Cal Poly Solidifies Defense with Standout Incoming Trio
4/29/2026 1:59:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Our 2026 incoming class is a perfect example of the culture, talent and identity we’re continuing to build at Cal Poly. Academically, our school is defined by its ‘Learn By Doing’ philosophy and we try to apply that same mindset to recruiting, seeking the best young talent in California and giving them the opportunity to step onto the field and make an immediate impact.- Oige Kennedy, Cal Poly Head Coach
SAN LUIS OBISPO – One of the nation’s top junior college center backs combines with a pair of standout club defenders as part of the Cal Poly men’s soccer program’s 2026 incoming class with Devin Rosas (San Jose), Matt Rajecki (Walnut Creek) and Kevin Jimenez (Oakland) set to debut in the Mustang lineup this fall.
Twice named the Coast Conference South Division Defender of the Year and a 2025 United Soccer Coaches Division III All-America first team honoree, the 6-4 Rosas started all 40 games for West Valley College the last two seasons.
Helping West Valley to 12 combined shutouts in his two seasons, Rosas also scored seven goals and contributed six assists. With Rosas in the lineup, West Valley finished a combined 22-9-9 overall and 18-4-5 in Coast Conference matches with the Vikings capturing the 2024 South Division title.
“Devin is a top-quality center back who has been dominant at the junior college level. His consistency and impact were recognized in a big way this last year with his All-America recognition,” fourth-year Cal Poly head coach Oige Kennedy said. “Devin is a force. He’s dominant in the air, wins his duels and makes life extremely difficult for opposing forwards. Devin thrives playing aggressively as a front-foot defender, stepping into pockets and disrupting attackers before they can turn. On the ball, he brings composure and confidence. He can break lines, pick out passes that hurt opponents and help us play forward with purpose. He’s another elite addition to an already strong fall class, and we’re excited to begin working with him.”
- 2???Coast Conference South Division Defender of the Year ??
— Cal Poly Men’s Soccer (@CPMensSoccer) April 29, 2026
- 2?0?2?5? United Soccer Coaches Division III All-America first team honoree ??
Welcome to the stampede, Devin!#RideHigh
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This class represents exactly what we want our program to be: competitive, driven and committed to excellence both on and off the field. Each player brings unique talent, athleticism and character. Collectively, they embodied our identity. Cal Poly soccer is about more than results – it’s about building players, leaders and a team identity that lasts. With this group, we’re confident that the future is bright and we’re excited to get to work with each and every one of them.- Oige Kennedy
Rajecki, already training with Cal Poly this spring, arrived in San Luis Obispo from Mustang SC (Danville, Calif.) where he was a two-time Elite Clubs National League All-Northern California first team honoree.
Rajecki was named East Bay Athletic League Defensive MVP for the 2024-25 season after helping De La Salle HS to that season’s CIF North Coast Section title and an appearance in the state tournament. He also earned All-EBAL second team praise following his sophomore and junior seasons.
“Matt is exactly the type of modern fullback we target,” Kennedy said. “He’s dynamic, athletic and relentless in defending one-on-one situations in wide areas. He thrives in those matchups and embraces the challenge of going head-to-head with an opponent’s top attacking threat. Offensively, Matt brings real impact in the attacking third. He has the quality, vision and delivery to consistently create chances and assists. He’s a perfect fit for the competitive and aggressive identity we’re building.”
A two-time Elite Clubs National League All-Northern California selection, welcome to the stampede, Matthew! #RideHigh
— Cal Poly Men’s Soccer (@CPMensSoccer) April 29, 2026
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Coming to Cal Poly from the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, the 6-0 Jimenez competed last year for the club’s U18 squad. Also able to play in midfield, Jimenez previously competed for Oakland Soccer Club.
“Kevin is a player we’ve been following for a long time and it’s easy to see why. He’s a technically gifted and versatile player who can impact the game in multiple positions,” Kennedy said. “He’s clean and confident on the ball, values possession and consistently finds creative ways to generate opportunities for his team. One of the Bay Area’s top performers, Kevin has represented the San Jose Earthquakes Academy with distinction. His combination of skill, vision and work rate gives him the potential to make a big impact at the collegiate level.
“For us, Kevin is another example of our commitment to identifying the best young talent in California and bringing those players to Cal Poly who can contribute immediately and help shape the identity of our program. We’re excited to work with him and watch him grow into a top collegiate player.”
A standout performer for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, welcome to the stampede, Kevin! #RideHigh
— Cal Poly Men’s Soccer (@CPMensSoccer) April 29, 2026
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