Stearns Named as ITA Midwest Player to Watch
6/9/2026 4:14:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Stearns held a 22-7 singles record in 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Preston Stearns was named as ITA Midwest Player to Watch for 2026 season
Stearns, entering his redshirt senior year, was named as the ITA Midwest Player to Watch for the 2026 tennis season. The ITA Player to Watch Award is given to a returning player that is expected to have an outstanding collegiate year next season and is expected to be one of the top returning regional players.
In the 2026 season, Stearns finished with a 22-7 record in singles, including a 14-4 record in the dual season while spending time at the first, second and third position. He also added five doubles victories with a 2-0 duals record, including a win against rival No. 43 Michigan.
Stearns had the best win percentage on the team against nationally ranked opponents, holding a 9-4 record. His efforts earned him a spot on the 2026 Second Team All-Big Ten.
When the Buckeyes faced off against back-to-back No. 1 opponents in Wake Forest and Virginia, Stearns won two-consecutive matches against No. 15 ranked Luca Pow and No. 15 ranked Keegan Rice, helping Ohio State defeat the Demon Deacons and the Cavaliers, the 2026 NCAA Champions. In a thrilling match in the NCAA Quarterfinals against TCU, Stearns defeated No. 42 Cosme Rolland De Ravel in two sets.
Stearns ranked as high as No. 16 in the 2026 ITA singles rankings, aiding the Buckeyes on the way to their 18th Elite Eight appearance, 20th consecutive Big Ten Regular Season Title and a 32-5 record.
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