The 2026 MLS SuperDraft concluded with 90 selections for the second straight year, including 4 Generation adidas signees, North Carolina State’s Nikola Markovic (the no. 1 pick), Georgia Southern’s Ricky Louis, Virginia’s Nicholas Simmonds, and Clemson’s Kwaku Agyabeng. Washington’s Richie Aman was a pre-signed senior heading into the draft. For more about the draft and last year’s edition, click here.
3. (FC Dallas) Nicholas Simmonds, CF, Virginia
Dallas paired second pick Ricky Louis with another striker, former Jamaica U20 Nicholas Simmonds. The 6’4” forward has MLS-lineage in his father and was electric as a freshman, signing a Generation Adidas contract to become draft eligible. Simmonds started all 19 of Virginia’s matches, scoring 10 goals and recording 5 assists. He displayed elite pace and acceleration with his long strides and explosive first step, allowing him to break lines and stretch the defense repeatedly. His off-ball movement is at quite a high standard for this level, timing near and back post runs with proper delays while actively adjusting his positioning inside the box with quick feet and strong awareness. This makes him very effective when countering and from the box, progressive carrying with pace and sound decision making, though he must work on his rapidity of ball releases, then occupying dangerous areas to consistently create chances for himself with his movement. Simmonds has the strength and knowledge of his body to seal off defenders easily and fend off contact. He can also combine play with creativity, using consistent accuracy when laying it off or combining play to trailing or overlapping runs. In terms of finishing, he has exemplary technique when placing shots, especially when arriving to the ball or on a turn from just inside the box. He must work on making more consistent contact to finish off chances from the dangerous positions he gets into. Simmonds creates chances for himself from distance, too, generating considerable power. Though he takes advantage of his height in aerial duels, he struggles to direct headers on target despite making solid contact. He can afford to press with more intensity, pressing immediately on possession loss, but needing to take better angles to properly cut off passing lanes. Simmonds has a high ceiling between technical quality and physical profile, giving him potential to grow beyond the MLS. Given their development track record, Dallas could be the environment to make that happen for this unicorn.
8. (DC United) Richie Aman, LW, Washington
Aman was a true standout on the road to the Huskies’ College Cup final victory. He had a crucial assist against North Carolina State for his final goal contribution in a season where he was third in Division I in assists (14). Aman added 4 goals while starting all 24 matches and won Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. He looks tall for a winger with a lanky frame, using his naturally long and smooth strides to be elite at gliding forward when progressive carrying, comfortably advancing in any third, while being press resistant at full speed. This translates to some 1v1 dribbling ability, being confident to take on defenders from wide or the half space, feinting inside or using turn of pace to the outside, maintaining tight control of the ball regardless of direction. He can tend to overdribble, though, leading him to carry into traffic and linger on ball a touch or two too long, displaying a clear need to develop quicker decision-making. This affects his play from tight areas in the half space, being inaccurate with his one-touches, or attempting unnecessarily risky passes. If he can tighten up his decision-making, Aman could take better advantage of his expansive vision that frequently allows him to break lines or slip balls through to end his carries. He already shows a propensity to draw in pressure and release to teammates with solid timing. Aman assists with cutbacks using either foot, staying composed under pressure. His end product must get more consistent, as these cutbacks, along with crosses and shots, can be blocked or missed due to some hesitation or lack of technique on his weak foot. When receiving the ball, Aman is comfortable on the half turn, using his lengthy frame, balance, and patience to protect the ball and absorb contact, winning fouls in dangerous areas often, though he can go down too easily. The talented attacker profiles as a left inside forward or no. 10 at the next level and has a high floor with his strong progression traits. Expect Aman to put in similar output on loan in USL or Next Pro. I would not be surprised if he earns a meaningful bench role outright after training camp for rebuilding DC United.
