ORLANDO – The UCF men’s soccer team has announced its first new addition to the 2026 fall roster, landing standout transfer defender Takahiro Fujita from the Marshall Thundering Herd.
Takahiro Fujita – Senior Defender – Kawai, Japan – Marshall
Fujita joins the Knights on the heels of a decorated three-year tenure with a fellow Sun Belt Conference powerhouse in Marshall.
A two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection with the Thundering Herd in 2024 and 2025, the Kawai, Japan, native was also a third-round selection of Orlando City with the 87th overall pick of the MLS SuperDraft 2025.
He appeared in 55 matches during his tenure in Huntington, West Virginia, totaling four goals scored and five assists with 34 total shot attempts and 13 shots on goal.
His fall 2025 campaign saw him appear in 13 matches while netting a single-season career best three goals, against VCU Sept. 24, then-No. 19 Kentucky Oct. 10, and sixth-seeded Georgia State during the Sun Belt Conference tournament Nov. 9. Fujita was tabbed to the Sun Belt’s All-Conference First Team for his efforts last fall.
On the defensive end, after making his season debut against Coastal Carolina Sept. 19, he aided the Herd’s efforts in limiting its opposition to two or fewer goals in 12 of his 13 appearances, one or fewer goals on nine occasions and five clean sheets.
Marshall’s 2024 run to the College Cup Championship match saw Fujita appear in 21 of the team’s 24 contests, including each of the squad’s five NCAA Tournament matches. With his help, the Herd yielded two or fewer goals in 20 of his 21 appearances, one or fewer scores 16 times, and clinched nine clean sheets.
He scored his first collegiate goal in the Herd’s 3-3 draw with Georgia State Oct. 27, 2024, and registered assists against Cal State Fullerton Aug. 22 and Georgia Southern Oct. 23.
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UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.