SEARCY, Ark. — The Harding men's soccer team kicks off its 2026 campaign Thursday, Aug. 27, hosting Delta State at 6 p.m. at Stevens Soccer Complex.

New Era Under Jacquet
The 2026 season marks the head coaching debut of Harding alumnus Thom Jacquet, who took over the program in January. Jacquet returns to Searcy after a distinguished 35-year tenure at Greater Atlanta Christian School, where he compiled 410 career victories, 16 conference championships, and six state titles. A two-time graduate of Harding (BBA '88, M.S.Ed. '91), Jacquet becomes the sixth head coach in program history.

Season Opener History
Harding enters Thursday's match looking to snap a 13-game winless streak in season openers. The Bisons are 3-21-2 all-time in opening games since the inaugural 2000 season, with their last season-opening victory coming in a 2-1 win at Williams Baptist on Aug. 31, 2012. However, Harding holds a historical advantage against Delta State, leading the all-time series 10-6-3 against the Statesmen. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in their last meeting in Searcy during the 2024 season.

Roster Breakdown & Returning Core
The Bisons return five starters and 12 letterwinners from last year's squad. Third-year forward Nojus Grudis leads the returning attack after pacing Harding last fall with four goals and eight points. Fourth-year forward Reik Barrack (1 goal, 2 assists) and fourth-year midfielder Hayden Teixeira (1 goal) bring veteran leadership to the front line, alongside second-year midfielder Roman Berry (2 assists).

Defensive & Goalkeeping Outlook
In goal, second-year Dillon Hart is the lone returning keeper with collegiate experience for Harding, having recorded 14 saves across four appearances last season. The goalkeeping room adds depth with fifth-year transfer Andrew Wagenblatt alongside first-year players Anderson Gulick and Carson Sandgren.

Thursday's match begins a three-game homestand to open the season for Harding, which continues against Dallas Baptist on Sept. 3 and Christian Brothers on Sept. 4.