10. (Colorado Rapids) Mitchell Baker, CF, Georgetown
Mitchell Baker is a towering (6’5”) left-footed Australian striker, having an elite physical presence between his lengthy frame and broad shoulders that allows him to back down defenders with ease and draw plenty of attention on crosses and set pieces to create space for teammates. Only a sophomore, he has room to gain more physical strength and grow into his frame. Despite his stature, Baker’s awareness is his strong trait, not his physicality. The Georgetown target man scored 14 goals in 21 starts, adding 3 assists. He put more than 50% of his shots on target, getting into excellent positions to score but needing to improve in consistency as his finishing needed a touch more composure and technique, shooting off balance at times. This refinement especially needs to come aerially with poor execution on headed and volleyed chances. Aerially, Baker is mostly dominant and quite competitive, especially receiving in direct buildup, using positioning advantages and timing to win duels, though his direction and placement of them are unreliable. His off-ball movement is where he really thrives, with high volume, intelligent runs. Baker can exploit gaps in the defense to break in behind after stretching the middle channel or arrive at either post. He has strong instincts to maintain separation from the back line when trailing/delaying runs to arrive late to finish cutbacks. Baker shows further box instincts with his poaching tendencies by anticipating rebound opportunities and maintaining separation after his runs, too. He is a very strong hold-up and link-up forward, getting it into his chest or feet with tight control using his frame to shield and retain possession, laying off with clean one-touches or combination play and rapid releases after drawing in pressure. His acceleration and agility can limit him when changing direction on the dribble or trying to break in behind. His unselfishness, quick ball releases, and awareness help make up for this by allowing him to spread play wide or into the stride of trailing runs. In the press, his long strides allow him to close space quickly and force clearances, particularly by the keeper, but he can still be a passive presser. If he can sharpen his finishing and speed up his decision-making under pressure, he has the positional awareness and box instincts to be a star in the MLS. Baker’s strong link-up play could take him to even further heights.
17. (Vancouver Whitecaps) Zach Ramsey, AM, Washington
Zach Ramsey was one of the heroes during the Huskies’ run to the 2025 College Cup title. He started all but one game, scoring 8 goals and assisting 8 more. His final two goals of the season against Furman and North Carolina State were finished for placement on each foot, both timely runs, the first ahead of the attack and the second when trailing. The 20-year-old’s off-ball movement and finishing are strengths of his skillset that help make him a real threat in the final third. In addition, Ramsey has an accurate cross on his left foot to create chances, whether it be in swung from corners or out swung from open play, usually put into the back post. His final third contribution makes him promising, but he will need to develop his quality in deeper areas to be fully effective at the MLS level. The Whitecaps had luck drafting another left-footer in the first round last year (Tate Johnson), so Ramsey may get a better opportunity than most selections near this spot to earn minutes.
23. (Minnesota United FC) Jaylinn Mitchell, F, SMU
Mitchell steadily improved year upon year, becoming a full-time starter as a junior and recording 6 assists for the Mustangs. He is positionally flexible on the left flank, primarily playing as a wide midfielder with explosiveness to be an advantageous overlapping runner. He is proactive in making his runs ahead of the counter while also providing consistent width, which makes him capable of stretching the defense vertically. He begins his runs from quite deep, having bags of pace to bring himself so far ahead of attacks. His defensive reaction time is very quick, closing out wide or recovering into shape with timeliness. He shows anticipation to get into passing lanes and onto heavy touches. He displays a high work rate when pressing by giving quality chase from behind, willing to apply pressure into backs of opponents on possession loss. Mitchell does come in out of control at times, overpursuing and being sent past his marker, though he does not lunge in as he mostly looks to contain. He is also strong in ball retention, cool and collected to play one- and two-touch passes from the touchline and half space to retain, usually back passing down the line. His risk evaluation is sound enough from there to know when to retain, not forcing progression. His decision-making must get more rapid, though, hesitating in 1v1s and from tight areas by taking an extra touch or allowing too much pressure into his body. Mitchell must become more efficient as a dribbler; he is capable of beating his first marker but lacks decisiveness to complete the move, cutting inside consistently, having better success relying on a turn of pace move to the outside. His end product needs some improvement, as his chances created via cutbacks and crosses lack technique. His lean frame limits his effectiveness in duels, but he shows bravery to still go into them. Mitchell could stay as a wide midfielder in the MLS with Eric Ramsay’s preference to play five at the back, but I see his future in a more central role, possibly as a no. 10.
27. (New York City FC) Ransford Gyan, AM, Clemson
Gyan’s drop in this draft would be criminal if he were not 5’3”. Three of his teammates were selected ahead of him despite the clear carry job he did for a Clemson squad that had lost some talent and underperformed (by their National Champion standard). The attack ran through Gyan, and although he did not take a huge leap in his development, the ACC Midfielder of the Year and former Freshman of the Year cemented his dominance of the Division I level. With 8 goals and 8 assists in 17 starts, his goal contributions rose from 5 and 6, respectively, in two more starts during 2024. NYCFC has an affinity for undersized no. 10s, so there is a chance this pick is a perfect fit. For more on Gyan, read my full scout report from last season here.
