Aidan Gross and Jack Sweeney Lead 2026 Midfield Vote

Gross and Sweeney lead the conversation

Aidan Gross of Mariemont appears to have the strongest résumé. The report says he earned All-Ohio, all-district and first-team Cincinnati Hills League recognition after producing 16 goals and 13 assists. His contribution helped the Warriors finish 17-3-1 and reach the regional semifinal.

The update also quotes Mariemont coach Erik Vanags calling Gross one of the best offensive players he has coached in three decades. That assessment places additional attention on Gross as the season approaches.

Jack Sweeney gives St. Xavier another established candidate. The report says he is one of two returning All-Ohio Division I players after scoring eight goals and adding six assists in 18 matches. St. Xavier finished 12-5-4 last season.

A deep field of challengers

The voting list extends well beyond the two headline names:

• Drew Adams, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy: five goals, six assists and 27 career goals.
• Beckett Brinkman, Summit Country Day: eight goals and eight assists.
• Forrest Cloran, Summit Country Day: three goals and five assists, plus all-district recognition.
• Brady Dorko, Anderson: 12 goals and six assists.
• Sam Harding, Turpin: nine goals during a 16-2-4 campaign.
• Keith Hiridson, Kings: a holding midfielder in a team that finished 15-3-5 and reached the Division II state final.

Dallas Marshall and Andy Stein are also included, while a further group of emerging names could influence the race.

The preseason vote is scheduled to close at 4 p.m. on July 31, according to the report. The bigger test will come once the 2026 season begins and these midfielders must turn recognition into decisive performances.