Butler University rounds out 2026 men’s soccer signing class with five additions

Butler men’s soccer head coach Ian Sarachan has announced five additions to the roster for the upcoming 2026 season. The newcomers are Braden Benyr, Anden Ellis, Jaden Hancock, Alec Sexton, and Hudson Sullivan.

These five new Bulldogs round out Sarachan’s first Butler recruiting class that included Chace Crismale, Finn Moran, and Hayden Neale signing with the program in November and transfer Haato Efune joining the program in January.
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Braden Benyr
Swansea, Ill./Belleville East (Saint Louis City SC/Saint Louis University) 6’0″, M

Benyr, who was Top Drawer Soccer’s 42nd ranked midfielder and a top 200 recruit, played his freshman season at SLU and was co-captain of his Saint Louis City SC MLS Next u18 side. The club team was UPSL National Championship runner-up in 2024 and won an MLS Next Midwestern League championship in 2023. At Belleville East, Benyr was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

“Braden is a ball-winning midfielder who brings a calmness and poise to the midfield,” stated Sarachan. “His experience at St. Louis University and St. Louis City’s academy have given him leadership qualities that will help elevate our group on and off the field.”

On choosing Butler: “The program will help me to grow, not only as a student and athlete, but also as a person.”

Benyr is the son of Amanda and Robert Benyr and has one sibling, Maia. He plans to major in Business.
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Anden Ellis
St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers College HS (Saint Louis City SC/SMU) 5’9″, D

Ellis was part of an SMU side that finished the 2025 season 11-5-4 and won the ACC Tournament. His Saint Louis City SC MLS Next club made the round of 16 at the GA Cup.

“Anden gives us a real vertical threat from the wing-back position where his pace and qualities in the final-third will be an asset,” said Sarachan. “He is a tremendous addition for our style of play and his experience in the ACC will continue to add to our strong core of players.”

On choosing Butler: “This program gives me a great chance for academic and athletic success.”

Ellis is the son of Carey Ellis and Andrew Ellis and has one sibling, Andrew. He plans to major in Business.
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Jaden Hancock
Redondo Beach, Calif./Redondo Union (Pateadores/Xavier/El Camino College) 6’0″, M

After a freshman season at Xavier, Hancock competed a El Camino College (California) where he earned All-America Second Team and Scholar All-America Honors from United Soccer Coaches. He scored 17 goals and dished out eight assists in one season for the Warriors. Hancock played two seasons at Redondo Union where he received All-Conference and All-CIF honors and was named the school’s Most Outstanding Athlete. His Pateadores club team was ECNL North America Cup champions in 2022.

“Jaden is an experienced midfielder who brings us high-end technical and tactical qualities,” stated Sarachan. “He has great experiences at different levels that give our group a veteran presence in the locker room. He can play in multiple positions which gives our team flexibility.”

On choosing Butler: “Butler has an amazing staff that emphasizes team culture and a winning mentality.”

Hancock is the son of Lee and Rachel Hancock and has two siblings. He plans to major in Chemistry.
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Alec Sexton
Annapolis, Md./Mount Saint Joseph (Baltimore Armour) 5’10”, M

Sexton’s Baltimore Armour MLS Next side reached the 2025 MLS Next Cup quarterfinals. He was a three-year captain at Mount Saint Joseph and a two-time All-Conference First Team selection. Academic honors include National Honor Society, Kelly Scholar, Honor Roll (four years), and the CFX Brother Eugene Lyons Award for Excellence in Academics, Athletics, and Gentlemanly Behavior.

“Alec is a technical midfielder who brings experience from a top MLS academy,” said Sarachan. “His ability to progress the ball while also having a knack for winning his duels defensively will be a great addition to our midfield group.”

On choosing Butler: “I chose Butler because of the competitive nature of the program, the quality of the new coaching staff, and the nice campus.”

Sexton is the son of Gregg Sexton and Jen Rocca-Sexton and has one sibling, Kyra. He plans to major in Engineering.
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Hudson Sullivan
Southlake, Texas/Southlake Carroll (FC Dallas/California Baptist) 6’1″, D

Sullivan, who trained and competed with FC Dallas, played his freshman season at Cal Baptist.

“Hudson is a ball-progressing center back who joins us from Cal Baptist,” added Sarachan. “His competitiveness and ability to win his duels on the ground and in the air give us another great addition to our group of center backs.”

On choosing Butler: “I chose Butler because it provides a strong combination of athletics, academics, and preparation for my career. As an athlete, I am excited to be a part of a competitive group looking to push me to become better every single day. As a student, the small class sizes and the strong alumni network will help me thrive and grow academically.”

Sullivan is the son of Casey and Stephanie and has three siblings, Grayson, Sophie, and Stella. He plans to major in International Business.