D.C. United Lands Defensive Gem: Nikola Markovic Selected No. 1 in 2026 MLS SuperDraft
In a bold move aimed at strengthening their defensive line, D.C. United clinched North Carolina State's standout center back Nikola Markovic with the first overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. Get all the details on Markovic's journey from college stardom to MLS top pick, alongside a look at the draft's other top selections.
D.C. United selected North Carolina State center back Nikola Markovic with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, turning to the Generation adidas defender to address defensive needs after a difficult 2025 season. The 21-year-old helped lead the Wolfpack to their first NCAA national championship appearance.Markovic, a 6-foot-4 sophomore from Gatineau, Quebec, established himself as one of college soccer's premier defenders during his time at NC State. The left-footed center back started all 22 games for the Wolfpack during their historic 2025 campaign, anchoring a defense that posted an NCAA-best 15 shutouts while outscoring opponents 48-9. His exceptional defensive performances earned him First Team All-American honors and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, making him a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy.The remainder of the SuperDraft's top five selections featured several notable offensive talents, with FC Dallas making the biggest splash by securing two of the top three picks through trades. The Texas club selected Georgia Southern forward Ricky Louis with the second overall pick (acquired from Atlanta United) before immediately adding Virginia striker Nicholas Simmonds with the third selection (obtained from CF Montréal). Rounding out the top five, Sporting Kansas City selected Clemson midfielder Kwaku Agyabeng fourth overall, while Orlando City traded up to select Wake Forest forward Harvey Sarajian with the fifth pick. 1. D.C. United: Nikola Markovic, D, NC State2. FC Dallas (from ATL): Ricky Louis, F, Georgia Southern3. FC Dallas (from MTL): Nicholas Simmonds, F, Virginia4. Sporting Kansas City: Kwaku Agyabeng, M, Clemson5. Orlando City (from LA): Harvey Sarajian, F, Wake Forest6. Colorado Rapids (from TOR): Mamadou Billo Diop, F, Colorado Rapids 27. St. Louis CITY SC: Zack Lillington, D, UC Davis8. D.C. United (from NE): Richie Aman, F, Washington9. Orlando City (from HOU): Nolan Miller, D, Michigan10. Colorado Rapids: Mitchell Baker, F, Georgetown11. Houston Dynamo FC (from SJ): Joe Highfield, F, Portland12. Atlanta United (from DAL, from RBNY): Enzo Dovlo, D, UNC Greensboro13. Real Salt Lake: Lukas Magnason, D, Clemson14. Orlando City: Jaylen Yearwood, D, North Florida15. Portland Timbers: Justin McLean, F, NC State16. FC Dallas: Niklas Herceg, GK, Vermont17. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (from ATX): Zach Ramsey, M, Washington18. Chicago Fire FC: Jack Sandmeyer, M, North Carolina19. Sporting Kansas City (from COL, from CLB): Nikos Clarke-Tosczak, D, Portland20. Orlando City (from NSH): Issah Haruna, M, UNC Greensboro21. Red Bull New York (from DAL, from SEA): Tomas Hut, GK, Syracuse22. Charlotte FC: Will Cleary, D, Stanford23. Minnesota United FC: Jaylinn Mitchell, F, SMU24. LAFC: Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch, D, Princeton25. Real Salt Lake (from CIN): Dylan Kropp, D, North Carolina26. Colorado Rapids (from PHI): Wahabu Musah, F, Clemson27. New York City FC: Ransford Gyan, F, Clemson28. San Diego FC: Martin Luala, M, Grand Canyon29. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Daniel Lugo, F, High Point30. Inter Miami CF: Abdel Talabi, D, BryantAdd GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe 2026 MLS SuperDraft featured numerous trades that reshaped the selection order, with teams like FC Dallas, Orlando City, and Colorado Rapids aggressively moving to secure specific targets. As teams finalize their selections and begin contract negotiations with draftees, attention will soon turn to preseason preparations. For Markovic and D.C. United, the challenge will be integrating the talented defender into a squad that conceded 66 goals in 2025, the second-highest total in the league.
Meet Nikola Markovic: A Rising Defensive Star
Hailing from Gatineau, Quebec, 21-year-old Nikola Markovic emerged as a defensive force during his time at NC State, playing a pivotal role in the Wolfpack's remarkable 2025 season. With a towering height of 6-foot-4, Markovic showcased his skills by starting all 22 games, contributing to the team's impressive 15 shutouts and a commanding 48-9 goal difference against opponents. His standout performances earned him prestigious accolades like First Team All-American honors and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, showcasing his potential as a future defensive linchpin for D.C. United.
Top Picks from the 2026 MLS SuperDraft
Aside from Markovic going first overall, the 2026 MLS SuperDraft saw notable offensive talents getting snapped up in the top selections. FC Dallas made waves with key trades, securing Ricky Louis and Nicholas Simmonds early on. Other standout picks included Kwaku Agyabeng to Sporting Kansas City and Harvey Sarajian to Orlando City, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead as these young talents look to make their mark in the MLS.
Trades and Tactics: Draft Day Drama
The SuperDraft wasn't short on drama, as teams like FC Dallas and Orlando City orchestrated strategic trades to land their desired prospects. The reshuffling of picks added an element of surprise and intrigue, highlighting the lengths clubs are willing to go to secure their targets. With preseason preparations looming, all eyes are on how these fresh talents will gel with their new teams and contribute to the upcoming MLS season.
