Academic All-District men's Soccer Team Announced

SALEM, Ore. — A pair of Willamette student-athletes have been named to the 2025-26 Academic All-District® Men's Soccer Team. Josiah Jakab and Mikkel Jensen both earned their first Academic All-District honor.

The 2025-26 Academic All-District® Men's Soccer teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes men's soccer honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. 

Players nominated for the CSC All-District Team must have competed in 90 percent or started in at least 66 percent of the institution's matches while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Josiah Jakab: CSC Academic All-District

Jakab emerged as an invaluable workhorse for the Willamette squad during the 2025-26 soccer season, demonstrating exceptional reliability by featuring in all 20 contests. Operating primarily as a central midfielder, Jakab was tasked with a more defensive-minded and stabilizing role, which is reflected by his perfect attendance and fundamental importance to the squad's shape.

While his statistical output was modest—recording three shots and no goals—his contributions lay outside the scoresheet. He registered a critical assist, providing the decisive pass that secured a hard-fought 5-4 victory against Whitworth University on October 19. His presence was consistent and dependable on the field, and his role in the midfield was defined by his ability to link the defense and offense, marking his primary, yet often unheralded, contribution to the team's efforts throughout the entire campaign.

Mikkel Jensen: CSC Academic All-District

Jensen served as a key figure for Willamette during the 2025-26 soccer season, starting all 20 matches as the team's goalkeeper. Jensen led the team in saves, accumulating a total of 53 saves over the season, and faced 225 shots in total. His efforts between the posts were instrumental in securing five shutouts, highlighting his defensive prowess and ability to keep the opposition at bay.

Jensen's defensive contributions were evident in several matches, such as the game against Pacific (OR) on November 8, 2025, where he recorded a season-high of six saves in a 3-0 victory, earning one of his five shutouts. Additionally, he showed consistency throughout the season, with notable performances including four saves against Lewis & Clark on November 9, 2025, contributing to another clean sheet in a 5-0 win.

Despite a challenging season, Jensen's leadership and dedication were pivotal for Willamette. His ability to maintain focus and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations underscored his role as a cornerstone of the team's defense. Jensen's performance set a strong foundation for the squad, demonstrating his commitment and skill as the last line of defense for Willamette.