University Southern California Trojans
Photo by: USC Athletics
USC Men’s Tennis Newcomer Max Exsted Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
January 14, 2026 | Men's Tennis
LOS ANGELES — USC freshman Max Exsted has been named the Big Ten Men's Tennis Freshman of the Week for the opening week of the season (Jan. 7–14), the conference announced Wednesday, Jan. 14.
Competing in his first collegiate matches as a Trojan, Exsted delivered a flawless debut, posting a perfect 4–0 overall record with a 2–0 mark in both singles and doubles play. Remarkably, the Savage, Minnesota, native has been on campus for just one week and has already made an immediate impact in the lineup, winning with two different doubles partners he had never previously played alongside.
Exsted helped lead USC to dominant wins over San Diego State (4–0) and UC San Diego (7–0). Against SDSU, he competed at the No. 3 doubles position with Branko Djuric, where the pair clinched the doubles point with a convincing 6–1 victory. He followed that performance in singles at the No. 4 spot, finishing first off the court with a decisive 6–2, 6–1 win over Lars Johann.
Returning to action later in the day versus UC San Diego, Exsted moved up the lineup, playing No. 2 doubles alongside Nathan Trouve. The duo earned a 6–2 win over Chudnuru/Pellouchoud. In singles, Exsted again played at No. 2 and once more was the first match to finish, securing a straight-set victory over Prathinav Chudnuru, 6–4, 6–4.
A graduate of Excel High School, Exsted is a freshman with an undecided major. His Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor marks an impressive start to his collegiate career and highlights his immediate contributions to the Trojans' early-season success.
Exsted and the No. 19 ranked Trojans return to Marks Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 18 for a 1 p.m. PT match against the University of San Diego.
Competing in his first collegiate matches as a Trojan, Exsted delivered a flawless debut, posting a perfect 4–0 overall record with a 2–0 mark in both singles and doubles play. Remarkably, the Savage, Minnesota, native has been on campus for just one week and has already made an immediate impact in the lineup, winning with two different doubles partners he had never previously played alongside.
Exsted helped lead USC to dominant wins over San Diego State (4–0) and UC San Diego (7–0). Against SDSU, he competed at the No. 3 doubles position with Branko Djuric, where the pair clinched the doubles point with a convincing 6–1 victory. He followed that performance in singles at the No. 4 spot, finishing first off the court with a decisive 6–2, 6–1 win over Lars Johann.
Returning to action later in the day versus UC San Diego, Exsted moved up the lineup, playing No. 2 doubles alongside Nathan Trouve. The duo earned a 6–2 win over Chudnuru/Pellouchoud. In singles, Exsted again played at No. 2 and once more was the first match to finish, securing a straight-set victory over Prathinav Chudnuru, 6–4, 6–4.
A graduate of Excel High School, Exsted is a freshman with an undecided major. His Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor marks an impressive start to his collegiate career and highlights his immediate contributions to the Trojans' early-season success.
Exsted and the No. 19 ranked Trojans return to Marks Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 18 for a 1 p.m. PT match against the University of San Diego.
Players Mentioned
USC Men's Tennis' Matteo Morazzi: Trojans Live 4.07.25
Monday, April 07
USC men's tennis wins Pac-12 Tournament title (4/29/23)
Sunday, April 30
