PHILADELPHIA - The United Soccer Coaches (USC) announced the defenders on its NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Players to Watch lists for the 2026 intercollegiate season Monday morning, with rising senior Connor Dawson of the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team earning a selection.
 
The lists are compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2025 who are scheduled to return for the 2026 season.
 
Dawson continued to solidify himself as a premier defender in the conference last season, picking up first-team All-Ivy and second-team USC All-Northeast Region honors. The O'Fallon, Ill. native paced the Quakers with 1,519 minutes played in 17 starts, which included 15 90-minute performances. He was the anchor of a backline that conceded just 12 goals and posted nine shutouts throughout the season. In addition to his defensive quality, Dawson also provided assists in draws against Drexel (9/16) and Columbia (9/28).

Penn opens its 2026 slate at Rhodes Field on Tuesday, Sept. 1, hosting Monmouth for a 7 p.m. kickoff in University City.