Forward Isaiah Chisolm (9) walks onto the field. Ohio State defeated Northern Kentucky 5-0 on Sept. 3, 2026. Credit: Cassandra D’Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.

Great strikers are typically judged by how often they find the back of the net.

Senior forward Isaiah Chisolm has found the back of the net seven times in his first four games as a Buckeye, a mark that puts him as the second-leading goal scorer in Division I men’s soccer.

But scoring wasn’t the only reason Ohio State recruited Chisolm.

“He brings just such a presence up top, not only with his size and his God-given ability, but with his work rate,” Ohio State men’s soccer coach Brian Maisonneuve said Wednesday.

Maisonneuve said Chisolm’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball was a major reason Ohio State wanted him.

Chisolm transferred to Ohio State after three seasons at Kentucky, where he said he gained experience playing at a high level, including winning the Sun Belt regular-season title a year ago.?

For Chisolm, Ohio State stood out as a place where he could continue to develop.

“I thought they had a good program here,” Chisolm said Wednesday. “The coaching staff was very involved in my transfer process and made me feel at home when I was here, so I thought it’d be a great program where I can come improve myself.”

Chisolm’s work ethic stood out to Maisonneuve while they pursued him, but his effort has reached another level since arriving in Columbus.

“A lot of times you get those great strikers that just kind of pick and choose,” Maisonneuve said. “He just works.”

Maisonneuve also pointed to Chisolm’s movement off the ball.

“He’s willing to stretch lines in the box,” Maisonneuve said. “He’s setting up defenders and doing some of the unselfish running that opens up space for other guys.”

Maisonneuve said Chisolm’s pressing and counterpressing have also been important to Ohio State, while his hold-up play gives the team another way to bring midfielders into the attack.

Through four games, Chisolm has already scored more goals than Ohio State’s leading scorer in three of the four past seasons. Chisolm’s seven goals have also given the Buckeyes confidence.

“Anytime you have a guy like that on the field, it gives the rest of the team confidence because you know, at any time he can pull something off and score a goal,” Maisonneuve said.

While Chisolm’s impact on the pitch has been noticeable, he has also made an impression in the locker room.

“When [Chisolm] talks, people listen, because he leads by example,” Maisonneuve said.

Chisolm said the transition from Kentucky to Ohio State has brought adjustments off the field.

“It’s a bigger school than what I’m used to, so that’s definitely been an adjustment, but I’m loving it,” Chisolm said.

One moment that made Chisolm feel like he was part of team was a team bowling tournament.

“The bowling tournament,” Chisolm said. “My team won.”

Chisolm said he feels confident in his decision to come to Ohio State.

“I think I’m where I’m supposed to be right now,” Chisolm said.

The Buckeyes started the season unranked, but have leaped to the No. 4 team in the country after a 4-0 start, in which they have held each opponent scoreless.

Chisolm, a transfer from Kentucky, will now face off against his former team Tuesday night, as Ohio State takes on the Wildcats.