32. (Inter Miami CF) Kenan Hot, DM, Duke
Hot is a sturdily built 5’11” holding midfielder who was developed by the New York Red Bulls Academy and played professionally in MLS Next Pro and USL Championship for NYCFC II and Hartford Athletic, respectively. A four-year starter for the Blue Devils, he added a goal threat as a senior, scoring 8 goals and recording 4 assists after having two contributions over his first three years. He is a steady presence at the base of midfield who holds his line well and protects his back line decently. Hot is not the most impressive physically, but handles himself well enough in duels and when clearing up play. In possession, he is comfortable on the ball and has the ground distribution range to spread play wide reliably. Hot may have a skillset that drops him into a deeper position at MLS-level. A shift in his development could put him on the path to be a centre-back, even without desired height for the position.
40. (FC Dallas) Edouard Nys, AM, UIC
Nys is a perfect example of the rapidly spreading wealth of talent beyond the traditional powerhouses in Division I. The Belgian no. 10 was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year after transferring from Northeast Community College and ranked third in the nation in goals (16) in 18 starts, adding 5 assists. Nys spent time in KV Kortrijk and KVK Westhoek’s academy before enrolling in school in the United States. This also makes him an example of the growing population of former European academy players pursuing degrees while continuing their careers stateside. Physically, Nys is short with a lean frame and low center of gravity. He has a soft first touch on either foot and is comfortable receiving on the half turn in pockets both centrally and from the half spaces. He is a technically sound dribbler who scans before and upon reception, looking to break lines via ground or chips, his accuracy occasionally faltering. Nys is effective in pass-and-run moments, being an option after releasing the ball, keeping his feet moving to potentially receive in combination or make space for his teammate to carry into. He is excellent at drawing in pressure before releasing passes to teammates into space, though his ball releases could be more rapid. Nys is agile and confident when carrying through tight areas, capable of beating double teams with sharp changes of direction. He is press resistant centrally and able to draw fouls, but he is less effective out wide in 1v1s, not having the advantage against quicker defenders. He is creative with his decision-making, leading him to be quite ambitious. He can hesitate in the box or take an extra touch under pressure. Nys displays composed ball striking from distance, curling efforts toward the far post. On set pieces, his finishing is dangerous while providing consistent accuracy on in-swinging crossing deliveries, mostly from corners. Nys displays a clear ability to create both for himself and others from a variety of situations. Out of possession, he maintains his tempo throughout the 90 minutes to give chase and apply pressure from behind, reacting quickly on possession loss. Nys will have to tighten up his already impressive technical profile to overcome physical limitations to have a chance at sticking in the MLS. If he can accomplish that, a return to Belgium in the Challenger League is not out of the picture.
69. (Houston Dynamo) Agustin Resch, CB, Seton Hall
Giant (6’6”) Argentine centre-back Agustin Resch was a noteworthy late pick, not just because of his size. He was a two-year starter at Seton Hall, proving to be a set-piece threat as a senior, scoring 3 goals and assisting 3 more. To wrap up an impressive 2025, he won Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Resch is not just tall; his frame is strong and sturdy. This aids him in his dominance aerially, reliant on his stature and timing, overcoming any positioning disadvantage. Furthermore, his headers after winning duels are decisive and have considerable distance, reliably clearing play, particularly from his box. Another strength of his is positional discipline. Resch is typically the deepest centre-back, anchoring the back line, sticking to his positioning in the box to deny crossing service, prioritizing defense of dangerous zones. He has the intelligence to take proper angles in recovery, knowing his athletic limits with lumbering pace and slower turns/lateral agility. This makes him better suited to a mid-low block, as he could struggle to consistently set a higher block at the professional level. That said, his anticipation and instincts make up for it at this level, reading play well enough to create disruptions or recover early. Resch is a true leader at the back with his proactive line organization, being vocal and pointing to set the shape, leading by example with his discipline. Setting the line early allows him to use his composure and frame at the end of recoveries to box out his marker, who he usually tightly tracks, getting to through balls first, then making a safe decision under pressure. When isolated 1v1, his defensive approach is to contain, not being assertive. If Resch does step in to close some space, his challenges can be poorly timed, leading to unnecessary fouls in threatening spots at times. In possession, he is calm receiving with and without pressure, capable of accurately one-touching with his dominant right foot even after intercepting. He is technically astute for his size, able to pass across his body and circulate play with lateral ground passing to either side, finding the right-back or his centre-back partner. Resch also has a bit of range to his distribution, switching play diagonally if he has time and room, confident in his aerial passing ability when looking to progress, though they are often overhit. He is reliable with the ball at his feet, but must refine his progression to add another layer to his profile. Resch’s traits combine for a solid base that will make him a presence to be reckoned with in USL Championship. With centre-backs having a naturally later peak, there is reason to believe that the small improvements needed in his game could earn him a chance in the MLS or Argentine Liga Profesional.
80. (Nashville SC) Charles-Emile Brunet, CM, SMU
Brunet is a Canadian ball-winning midfielder who is short with a lean frame. He transferred to the Mustangs after his freshman year with Central Arkansas, where he was named to the Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, he started all 20 matches, scoring 2 goals and assisting 6 more. Brunet is an excellent defender 1v1 due to his closeout speed and quick reactions from his midfield line into precision standing and sliding tackles. He never lunges in, always containing while staying tight and sometimes physical. His quick reactions also help out on possession loss, helping him recover into shape and to create double teams, covering plenty of ground defensively. Brunet is comfortable dropping deep to receive in the early buildup, even while pressured. His body positioning is deceptive to create angles and space for himself, and he frequently draws fouls on reception due to his shielding of the ball. He is strong for his size, but still loses his balance or goes down too easily at times. Brunet is hyperaware, his head constantly on a swivel prior to receiving and when defending off ball. In possession, his focus is on ball retention, being strong with his dominant right foot at rapid releases in the short game and in pass-and-run scenarios. When he does attempt to break lines or play a through ball, his service can be overhit. He is more than willing to use his weak foot, but those attempts are less consistent, sometimes being rushed on them or blocked. His link-up play must get stronger in terms of decision-making speed, especially under pressure, as he can linger on ball for too long and is not creative with his back to goal. Though Brunet must add final third contributions to his profile due to poor finishing, his set-piece creation is precise, out-swinging crosses mostly from corners to assist back post chances. There is still some developing to do, but the Canadian midfielder has a bright future ahead of him, particularly for a selection this late.
90. (Inter Miami CF) Maximilian Kissel, CF, Vermont
The final pick in this year’s draft scored Vermont’s overtime winner to bring home last season’s College Cup. That goal was no fluke, as Kissel has a real clutch gene, having a knack for late and/or important goals. This season, he suffered an injury at the end of September that prevented him from living up to last season’s numbers, though he had 7 goal contributions prior to that. He returned and slid back into his role off the bench from his first season with the Catamounts, playing an important role with a goal and an assist in their victory over rival New Hampshire. Kissel is 6’0” with a lean frame, having some muscle mass while not shying away from contact, making him efficient with his back to goal on reception and allowing him to draw fouls. He is not dominant aerially but rises well for his size. His long runs up the middle are limited by a lack of a top gear to his pace. Kissel frequently makes runs up the middle channel and half spaces, stopping them short intelligently in moments, but is inconsistent with his overall timing. This, combined with his aerial ability, limited his effectiveness, as Vermont tended to play directly. He is better than you would expect for his position as a dribbler, capable of dropping short to link play and receive under pressure with decent press resistance for his size. He has some composure to turn and carry, but his decision-making and first touch can be slow, leading to rushed passes and dispossessions. His hold-up play is overall inconsistent, being somewhat effective laying it off, but often mistiming or underhitting combination play. Kissel is comfortable attacking on the dribble, finding ways to penetrate the box using feints and change of direction, not explosively but with balance. His end product comes in volume at times, consistently being in spaces for high percentage chances, but executing poorly. His composure improves significantly when it matters most, and he possesses a finishing variety, able to shoot with either foot and his head, although he needs improvement in both power and technique. Out of possession, Kissel presses with great hustle, able to disrupt counters by committing tactical fouls. The German has an “It” factor to his game and a hardworking mentality that makes him worthy of a flier with this pick, despite being quite raw.
Target Scouting 