While the pathway to Major League Soccer does typically include college players, it remains an uphill battle to stick the landing.
Though the challenge for minutes is steep, value is there in the right opportunity. Manu Duah, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft, established himself as a starter for San Diego FC by season’s end.
As the new season begins, a small number of players have joined teams via prominent college programs. New MLS rules have also stipulated that players can return to school; a handful of those signed were selected as long as more than two years ago.
As the new season begins, here are eight players who could make an MLS impact.
