1. CB, Noahkai Banks, FC Augsburg
Banks was a part time starter in the Bundesliga at a very young age last season and while he struggled at time, he showed promise playing at a high level of competition. If U.S. Soccer can convince him to commit to the United States over Germany, he has the potential to be a high level USMNT starter for two to three World Cup cycles.
2. LB, Luca Bombino, San Diego FC
Bombino has been an average to above average left-back in MLS for the last season and a half. If he can become a top left-back in MLS and move to a higher level in Europe, he could become a left-back depth player for the USMNT.
3. CM, Taha Habroune, Columbus Crew
Habroune is in his first year as a starter in MLS. He has been solid, but not spectacular.
4. GK, Duran Ferree, San Diego FC
Ferree has been an in and out starter for in MLS for the first team and has shown the potential to be a top keeper in MLS in the future.
5. DM, Matthew Corcoran, Nashville SC
Corcoran has earned a starting role in MLS this year, though he is performing at a replacement level right now.
6. RB, Oscar Verhoeven, San Diego FC
Verhoeven is in his second season as a starting right-back for San Diego FC and has performed at a replacement level.
7. CM, David Vazquez, San Diego FC
Vazquez has been a rotational starter this year and has shown that he could be a reliable MLS level starter in the future.
8. DM, Pedro Soma, San Diego FC
Soma has been given some spot starts and has been used as sub fairly regularly and has shown that he could be a high level starting player in MLS in the near future.
9. GK, Andrew Rick, Philadelphia Union
Rick got a chance to play quite a few games last season and looked like he could be solid MLS starter in the future.
10. CB, Matai Akinmboni, Bournemouth
Akinmboni got some significant playing time as a young center-back in MLS in 2024 and 2025, but has not broken through at any first team level since his move to Europe.
11. RB, Aiden Harangi, Zalaegerszegi TE FC
Harangi started a handfull of games in MLS last year and looked okay, but has not broken though in the Hungarian first tier yet.
12. CB, Stuart Hawkins, Seattle Sounders
Hawkins debuted last year and he is starting to breakthrough a little bit this year in MLS. If he continues to do well and keep his spot, he will certainly climb this list.
13. GK, Diego Kochen, Lyngby
Kochen is finally getting his chance at a first team level this year and looks like he will be given the chance to be the number one keeper for Lyngby in the Danish first tier. If he performs well and keeps his spot, he will climb this list.
14. W, Cole Campbell, SV Elversberg
Campbell may climb this list quickly this season after a permanent move from Borussia Dortmund to newly promoted Elversberg. He should have a faily significant role for them. To date, he has not yet become a first team regular at any level.
15. LB, Tahir Reid-Brown, Orlando City
Reid-Brown debuted this year and has had some starts and appearances, but hasn't fully broken through yet.
16. W, MyKhi Joyner, St. Louis City
Joyner has had some spot sub appearances and some starts, but has not broken through in a meaningful way.
17. RB, Dylan Borso, Chicago Fire
Borso debuted in MLS this year.
18. W, Bryce Jamison, Colorado Rapids
Jamison had some decently productive seasons in USL Championship, but has yet to make his first team debut with Colorado.
19. AM, CJ Olney, Philadelphia Union
Olney is having a productive first season in the USL Championship on loan.
20. GK, Adam Beaudry, Colorado Rapids
Beaudry has been a decent keeper in the USL Championship.
