NC State center back Niko Markovic was selected first by DC United in the 2026 MLS Draft. The towering 6-foot-4 center back was a dominant force from the second he arrived on campus, starting all 17 appearances as a freshman, then embarking on a record-breaking sophomore season where he captained the Wolfpack to a first College Cup final in program history.

In a post-selection press conference, the CF Montreal academy product credited NC State and its coaching staff for elevating his game. “Coach [Marc] Hubbard is tactically and, in general, the smartest coach I have ever had. Believe it or not, we do film at least 45 minutes a day during the season. So I think tactically is something I improved a lot on and decisions on the ball.”

This selection addresses a key need for DC United, which finished last in the Eastern Conference and allowed the second-most goals in the league. The 21-year-old defender, born in Canada to Serbian parents, remains eligible for both national teams.

New DC United Director of Soccer Operations Erkut Sogut explained the decision to select Markovic. “He was a leader on the pitch, which we observed in detail, but he is also a great leader off the pitch. The character scouting played a big role for us.” Sogut added, “I think he is a warrior-type player, and that’s what we like. We want that mentality here at Audi Field. And he is a player who can be part of the first team right away.”

Markovic is the first No. 1 overall pick in NC State history.

Click here to follow the rest of the draft picks.

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