MLS SuperDraft 2026: Complete Round-by-Round Results & Expert Reactions (2026)

The future stars of Major League Soccer are being discovered right now! But are these SuperDraft picks really the game-changers teams are hoping for? The 2026 MLS SuperDraft has concluded, and teams have made their selections, hoping to unearth the next big thing. But here's the burning question: Does the SuperDraft still hold the same weight it once did in shaping MLS rosters? Let's dive into the complete round-by-round results and explore the potential impact of these young talents.

D.C. United kicked off the draft, choosing NC State defender Nikola Markovic as the number one overall pick. Markovic is known for his strong tackling and aerial ability, which D.C. United will be hoping can solidify their defense. But is a defender really the best choice for the top pick? Some analysts argue that attacking players are more likely to have an immediate impact.

The draft was filled with other promising prospects, including the dynamic Clemson midfield duo of Ransford Gyan and Kwaku Agyabeng, Virginia striker Nick Simmons (a clinical finisher), Akron goalkeeper Mitch Budler (known for his shot-stopping prowess), and Washington midfielder Richie Aman. These players represent a diverse range of skills and positions, showcasing the depth of talent available in the college ranks.

Now, let's break down the draft picks round by round:

Round 1: Where Dreams Begin (or Do They?)

1. D.C. United: Nikola Markovic, D, NC State - A solid defensive addition for a team looking to rebuild.
2. FC Dallas (from ATL): Ricky Louis, F, Georgia Southern - Dallas bolsters their attack with a pacey forward.
3. FC Dallas (from MTL): Nicholas Simmonds, F, Virginia - Another attacking option for Dallas; clearly aiming to add firepower.
4. Sporting Kansas City: Kwaku Agyabeng, MF, Clemson - A dynamic midfielder to potentially revitalize SKC's midfield.
5. Orlando City (from LA): Harvey Sarajian, F, Wake Forest - Orlando adds depth to their forward line.
6. Colorado Rapids (from TOR): Mamadou Billo Diop, F, Colorado Rapids 2 - A homegrown talent gets a chance with the first team.
7. St. Louis City SC: Zack Lillington, D, UC Davis - St. Louis reinforces their backline with a promising defender.
8. DC United (from NE): Richie Aman, F, Clemson - DC doubles down on Clemson talent, adding an exciting attacker.
9. Orlando City (from HOU): Nolan Miller, D, Michigan - Orlando focuses on defensive stability with this pick.
10. Colorado Rapids: Mitchell Baker, F, Georgetown - The Rapids add a forward with good goal-scoring instincts.
11. Houston Dynamo FC (from SJ): Joe Highfield, F, Portland - Houston looks to add depth to their attacking options.
12. Atlanta United (from DAL, from RBNY): Enzo Dovlo, D, UNCG - Atlanta strengthens their defense with this selection.
13. Real Salt Lake: Lukas Magnason, D, Clemson - RSL adds another Clemson product to their roster, focusing on defense.
14. Orlando City: Jaylen Yearwood, D, North Florida - Orlando continues to prioritize defensive reinforcements.
15. Portland Timbers: Justin McLean, F, NC State - Portland hopes this forward can add some spark to their attack.
16. FC Dallas: Niklas Herceg, GK, Vermont - Dallas invests in a young goalkeeper with potential.
17. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (from ATX): Zach Ramsey, M, Washington - Vancouver looks to bolster their midfield.
18. Chicago Fire FC: Jack Sandmeyer, M, North Carolina - Chicago adds a midfielder to their squad.
19. Sporting Kansas City (from COL, from CLB): Nikos Clarke-Tosczak, D, Portland - SKC brings in a defender to add depth.
20. Orlando City (from NSH): Issah Haruna, M, UNC Greensboro - Orlando adds midfield talent to their growing roster of draftees.
21. Red Bull New York (from DAL, from SEA): Tomas Hut, GK, Syracuse - New York looks to develop a young goalkeeper.
22. Charlotte FC: Will Cleary, D, Stanford - Charlotte aims to solidify their defense.
23. Minnesota United FC: Jaylinn Mitchell, F, SMU - Minnesota adds a forward with potential goal-scoring ability.
24. LAFC: Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch, D, Princeton - LAFC strengthens their defensive options.
25. Real Salt Lake (from CIN): Dylan Kropp, D, North Carolina - RSL continues to focus on defensive reinforcements.
26. Colorado Rapids (from PHI): Wahabu Musah, F, Clemson - Colorado adds another Clemson player to their ranks, this time a forward.
27. New York City FC: Ransford Gyan, F, Clemson - NYCFC finally gets their hands on one of the highly touted Clemson players.
28. San Diego FC: Martin Luala, M, Grand Canyon - San Diego adds a midfielder as they build their inaugural roster.
29. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Daniel Lugo, F, High Point - Vancouver looks to add attacking options.
30. Inter Miami CF: Abdel Talabi, D, Bryant - Miami bolsters their defense.

Round 2: Hidden Gems or Just More Depth?

