D.C. United Selects NC State’s Nikola Markovic as Top Pick in 2026 MLS Draft

D.C. United selected North Carolina State defender Nikola Markovic as the first pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday.

The three-round draft featured 90 selections and took place just days after Washington defeated Markovic’s team 3-2 in overtime to win the College Cup men’s national championship.

Markovic, a 6-foot-4 player from Quebec with Serbian heritage, played two seasons at NC State and started 22 matches in 2025. He contributed to the Wolfpack’s impressive defense, which led the nation with 15 shutouts while allowing only 13 goals for the entire season.

“It’s a dream come true,” Markovic said after being picked first, according to the league website. “I have always wanted to play professionally, and while this is a significant achievement, I aim for even greater success.”

During his college career, Markovic had one goal and one assist in each season, but his primary strength lies in defense and leadership for D.C. United as they work on rebuilding their team.

“Nikola wasn’t just a leader on the pitch, which we noticed closely, but he also stands out as a leader off the pitch,” said D.C. United’s managing director of soccer operations, Erkut Sogut. “We observed him during the College Cup and were there in person, which helped us make an informed decision. It’s important to bring someone with a winning mindset into the culture of D.C. United.”

This marks the first time D.C. United had the top overall pick since they chose 14-year-old Freddy Adu back in 2004.

FC Dallas, benefiting from trades with Atlanta United and CF Montreal, held the second and third picks. They chose Georgia Southern forward Ricky Louis at No. 2 and Virginia forward Nicholas Simmonds at No. 3.

Dallas also had the No. 16 pick, which they used to select Vermont goalkeeper Niklas Herceg.

“We were proactive in the draft for a couple of reasons,” said FC Dallas president Dan Hunt. “We have open spots on our supplemental roster that we want to fill with strong college prospects, especially with such talented players available. Our staff has evaluated these players closely over recent weeks, and we believe we’ve addressed several needs.”

Sporting Kansas City picked Clemson midfielder Kwaku Agyabeng fourth, while Orlando City selected the first American player, Wake Forest midfielder Harvey Sarajian, at No. 5.

The Colorado Rapids decided to choose one of their academy players, Rapids 2 forward Mamadou Billo Diop, with the sixth pick.

Completing the top 10, St. Louis City picked UC Davis defender Zack Lillington, D.C. United added Washington forward Richie Aman, Orlando chose Michigan defender Nolan Miller, and the Rapids selected Georgetown forward Mitchell Baker.

Inter Miami, winners of the MLS Cup on December 6, picked 30th overall and drafted Bryant defender Abdel Talabi.