Indiana men’s soccer team secures 5 new Hoosiers from transfer portal

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana men’s soccer head coach Todd Yeagley announced the addition of five mid-year additions from the transfer portal. The announcement features a player in every position group – one forward, two midfielders, one defender and one goalkeeper.

“We are excited to add these key transfers and ensure we have a roster that will compete for championships,” Yeagley said. “All five provide proven production, toughness and balance to our program, strengthening our team in key areas and on both sides of the ball. Their integration in our environment this spring will provide a springboard for development and continuity as we move closer to the fall.”

Alex Matthews | Midfielder | Gr. | Derbyshire, England | Missouri State

Alex Matthews brings multiple years of NCAA Tournament experience from his time at Missouri State. In 2024, Matthews earned United Soccer Coaches third-team All-America honors as well as a first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection. Over three playing seasons in Springfield, Matthews did not miss a single match, totaling 50 appearances. Matthews spent his youth career with Derby County in England, and in 2019 was named the academy’s Player of the Year.

Yeagley’s take: “Alex brings a complete midfield profile. He combines a high work rate with technical efficiency and a strong soccer IQ. He is reliable in possession, makes good decisions under pressure and has proven he can impact games consistently. His presence and experience will be key to our midfield and team success.”

Nick McHenry | Defender | Jr. | Loveland, Ohio | Ohio State

Nick McHenry comes to Bloomington after two seasons across the Big Ten Conference at Ohio State. McHenry appeared in all 37 matches over two seasons in Columbus, helping the Buckeyes keep 13 clean sheets. As a freshman in 2024, McHenry played a key role in Ohio State’s run to the NCAA College Cup, appearing in all 22 matches. McHenry earned a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, helping the Buckeyes record 10 shutouts and a 0.85 goals against average.

Yeagley’s take: “Nick is an extremely versatile player. He is comfortable at left and right center back and equally effective sliding into a defensive midfield role. Nick’s composure, technical efficiency and reading of the game are all key strengths that will bolster our team heading into the fall. His aerial presence will also help improve our attacking and defensive restarts.”

Michal Mroz | GK | Jr. | Elk Grove, Ill. | Evansville

Goalkeeper Michal Mroz did it all over two seasons in Evansville. In 2024, the MVC All-Freshman Team keeper helped the Purple Aces win the conference tournament and reach the NCAA Tournament. Last season, Mroz kept six clean sheets and a 0.95 goals against average to collect the MVC Goalkeeper of the Year – the first in program history. Following the season, the sophomore ranked No. 81 in the Top Drawer Soccer Top 100 and earned an MLS SuperDraft selection from Minnesota United FC.

Yeagley’s take: “Michal has consistently proven he can impact games in big moments. He is a strong shot-stopper, commands his box well and brings a calm, confident presence to the back-line. He also possesses excellent distribution skills. Michal’s reliability and competitive edge will be an asset heading into the fall.”

Bennett Painter | Forward | Sr. | Cincinnati, Ohio | Bowling Green

One of nine non-seniors to finish the 2025 season with 50-career points, Bennett Painter has a track record for producing. Painter totaled 51 points (21 goals, nine assists) in 53 matches over three seasons at Bowling Green. He had his best season yet in 2024, recording 13 goals and 30 points – both totals ranking top-15 nationally.

Yeagley’s take: “Bennett has proven himself a consistent goalscorer during his time at Bowling Green, and he has done it through toughness and an elite work rate. He competes every action, doesn’t shy away from physical moments and keeps finding ways to impact games. Bennett has the attacking tools to create shots and goals on his own, and his instincts and aerial presence make him dangerous in the box.”

Grant Paskus | Midfielder | Jr. | Indianapolis, Ind. | NIU

Grant Paskus played every match over two decorated seasons at Northern Illinois. In 2025, Paskus led the Huskies to the Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship and assisted in the title-clinching match. The year before, Paskus earned MVC All-Freshman Team honors with a goal and three assists from midfield.

Yeagley’s take: “Grant brings balance and bite to our midfield. He covers ground, competes in defensive duels and plays with a gritty intensity. He is strong in the air, reliable in possession and willing to do the hard work that helps the group function. Grant’s two-way presence will play an important role.”