GK, Kayne Rizvanovich, Brooklyn FC (2007)
Rizvanovich is arguably the top keeper prospect in the 2007 class and the favorite to be the starter for the next USYNT U-20 World Cup cycle. He's joining expansion USL-C club Brooklyn FC on loan for the 2026 season — a great next step, especially playing under head coach Marlon Leblanc, who he spent time with through the USYNT. A strong showing this season could potentially put him in position for a first team opportunity in 2027.
CB, Chibuike Ukaegbu, Sacramento Republic (2007)
Ukaegbu has been a part-time starter for Sac Republic for the last two years. Is this the year he finally locks down the full-time job? It's the last year on his contract, and it's hard to imagine he re-signs. His impact this year could determine whether his next move is to MLS or abroad.
CB/LB, Ramiz Hamouda, Birmingham Legion (2008)
Hamouda is heading to Bundesliga club Werder Bremen this summer when he turns 18 — one of the worst-kept secrets in the game for the last couple of years. He's one of the most talented prospects to come through USL, but he's got a lot of developing to do before he's a viable option for Werder's first team. Expect him to slot in with their U-19 or second team to start.
CB, Tyson Espy, Orange County (2009)
Espy is probably in the conversation for the most talented prospect to move into USL. He's already had two very successful trials with VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich, and it would be a surprise if he doesn't land at one of the bigger clubs in Germany when he turns 18. How much he actually plays for OCSC this year is unclear, but if he performs, his stock will keep rising.
RB, Brandon Dayes, Louisville City (2008)
Dayes is the next top prospect coming out of Louisville City's academy. He's signed his first professional contract and went on trial with Bournemouth this offseason. A young right back with a lot to prove — and from what we've seen, there could be a lot of minutes headed his way this year.
LB, Pedro Guimaraes, Orange County (2008)
Guimaraes is another player on his way to Germany this summer, reportedly joining Eintracht Frankfurt in what's said to be a near-record deal. He may not have the highest ceiling of this group, but he's a highly competent left back who'll need time to work his way into that first team picture.
DM, Landry Walker, San Antonio FC (2009)
Walker is another product of USL development, which is encouraging to see. He's a U.S. U-17 international and will likely feature for that team at the upcoming U-17 World Cup. On top of that, he could realistically earn 1,500 to 2,000 minutes in USL this season.
CM, Blake Willey, Sacramento Republic (2007)
Willey has been in and out of U.S. Youth National Teams and has been produced entirely within USL, which speaks well of the league. He should be a steady contributor for Sac Republic this year, and the natural next step looks like an MLS deal.
CM, Jamison Ping, Phoenix Rising (2008)
Ping came out of nowhere last year to earn his first team debut and has since signed a first team contract. The next step is earning a more regular role — and he's got the tools to do it.
CM, Jaethan Irwin, Phoenix Rising (2011)
Irwin is the youngest player on this list and may not make much of an impact in 2026, but he's been a full participant in first team training and has the profile to hold his own against grown men. A debut at some point this season wouldn't be shocking.
AM, CJ Olney, Brooklyn FC (2006)
Olney is the oldest player on this list, though he's only a couple of weeks from being a 2007. The talent has never been the question — sticking somewhere has. Outside of MLS Next Pro, he hasn't been able to find a consistent home. He joins Brooklyn FC on loan under Marlon Leblanc, who's gotten the best out of him before. Hopefully he can help him turn the page.
W, Jamir Johnson, Orange County (2008)
Nothing is official, but all signs point to this being a very short stint in USL for Johnson. He's expected to join PSV this summer, and if that's the case, it's fair to wonder how motivated OCSC will be to play him in the first half of the year. Then again, if his performances demand it, he'll be on the pitch.
W, Cyrus Kowall, Phoenix Rising (2009)
Kowall is a speculative pick here. He's coming off an ACL injury, so Phoenix will work him back slowly. But if he can return to full health, the profile is there for him to be an interesting piece off the bench late in games.
CF, Endri Mustali, Tampa Bay Rowdies (2007)
Mustali is an interesting prospect — elite size and speed combination, good feet for a big man. The question is whether he can finally translate those tools into production at the professional level. He hasn't done much yet. Is this the year that changes?
CF/W, Colton Swan, Charleston Battery (2007)
Swan was a one-and-done college player after leaving the Colorado Rapids organization, and the decision to sign with Charleston surprised some people. It's an intriguing next step, and how he adapts to this level will be worth watching.
CF, Da'vian Kimbrough, Sacramento Republic (2010)
Kimbrough has been a marketing win for both USL and Sacramento, but his on-field impact has been limited. Could this be the year he starts playing a more prominent role?
CF, Apolo Marinch, Orange County (2010)
Marinch came over from a MLS Academy — Columbus Crew's, specifically — and probably isn't quite ready to impact the first team in a big way. But don't be surprised if he gets some chances.