1. D.C. United: Isaac Emojong, M, Utah Valley
2. Inter Miami CF (from ATL): Kenan Hot, M, Duke
3. Real Salt Lake (from MTL): Tre Wright, D, UCLA
4. Sporting Kansas City: Sadam Masereka, F, Maryland
5. LA Galaxy: Palmer Bank, D, Stanford
6. Toronto FC: Jackson Gilman, D, Pittsburgh
7. St. Louis CITY SC: Andrew Samuels, GK, Princeton
8. New England Revolution: Schinieder Mimy, D, UCLA
9. Houston Dynamo FC: Calem Tommy, D, NC State
10. FC Dallas (from COL): Edouard Nys, M, Illinois Chicago
11. San Jose Earthquakes: Jack Jasinski, D, Princeton
12. Real Salt Lake (from RBNY): Jefferson Amaya, M, High Point
13. St. Louis CITY SC (from ORL, from RSL): Cooper Forcelini, M, Xavier
14. FC Dallas (from COL, from SKC, from ORL): Umberto Pela, M, Virginia
15. Portland Timbers: Colin Griffith, F, Maryland
16. CF Montréal (from DAL): Aidan Godinho, M, Georgetown
17. Austin FC: Stefan Dobrijevic, F, Akron
18. Real Salt Lake (from CHI): Niklas Soerensen, D, Pittsburgh
19. Columbus Crew: Tarun Karumanchi, M, UCLA
20. Nashville SC: Max Miller, D, Kentucky
21. Seattle Sounders FC: Joe Dale, M, Washington
22. Charlotte FC: Luke Adams, D, Tulsa
23. Minnesota United FC: Bardia Hormozi, F, Princeton
24. Inter Miami CF (from LAFC): Mamadi Jiana, F, Bryant
25. FC Cincinnati: Ayoub Lajhar, D, UConn
26. Colorado Rapids (from PHI): Asher Hestad, D, Washington
27. New York City FC: Kevin Pierre, M, Georgia Southern
28. San Diego FC: Remi Agunbiade, F, Akron
29. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Yeider Zuluaga, F, Seattle
30. Inter Miami CF: Alex Barger, D, Indiana

Round 3: The Last Chance Saloon?

1. D.C. United: Stephane Njike, F, Maryland
2. Atlanta United: Noah James, M, San Diego
3. CF Montréal: Tate Lorentz, M, Wake Forest
4. Sporting Kansas City: Blake D'Agostino, F, California Baptist
5. LA Galaxy: Sebastian Conlon, GK, Kentucky
6. FC Dallas (from MTL, from TOR): Olayinka Ogunleye, D, Louisville
7. Minnesota United FC (from STL): Aiden Bengard, D, Cal State-Fullerton
8. New England Revolution: Kyle McGowan, F, Denver
9. Houston Dynamo FC: Agustin Resch, D, Seton Hall
10. Colorado Rapids: Koven Johnson, M, High Point
11. New York City FC (from SJ): Joey Mueller, M, UCF
12. LA Galaxy (from RBNY): Jaime Amaro, M, Bryant
13. Real Salt Lake: Brayden Beason, F, San Diego
14. Orlando City: Mitch Ferguson, D, Notre Dame
15. Portland Timbers: Lucas Fernandez Kim, M, Oregon State
16. San Diego FC (from DAL): Kyle Durham, GK, UConn
17. Austin FC: Patrick Cayelli, M, Pennsylvania
18. Houston Dynamo FC (from CHI): Austin Brummett, F, UConn
19. Columbus Crew: Isaac Heffess, D, NC State
20. Nashville SC: Charles-Emile Brunet, M, SMU
21. Seattle Sounders FC: Stockton Short, GK, Utah Tech
22. Charlotte FC: Jahiem Wickham, GK, South Florida
23. Minnesota United FC: Michal Mroz, GK, Evansville
24. LAFC: Iain Wagner, M, San Diego
25. D.C. United (from CIN): Lasse Kelp, D, Maryland
26. Colorado Rapids (from PHI): Jabari De Coteau, D, Xavier
27. New York City FC: Luca Nikolai, D, North Carolina
28. Houston Dynamo FC (from SD): Gilberto Rivera, M, San Jose State
29. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Connor Lofy, M, Washington
30. Inter Miami CF: Maximilian Kissel, F, Vermont

Reaction: Does the SuperDraft Still Matter?

The MLS SuperDraft once served as a primary avenue for teams to acquire young talent. However, with the rise of MLS academies and increased scouting efforts abroad, the SuperDraft's significance has arguably diminished. Many of the top prospects are already signed to professional contracts before they even become eligible for the draft.

And this is the part most people miss: While some SuperDraft picks go on to have successful MLS careers, many others struggle to break into the first team and often find themselves playing in lower leagues.

But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that the SuperDraft still provides a valuable opportunity for teams to find hidden gems and add depth to their rosters, particularly from smaller colleges that might not get as much attention. Others believe that the resources invested in the SuperDraft would be better spent on scouting and developing talent through other channels.

What do you think? Does the MLS SuperDraft still serve a valuable purpose in today's MLS landscape? Or is it an outdated tradition that needs to be re-evaluated? Which of these players do you think will have the biggest impact on their respective teams? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!