MLS Super Draft 2026

[Zip_ME87]

The MLS 2026 Super Draft takes place Thursday, December 18, 2026 at 2 pm ET. https://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/news/mls-superdraft-2026-tracker-order-selections

 

Here is the list of draft eligible players...https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2026-mls-superdraft-eligible-players

 

Akron players listed:

  Remi Agunbiade (2025 So) 

  Mitch Budler (2025 Sr)

  Stefan Dobrijevic (2025 Sr)

  Ashton Kamdem (2025 Sr)

  Freddy Kossahasse (2025 Jr)

 

 

 

Edited yesterday at 04:52 PM by Zip_ME87

[TennZip]

Ashton and Mitch are both rated very highly in this article

 

https://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/news/mls-superdraft-2026-top-prospects-by-position

[Zips1991]

4 hours ago, Zip_ME87 said:

The MLS 2026 Super Draft takes place Thursday, December 18, 2026 at 2 pm ET. https://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/news/mls-superdraft-2026-tracker-order-selections

 

Here is the list of draft eligible players...https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2026-mls-superdraft-eligible-players

 

Akron players listed:

  Remi Agunbiade (2025 So) 

  Mitch Budler (2025 Sr)

  Stefan Dobrijevic (2025 Sr)

  Ashton Kamdem (2025 Sr)

  Freddy Kossahasse (2025 Jr)

 

 

 

I am admittedly always lost on MLS roster rules, despite being a massive Crew fan. I never take the time to learn the roster rules. Did Remi and Freddy declare for the draft? Are they able to come back if they are not drafted or do not sign? I seem to remember Dyson Clapier doing that.

[csims0917]

Players get drafted and come back pretty frequently. Probably works like baseball except you don’t get locked into not being drafted for multiple years but you get the option to go to college 

[TennZip]

3 hours ago, Zips1991 said:

I am admittedly always lost on MLS roster rules, despite being a massive Crew fan. I never take the time to learn the roster rules. Did Remi and Freddy declare for the draft? Are they able to come back if they are not drafted or do not sign? I seem to remember Dyson Clapier doing that.

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. 

[TennZip]

This mock draft column.....is very high on the Zips draft prospects

He has Ashton being drafted by St Louis City.  Would be neat to have Emil and Ashton playing together again.

 

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/2026-major-league-soccer-mock-draft_aid55491

[Zip_ME87]

I had questions similar to those posted. Thanks for researching as best as possible. I know Malik and Dyson returned for a final collegiate season after being drafted. If a sophomore is drafted, could he return for two years or only one? 

[Zip_ME87]

While I’m concerned about potentially losing good players, I’ll be happy for any of our players who are drafted. Many Zips have had successful pro careers. Always happy to see more. 

[Zip_ME87]

From the Colorado Rapids website... https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2026-mls-superdraft-explained-break-down-the-rapids-picks-eligibility-rules-tune-in-information

 

Eligibility Rules

College sophomores and juniors will be eligible to be selected, an eligibility rule first introduced in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Additionally, any former college player who departed college with remaining eligibility since the conclusion of the college season approximately one year prior to the MLS SuperDraft in order to compete as a professional in a league domestically is eligible to be drafted. Domestic leagues include USL, NISA and CPL.

 

Eligible Players

Players who are collegiate sophomores and above

Generation adidas players

Any former college player who departed college with remaining eligibility since the conclusion of the college season approximately one (1) year prior to the MLS SuperDraft (i.e., since the conclusion of the 2023 college season) in order to compete as a professional in a league domestically (e.g., USL, NISA, CPL)

Any other players specifically made available by the league (such as pre-signed College seniors or pre-signed internationals).

 

How the MLS SuperDraft Works

The MLS SuperDraft will consist of three rounds total, with 10-minute breaks in between rounds. Each team has four minutes to make their selection with the option to take a three-minute timeout before making their selection. If a club fails to make a selection within the designated time, they are required to wait until the next selection is made and have their selection in hand by the time the following club’s selection is made. Should a team pass on its selection, it forfeits the chance to make any further selections for the remainder of the MLS SuperDraft.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Zip_ME87