Men’s MAC Hermann Trophy finalists selected from Ohio State, Denver and Akron

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United Soccer Coaches in partnership with the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) announced the men’s finalists for the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy, as the NCAA Division I National Player of the Year. The finalists were determined on voting by the Division I men’s coaches.

The three finalists are Ohio State senior midfielder Michael Adedokun (Eruwa, Nigeria), Denver senior midfielder Sam Bassett (Littleton, Colo.) and Akron graduate forward Emil Jaaskelainen (Bolton, England).

Adedokun led the Buckeyes and the Big Ten Conference with 33 points, 11 goals and 11 assists as Ohio State advanced to the College Cup semifinals. Bassett played and started in all 23 matches to lead the Pioneers back to the College Cup for the first time since 2016, producing a team-high 31 points on a joint-team-high nine goals and a team-high 13 assists. Bassett holds Denver’s career (26) and single-season records in assists. Jaaskelainen started all 21 games for Akron in 2024 en route to recording an NCAA-best 23 goals and 54 points, while also leading the nation in game-winning goals (6), goals per game (1.10) and points per game (2.57).

The MAC Hermann Trophy, the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer, has been awarded annually since 1967. The 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy banquet will be held at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan. 3, 2025, to formally announce this year’s winners.