LIVINGSTON, Ala. – As he enters his sixth season leading the West Alabama men's soccer program, head coach
Ross Nelson has announced the addition of 15 student-athletes to the Tigers' 2026 recruiting class. The group features a combination of accomplished freshmen, experienced collegiate transfers and international talent as West Alabama prepares for the upcoming Gulf South Conference season.
The class spans nine countries and includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards who bring championship experience, collegiate success and international competition to Livingston.
"Im extremely excited to welcome our 2026 recruiting class to the group," said head
Ross Nelson. "We've added a great combination of experience and talent, and also addressed some key areas we wanted to improve. I'm looking forward to seeing their impact both on and off the field as we continue our goal of getting this program back to the top!"
Brody Cobine | Goalkeeper | Freshman | Auburn, Alabama | Auburn High School
Cobine arrives at West Alabama following one of the most decorated prep careers in Alabama. The Auburn native earned First Team All-State honors in Class 7A in both 2025 and 2026 after receiving Second Team recognition in 2024. He was also named First Team All-State across all classifications in both 2025 and 2026.
Cobine helped lead Auburn High School to the 2026 AHSAA Class 7A State Championship, where the Tigers outscored opponents 11-1 throughout the postseason. He also guided Auburn to three consecutive Area 4 championships from 2024-26, participated in the Alabama High School North/South All-Star Soccer Game in both 2025 and 2026 and earned Opelika-Auburn News All-Area First Team honors.
Yabsira Cobo | Forward | Graduate Student | Gijón, Spain | Luarca CF
Cobo joins the Tigers after an extensive club career in Spain with Luarca CF. Over six seasons, he logged 7,777 minutes while scoring 12 goals.
His experience competing at a high level overseas provides West Alabama with a mature attacking option entering the 2026 campaign.
Ethan Sharpe | Defender | Junior | Bradford, England | Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Sharpe transfers to Livingston after two successful seasons at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
In 2024, the English defender appeared in 14 matches with 13 starts while recording an assist. He followed that with an even stronger 2025 campaign, starting all 16 matches while scoring one goal, adding one assist and recording the game-winning goal of the season. Sharpe totaled 27 appearances and 29 starts during his junior college career.
Mathias Ibanez | Defender | Graduate Student | Villeveyrac, France
Ibanez joins the Tigers from Villeveyrac, France, bringing additional experience and leadership to West Alabama's defensive unit.
The graduate student gives Nelson another veteran presence capable of strengthening the Tigers' back line.
Luke Breaux | Midfielder | Freshman | Lafayette, Louisiana | Teurlings Catholic High School
Breaux arrives following an outstanding high school career at Teurlings Catholic High School.
He helped guide the Rebels to their third Louisiana Boys Soccer State Championship while earning Most Outstanding Player of the State Tournament. Breaux was also selected to the Louisiana High School Coaches
Association First Team All-State squad after starring for both Teurlings Catholic and La Krewe Rush.
Joshua Hyche | Defender | Freshman | Leeds, Alabama | Evangel Christian School
Hyche joins West Alabama after competing for Evangel Christian School and Hoover-Vestavia Soccer's U19 club team.
The Alabama native brings versatility and defensive depth to the Tigers as he begins his collegiate career.
Dan Erez | Goalkeeper | Freshman | Hod Hasharon, Israel | Hapoel Tel Aviv U19
Erez comes to West Alabama after competing with Hapoel Tel Aviv's U19 squad in the Israel League U19.
Over two seasons, he made 12 starts, totaling 1,053 minutes and recording 22 saves. His international experience adds another talented option to the Tigers' goalkeeper unit.
Isaiah Esparza | Defender | Freshman | Fort Walton Beach, Florida | Fort Walton Beach High School
Esparza joins the Tigers after a productive prep career at Fort Walton Beach High School.
During his time with the Vikings, he appeared in more than 38 matches while totaling two goals and three assists for seven career points.
Emilio Pabon | Midfielder | Junior | Quito, Ecuador | Lawrence Technological University
Pabon transfers to West Alabama following a season at Lawrence Technological University.
The Ecuador native appeared in 17 matches with nine starts while recording two goals and one assist for five points. He attempted 17 shots, placing four on target, and logged 873 minutes during the season.
Ammar Nazih | Midfielder | Junior | Knoxville, Tennessee | Pellissippi State Community College
Nazih arrives after an impressive campaign at Pellissippi State Community College.
The Knoxville native played in 16 matches with 14 starts while scoring two goals and adding two assists for six points. His offensive versatility provides another option in the Tigers' midfield.
Michael Perez | Forward | Freshman | Madison, Alabama | James Clemens High School
Perez joins West Alabama after earning Alabama Class 7A Honorable Mention All-State honors and All-Metro Second Team recognition.
During his senior season at James Clemens High School, Perez scored seven goals while adding seven assists, showcasing his ability to both finish and create scoring opportunities.
Florian Laot | Midfielder | Freshman | Bourg-des-Comptes, France | OC Cesson
Laot comes to Livingston after competing for OC Cesson in France.
Over two seasons, he appeared in 22 matches while making five starts and totaling 618 minutes. His technical ability and experience in the French club system add quality to West Alabama's midfield.
Jack Porter | Defender | Freshman | Carlisle, England | Carlisle United U18
Porter joins the Tigers from Carlisle United's U18 academy.
The English defender gained experience within one of England's professional youth systems and brings additional depth to West Alabama's defensive corps.
Daniele Ciarlesi | Forward | Freshman | Munich, Germany | Forstinning
Ciarlesi arrives after an impressive club career in Germany.
Last season, he appeared in 26 matches, scoring eight goals and adding one assist. Across his club career, Ciarlesi has totaled 64 appearances, 21 goals and three assists, giving the Tigers another proven attacking option.
Jesper Jorgensen Bakli | Midfielder | Junior | Finnsnes, Norway | San Jose State
Bakli transfers to West Alabama after spending two seasons at San Jose State.
While with the Spartans, he appeared in 19 matches with two starts, recording one goal and two assists for four points. All three of his collegiate shot attempts were on target. Prior to San Jose State, Bakli competed for Harstad and Mjølner in Norway, where he scored four goals in 15 club matches.
With a blend of accomplished high school standouts, experienced collegiate transfers and international talent, Nelson believes the 2026 signing class will strengthen every area of the roster. The Tigers have added proven goalkeepers, experienced defenders, creative midfielders and dynamic forwards as they continue building toward sustained success in the Gulf South Conference.
West Alabama began Fall Camp on this past Monday for the 2026 season as Nelson and his staff welcome the newest members of the Tigers' program to Livingston.
