KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United Soccer Coaches announced its 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Defenders to Watch List for the upcoming season. Drake's Eskil Gjerde was included on the USC watch list as one of the potentially premier defenders in 2025.
A 6-foot senior from Egersund, Norway, Gjerde was named the Missouri Valley Conference Co-Midfielder of the Year last season alongside Missouri State's Tyler Caton. He was also included on the All-MVC First Team and received another honor from the United Soccer Coaches in All-West Region Second Team status.
Gjerde started all 14 of his 2024 appearances and cashed in on two goals and an assist for five total points.