With MLS returning this weekend, the U-21 Impact Rankings are back as well. These rankings have become a useful indicator for both European transfers and U.S. Men’s National Team call-ups. Many players who have topped the list in recent years have earned major moves abroad — including Alex Freeman, who recently transferred to Villarreal after finishing as last season’s No. 1 impact player by a wide margin and establishing himself as a USMNT regular.

LB — Luca Bombino, San Diego FC (2006)
Bombino was one of the biggest breakout American players in MLS last year and I did not see it coming. He looked mature beyond his years and flourished in San Diego’s possession-oriented system. The next step is moving from promising young player to one of the better left-backs in the league. If that happens, USMNT consideration and European interest should follow quickly.

‍LB — Peyton Miller, New England Revolution (2007)
Miller reportedly turned down a significant Premier League move this winter in favor of another MLS season, where he could push toward 3,000 minutes under new head coach Marko Mitrović, who also coached him with the U.S. U-20s. Miller is an electric talent with enormous upside but must become a more consistent impact player. Another step forward could put him on track for a near eight-figure transfer.

‍DM — Brooklyn Raines, New England Revolution (2005)
New England should be one of the most interesting teams for those who closely follow young American players. After logging nearly 1,700 league minutes with Houston, Raines moves to New England, where he is expected to play a major midfield role under Mitrović — a coach under whom he has previously performed well. I would not be surprised if Raines had a breakout season.

‍CM — Taha Habroune, Columbus Crew (2006)
Habroune is my top breakout candidate for 2026, and I am far from alone in that thinking. He earned an increasingly prominent role late last season and delivered several strong performances, including Columbus’ home playoff match against FC Cincinnati. With Darlington Nagbe’s retirement opening minutes in midfield, Habroune is positioned to take on a major role.

‍W — Zavier Gozo, Real Salt Lake (2007)
Gozo broke out last year not only statistically but also in overall play. His first touch and close control improved significantly, and although his final-third consistency is still developing, his trajectory is extremely promising. European clubs are monitoring him closely, with strong interest from Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid. A move in the next 12–18 months is realistic if he continues progressing.

RB — Frankie Westfield, Philadelphia Union (2005)
Westfield was a surprise breakout player last year, capitalizing on injuries to earn early minutes. While Nate Harriel’s versatility means Westfield may not be a full-time starter, 1,500–2,000 minutes remain a realistic expectation.

‍RB/LB — Reed Baker-Whiting, Nashville SC (2005)
Following his anticipated move from Seattle to Nashville, Baker-Whiting should find clearer pathways to minutes, likely rotating behind veteran Andy Najar. He appears ready for consistent MLS playing time and needs that opportunity.

‍RB — Oscar Verhoeven, San Diego FC (2006)
Verhoeven could become a regular starter but will face competition from Willy Kumado and Leo Duru if both remain healthy.

‍RB — Harbor Miller, LA Galaxy (2007)
Miller saw late-season minutes last year, often playing higher up the field out of necessity, though right-back remains his best position. Competition from Miki Yamane and Mauricio Cuevas will limit minutes, but roughly 1,000 minutes is realistic.

‍LB — Tate Johnson, Vancouver Whitecaps (2005)
Johnson was a surprise contributor for Vancouver last season. If Sam Adekugbe returns fully healthy, Johnson’s minutes could become less consistent, but he has already shown he can be a reliable MLS-level option.

‍LB — Nolan Norris, FC Dallas (2005)
After strong performances at the U-20 World Cup and a recent contract extension, Norris could be positioned for a breakout season. He may be closer to a full-time starting role than previously projected.

‍CB/RB — Ethan Kohler, New England Revolution (2005)
Kohler reunites with Mitrović following his move from Werder Bremen. While not guaranteed to start immediately, his versatility should earn steady opportunities across the back line.

‍CB — Noah Cobb, Colorado Rapids (2005)
Currently projected as CB3, Cobb should see spot starts and would fit well if Colorado deploys a three-center-back system.

‍CB — Christopher Cupps, Chicago Fire (2008)
Cupps earned early opportunities due to injuries and showed he is close to MLS level. With Gregg Berhalter historically willing to play young talent, additional starts are possible.

‍CB — Ian James, Sporting KC (2008)
James saw earlier-than-expected MLS minutes last season and handled them well. Preseason usage suggests Sporting KC could be preparing him for a significant role.

‍DM — Jacob Bartlett, Sporting KC (2005)
After logging nearly 2,000 league minutes last season, Bartlett should again see significant playing time given Sporting KC’s midfield depth.

‍DM — Matthew Corcoran, Nashville SC (2006)
Corcoran impressed in limited opportunities but still faces veteran competition, making rotational minutes the most likely outcome early in the season.

‍DM — Adri Mehmeti, New York Red Bulls (2009)
Mehmeti could earn MLS starts before season’s end. New York has a history of accelerating young midfielders into the first team, and his pathway appears promising.

DM — Pedro Soma, San Diego FC (2006)
‍Soma appears MLS-ready and could push for starts. It was a very good sign that he started both Concacaf Cup matches against Pumas.

‍CM — Sergio Oregel, Chicago Fire (2005)
Oregel played heavily early last season before competition reduced his minutes. He should still play regularly, though surpassing 2,000 minutes may be difficult.

‍CM — Jonny Shore, NYCFC (2007)
Shore stepped into a major role due to injuries and performed solidly. Greater assertiveness in possession will determine whether his role expands this season.

‍AM — Niko Tsakiris, San Jose Earthquakes (2005)
Tsakiris could become the primary creative engine in midfield if given the opportunity. Additional roster moves could affect his role, but the depth chart currently suggests meaningful minutes.

‍AM — Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union (2009)
The possibility of the Sullivan brothers sharing the field regularly remains intriguing. I am really hoping for expanded MLS minutes this season. He is ready.

RB — Drew Baiera, NYCFC (2007)
With Mitja Ilenič moving on, Baiera now has a clearer pathway to rotational minutes behind Tayvon Gray.

‍CM — Noel Buck, San Jose Earthquakes (2005)
Bruce Arena rates Buck highly, and he should earn opportunities as a rotational midfielder.

‍AM — Máximo Carrizo, NYCFC (2008)
Carrizo is ready for a larger role and could become a consistent game-changing substitute this season.

‍W — Luke Brennan, Atlanta United (2005)
Brennan is currently positioned to be Atlanta’s first winger off the bench.

‍W — Bryce Jamison, Colorado Rapids (2006)
Colorado views Jamison as a winger, and limited depth at the position could open significant opportunities.

‍W — Mykhi Joyner, St. Louis City (2006)
Joyner may not yet be fully ready for a major role, but St. Louis’ thin winger depth could accelerate his minutes.

‍W/CF — Kristian Fletcher, FC Cincinnati (2005)
Fletcher’s move to Cincinnati places him in a system that suits his profile, and he could provide strong impact-sub production if he remains healthy.

‍W/CF — Serge Ngoma, New York Red Bulls (2005)
Health remains the key variable, but Ngoma has the ability to be an impactful wide substitute.

‍W/CF — Julian Hall, New York Red Bulls (2008)
Hall has been on the first-team roster full-time the last couple of year. He has had a really impactful preseason — could this be the season in which he is given a consistent opportunity?

‍CF — Nicholas Simmonds, FC Dallas (2006)
The only 2026 SuperDraft player on this list, Simmonds’ college production and profile suggests he could transition quickly into an MLS impact role.