On Tuesday, Major League Soccer announced the 2026 22 Under 22 class. Voted on by an expert panel of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, Apple TV broadcasters, and select media*, the annual ranking highlights the best young players in Major League Soccer.
League leaders Nashville SC have two players on the list: defender Reed Baker-Whiting was the 17th-ranked player, while midfielder Matthew Corcoran finished 21st. This is the first time in Nashville's seven seasons that the club has had a player named to the list.
*SixOneFive Soccer's Ben Wright received a ballot in 2026.
Reed Baker-Whiting
Nashville SC left back Reed Baker-Whiting finished 17th in the voting results. Baker-Whiting joined Nashville just before the start of the 2026 season, signing as a U22 Initiative player in a cash transfer from the Seattle Sounders worth up to $1.1 million.
In Nashville, Baker-Whiting quickly took over the starting left-back spot ahead of Nashville veteran Dan Lovitz, starting key Concacaf Champions Cup matches against Inter Miami, Club America, and Tigres.
In all competitions this season, Baker-Whiting has played just over 2,200 minutes in 33 matches (22 starts), scoring three goals and adding five assists. His eight goal contributions are the sixth-most in the squad, and has become one of the most important players in the team for Nashville this season.
Matt Corcoran
Midfielder Matt Corcoran ended as the number 21 player on the final list. Corcoran was signed by Nashville ahead of the 2025 season. After playing sporadically last year, he's become arguably the first midfielder on the team sheet in 2026. Only three outfield players – Maxwell Woledzi, Hany Mukhtar, and Jeisson Palacios – have played more than his 2,900 minutes, appearing in 36 matches (29 starts) this season.
With Gastón Brugman departing the club in the winter, Corcoran has taken over as Nashville's primary playmaker from midfield. His vision and ability to find space in the final third have been crucial for Nashville's success in 2026.
Full 22 Under 22 list
2026 22 Under 22 Class
| Rank | Player | Club | Age | Academy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cavan Sullivan |  | 17 | Philadelphia Union |
| 2 | Julian Hall |  | 18 | Red Bull New York |
| 3 | Adri Mehmeti | | 17 | Red Bull New York |
| 4 | Mbekezeli Mbokazi |  | 21 | Orlando Pirates, Makhasa FC |
| 5 | Justin Ellis |  | 19 | Orlando City SC, Inter Miami CF, Weston FC |
| 6 | Peyton Miller |  | 18 | New England Revolution |
| 7 | Neil Pierre | | 19 | Philadelphia Union |
| 8 | Niko Tsakiris |  | 21 | San Jose Earthquakes, IMG Academy, De Anza Force Soccer Club |
| 9 | Manu Duah |  | 21 | Santa Barbara Soccer Club |
| 10 | Brooklyn Raines | | 21 | Barca Residency Academy, Houston Dynamo FC |
| 11 | Frankie Westfield | | 20 | Philadelphia Union |
| 12 | Ronald Donkor | | 21 | JMG Academy Bamako, Guidars FC |
| 13 | Taha Habroune |  | 20 | Columbus Crew |
| 14 | Mateo Silvetti |  | 20 | CA Newell's Old Boys |
| 15 | Bruno Caicedo |  | 21 | Barcelona SC |
| 16 | Owen Wolff |  | 21 | Austin FC, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew |
| 17 | Reed Baker-Whiting |  | 21 | Seattle Sounders FC |
| 18 | Cooper Sanchez |  | 18 | Atlanta United |
| 19 | Ervin Torres |  | 18 | Austin FC |
| 20 | Jude Terry |  | 18 | LAFC |
| 21 | Matthew Corcoran | | 20 | FC Dallas |
| 22 | Kaick Ferreira |  | 20 | Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense |
