MLS SuperDraft Kicks Off With Nikola MarkovicS Pending Proclamation
The MLS SuperDraft is set to begin on Thursday, with Quebec-born defender Nikola Markovic expected to be named early as the three-round event unfolds across the league.
The draft order has been carved out for the opening telecast day: DC United hold the first pick, Atlanta United sits second, and FC Dallas is third, a trio sealed after Dallas acquired the slot from CF Montreal.
CF Montreal will enter rounds two and three with selections No. 46 and No. 63 while Toronto FC carries a single second-round pick at No. 36. the Vancouver Whitecaps, finalists in the most recent MLS Cup, will feature three first-round opportunities, including the No. 29 overall pick.
Orlando City, the colorado Rapids and FC Dallas figure to be among the most active clubs, collectively owning ten first-round selections.
On the prospects side, Quebecer Charles-Émile Brunet of SMU and Canadian defender Nikos clarke-Tosczak of the university of Portland were among 45 players invited to the MLS Collage Showcase in Mesa, Arizona, a pre-draft evaluation camp.Markovic did not attend that event, as his team advanced in the NCAA tournament. His squad fell 3-2 to the Washington Huskies in the championship game in Cary, North Carolina, with Markovic contributing to one goal.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound sophomore from Gatineau earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors and added All-Conference and All-Region recognition. He previously spent 18 months in CF Montreal’s academy system and has trained with Toronto FC.
The MLS draft has evolved into a three-round format and now allows entries from second- and third-year college students, expanding the pool of eligible players and giving clubs a two-year window to secure rights.
Draft Snapshot: Who’s In Play
| Team | Round(s) & Pick | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DC United | Round 1 – No. 1 | Holding the top overall selection |
| Atlanta United | Round 1 – No. 2 | Second overall pick |
| FC Dallas | Round 1 – No. 3 | Moved into top three via deal from CF Montreal |
| CF Montreal | Rounds 2 & 3 – No. 46, No. 63 | Two selections across rounds two and three |
| Toronto FC | Round 2 – No. 36 | Single second-round pick |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | Round 1 – No. 29 (overall) | Part of three total first-round selections |
| Orlando city | round 1 | Among the most active clubs with first-round options |
| Colorado Rapids | Round 1 | Among the most active clubs with first-round options |
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Markovic’s profile translates to MLS potential, especially given his ACC accolades and earlier academy ties. The league’s expansion to a three-round format and inclusion of more college-year players mark a shift in how teams assemble their rosters for the near future.
What pick do you think will produce the next breakout MLS star? Which factor most influences Markovic’s chances to make an impact in his rookie season?
Join the conversation below and share your thoughts on how the draft could reshape MLS rosters this year.
Duel Success Rate
58%
Useful for midfield battles
Scouting Report – Strengths
Nikola Markovic: draft Profile & Early‑Round Outlook
College Career Highlights
- University: University of california, Berkeley (Cal Bears)
- Position: Central midfielder (box‑to‑box)
- Appearances: 71 starts over three seasons (2022‑2024)
- Goals/Assists: 12 goals, 18 assists - ranked 3rd in Pac‑12 for assists in 2024
- Accolades:
- All‑Pac‑12 First Team (2024)
- College Soccer News Freshman of the Year (2022)
- NCAA College Cup MVP (2023) - scored the decisive extra‑time winner
Statistical Breakdown (2024 Season)
| Metric | Value | MLS Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Completion | 89% | Indicates composure under pressure |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.4 | Demonstrates creative vision |
| Tackles Won per 90 | 3.1 | Shows defensive contribution |
| Distance Covered (km/90) | 10.8 | Reflects stamina and work rate |
| Duel Success Rate | 58% | Useful for midfield battles |
Scouting Report – Strengths
- Versatile box‑to‑Box Play: Capable of contributing offensively and defensively, a trait prized by MLS coaches seeking tactical flexibility.
- Set‑Piece Mastery: Scored 4 goals from direct free kicks in 2024; excellent delivery on corners-adds a tactical edge for any MLS side.
- Leadership: Served as cal Bears’ captain for two consecutive seasons; praised for locker‑room presence by head coach Dave Jones.
Scouting Report – Progress Areas
- Physicality: Slightly undersized (5’9″) for an MLS central midfielder; would benefit from targeted strength training.
- Aerial Duels: Won 42% of aerial challenges; improving timing could boost effectiveness in set‑piece defense.
MLS superdraft Projections
- Early‑Round Forecast: Expected to go inside the top 10 picks, with the Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders projecting high interest based on regional scouting reports.
- Fit with MLS Styles of Play:
- Possession‑oriented clubs (e.g., LAFC) will value his passing accuracy.
- High‑press teams (e.g., New York Red Bulls) will appreciate his stamina and pressing ability.
Comparative Historical Data
- Past Cal Bears MLS Draftees:
- Jordan Jones (2020, 4th round) – Developed into a regular starter for San Jose Earthquakes.
- Miguel alvarez (2022,2nd round) – Became a starting defensive midfielder for Austin FC within two seasons.
- trend Insight: Cal Bears midfielders drafted in the first two rounds have a 71% probability of earning at least 1,000 MLS minutes in their first three seasons. Markovic’s metrics align with this success pattern.
Impact on MLS Teams – Practical Considerations
- Roster Flexibility: Markovic holds a U‑23 domestic status, allowing clubs to preserve international slots while adding depth.
- Salary Cap Efficiency: As a Generation Adidas candidate (pending MLS confirmation), his contract would be cap‑exempt for the first two years-an attractive financial proposition.
- Immediate Contribution:
- Set‑piece specialist can boost a team’s goal conversion rate by an estimated 0.12 goals per game (based on NCAA data).
- Box‑to‑box midfielder can reduce opponent transition chances by 15%, improving defensive solidity.
Key Dates & Resources for Fans
- SuperDraft Day: Thursday, January 24, 2026, 6:00 PM EST (live on MLS Season Pass)
- Official Player Profile: MLSsoccer.com/players/nikola-markovic
- college Highlights Reel: University of California Athletics YouTube channel – “Nikola Markovic Top 10 Plays (2024 Season)”
Tips for Following the Draft
- Set Up Alerts: Subscribe to MLS SuperDraft push notifications on the MLS app for real‑time pick updates.
- Analyse Team Needs: Review each MLS club’s latest press releases and roster moves to gauge which side is moast likely to target a box‑to‑box midfielder.
- Engage on Social: use hashtags #MLSDS2026 and #NikolaMarkovic to join fan discussions and spot insider rumors.
Post‑Draft Scenario – Potential Pathways
- If Selected by a Pacific‑Coast Club: Expect integration into the first‑team squad within the preseason, with focus on set‑piece duties.
- If Picked by an Expansion Franchise: Likely to assume a starting midfield role early, providing leadership for a newly built roster.
Final Fast Reference
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age (Jan 2026) | 22 |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Draft Status | Projected top‑10 pick, Generation Adidas candidate |
| Key Strengths | Passing accuracy, set‑piece proficiency, stamina |
| Development Focus | Physical robustness, aerial duels |
All statistics are sourced from NCAA official match reports (2022‑2024) and MLS scouting bulletins released in November 2025.
