga, Fillmore: About each third reception the 6-foot-1 wideout caught final season went for a landing. The senior with a 10.79 100-meter sprint time additionally had three interceptions and three dashing TDs.
Fillmore Excessive receiver Saul Fraga catches a move throughout the Flashes’ 41-17 victory over Buena on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Ventura.
41. Anthony Loreto, Pacifica: The6-foot, 275-pound guard transferred from St. Bonaventure final 12 months and made a right away affect. The junior had 4 pancake blocks within the Tritons’ CIF-SS remaining win at Palos Verdes.
42. Michael Dennie, Nordhoff: The Rangers offense is firmly within the 6-foot senior quarterback’s palms. The twin-threat weapon threw for 1,849 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for one more 565 yards and 7 TDs final fall.
Nordhoff Excessive quarterback Michael Dennie delivers a move throughout the Route 126 Invitational 7-on-7 passing match on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Fillmore Excessive.
43. Dylan Bruns, Westlake: The 6-foot-6, 228-pound edge rusher picked up his first Division I provide from Northern Arizona this spring.
Westlake’s Dylan Bruns (85) and his teammates take down Newbury Park’s Devin Olmande throughout a Conejo Coast League recreation on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Westlake Excessive. Westlake gained in double extra time, 29-23.
44. Antonio Spann, St. Bonaventure: The 5-foot-10 receiver, with provides from UNLV, Western Michigan and Sacramento State, needs to be well worth the look ahead to the Seraphs.
St. Bonaventure receiver Antonio Spann watches observe whereas sitting out with of a sore shoulder on Aug. 13, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Excessive.
45. Cooper Moir, Oaks Christian: The 6-foot-5, 325-pound deal with, a switch from Chaminade final season, anchors the Lions up entrance.
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46. August Gibbs, Westlake: A standout tight finish for Simi Valley, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior will play center linebacker at Westlake.
Westlake linebacker August Gibbs will get freed from teammates throughout a observe on Aug. 11, 2026, at Westlake Excessive.
47. Charlie Martinez, Grace: Inheritor obvious to Landon Cooper because the Lancers’ high receiver, the 6-foot senior caught seven landing passes final 12 months whereas averaging 21.4 yards per catch.
Grace Faculty’s Charlie Martinez takes a success whereas making an attempt to catch a move towards San Diego-Morse throughout the CIF-State Division 6-A regional recreation at Moorpark School on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Grace misplaced, 57-40.
48. Nevada Ford, Oak Park: The 5-foot-8 operating again amassed 1,054 whole yards final season and 10 touchdowns. The senior brings actual observe pace with a ten.88 100-meter private finest.
Oak Park’s Nevada Ford finds loads of room to run whereas racing to the tip zone to attain a landing within the Eagles’ 41-20 victory over Royal in a regular-season finale on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Oak Park Excessive.
49. Drew Estrada, Fillmore: The senior spent final 12 months on the sidelines after transferring from St. Bonaventure however brings blazing pace to the Flashes secondary. He may also be a high goal for quarterback Nate Perez within the passing recreation.
Fillmore Excessive defensive again Drew Estrada sprints throughout a defensive again drill at an Aug. 11, 2026, observe in Fillmore.
50. G Abellera, Rio Mesa: The offensive line needs to be the energy for the Spartans this fall. That group is anchored by its 6-foot-1, 295-pound middle.
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51. Hector Villaseñor, Del Sol: The Jaguars’ offensive centerpiece toted the ball 165 occasions for 1,086 yards and 7 touchdowns final fall.
Del Sol’s Hector Villaseñor runs away from a Santa Clara defender throughout the Jaguars’ 63-13 win on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Oxnard. The win was the primary varsity soccer win in historical past of the Del Sol program.
52. Miles Lewis, Thousand Oaks: The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior defensive again is the Lancers’ lone returning starter on both facet of the ball.
53. Isaiah Giesea, Nordhoff: The 6-foot-1 deep-ball risk had 27 catches for 607 yards and 6 TDs final season, eclipsing the 100-yard mark 3 times.
54. Colby Cronquist, Moorpark: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound receiver had 20 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore, including a pair of interceptions on protection.
Moorpark’s Colby Cronquist leaps to make a catch in entrance of two Ventura defenders throughout a Channel League recreation on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at Moorpark Excessive. Ventura gained 34-23 to take over sole possession of first.
55. Imari Carveth, Santa Paula: The 5-foot-9 senior constructed synergy with quarterback Rene Vega final fall, hauling in 40 catches for 503 yards and two TDs.
Santa Paula receiver Imari Carveth reels in a move throughout the Cardinals’ 17-14 win over Bellflower in a CIF-Southern Part Division 12 semifinal recreation on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Jones Subject in Santa Paula.
56. Jack Norton, Camarillo: The 6-foot, 175-pound free security is the mind of the Scorpions protection.
Camarillo’s Jack Norton recovers a fumble after Rio Mesa’s Juan Munoz loses the ball throughout the second quarter of the groups’ nonleague rivalry recreation at Camarillo Excessive on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Camarillo gained 22-14 within the 51st annual Black and Blue recreation.
57. Landen Murray, Royal: As soon as a wideout, the 6-foot-1 senior morphed right into a prolific operating again in Adam Brubaker’s run-heavy system. The brother of quarterback Preston Murray ran for 821 yards and 9 TDs.
Royal Excessive’s Landen Murray is off an operating towards the tip zone to attain a landing towards Del Sol throughout the third quarter of a nonleague recreation on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Oxnard. Royal gained 37-0 for its first victory of the season.
58. Donald Penn III, Calabasas: The 6-foot-3, 270-pound deal with, the son of the former NFL lineman of the identical identify, has provides from Colorado State, Nevada and UNLV.
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59. Brandon Lane, Fillmore: The 6-foot-4, 245-pound left deal with is one among six returning offensive linemen who anchored one of the crucial prolific dashing offenses within the county final 12 months. The Flashes amassed 2,561 yards and 34 touchdowns on the bottom.
Fillmore Excessive senior Brandon Lane catches his breath between drills at an Aug. 11, 2026, observe in Fillmore. Lane, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound deal with, will anchor the Flashes’ offensive line this fall.
60. Kelechi Ofoego, Hueneme: The 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior popped off with 22 carries for 140 yards and a landing in a loss to Brentwood final 12 months. The operating again can be on the coronary heart of the Vikings’ offensive assault.
61. Josh Tyler, Oaks Christian: The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior security, who has provides from Southern College and Delaware State, could have an even bigger offensive function as a senior.
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62. Aaron Salazar, Oxnard: The operating again scored 5 of the Yellowjackets’ 13 TDs as a junior.
63. Alex Severiano, Buena: The 6-foot-1 junior extensive receiver broke out for the Bulldogs this summer season and appears to be one among quarterback Ryder Bucy’s high targets heading into the 2026 season.
64. Andrew Chavez, Channel Islands: The Raiders’ versatile weapon, who additionally stars on the baseball subject, scored TDs throwing, operating and receiving as a junior.
65. Jaxx Martinez, Santa Clara: The senior linebacker and crew captain led the Saints in tackles final season.
Joe Curley covers soccer for The Star. He could be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. For extra protection, comply with @vcsjoecurley on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Fb and Bluesky.
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Dominic Massimino is a employees author for The Star. He could be reached at dominic.massimino@vcstar.com. For extra protection, comply with @vcsdominic on Twitter and Instagram.
This text initially appeared on Ventura County Star: The Star ranks the highest 65 gamers heading into the 2026 soccer season
