I have as many questions as you do.....
Malik and Dyson were both drafted and came back
below is what MLS published
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2026-mls-superdraft-rules-and-regulations
when I type in MLS draft eligibility rules into google, Artificial Intelligence gives me this info?
who knows if AI is correct...about a formal player declaration?
MLS Draft eligibility primarily includes college seniors who've exhausted NCAA eligibility, but it's expanded to cover sophomores, juniors, certain Generation adidas players, and some non-collegiate internationals, with the league compiling a list based on club/coach input rather than a formal player declaration.
How Players Get on the List
Unlike the NFL/NBA, there's no formal "declaration" process for players.
MLS consults with clubs, scouts, and college coaches to create the official list of draft-eligible players each year.