ANTIOCH, TN – On Sunday, Nashville SC hosted their first media availability of the 2026 season. General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Mike Jacobs and head coach BJ Callaghan spoke to the media just a few hours before the team departed for Florida, where they'll spend the next two weeks in Phase One of their preseason training program.
While their full interviews can be watched at the bottom of this story (or by subscribing to our YouTube channel), we're breaking down some of the key points.
Big picture – 2026 is a "blank canvas"
Jacobs described 2025 as a transitional year, with 14 players leaving the club in the offseason. According to him, this made the US Open Cup win especially meaningful, with the trophy validating the club’s long-term vision and direction. Callaghan framed 2026 as a “blank canvas” with new players, new competitions, and renewed internal competition.
Both emphasized the ongoing effort to refresh the squad, integrate younger players into the core, and build a more diverse and flexible attacking profile. Callaghan especially emphasized adding more consistency, a stronger mentality, and showing up at their best in big moments.
"We want to build this elite mentality that no matter who we play, and no matter what competition that we play, that we feel that we can play toe to toe and look at them eye to eye, and we belong there," said Callaghan.
Roster construction focused on depth and variety
Jacobs and his staff have been busy this offseason. 10 players have departed since the 2025 season ended, while six have been brought in. More additions are likely incoming, but Jacobs says he's happy with how the attack is shaping up.
Cristian Espinoza was one of the marquee additions in MLS this offseason, adding a perennial Best XI-caliber attacker to an already impressive frontline. Nashville had initially contemplated keeping the Designated Player spot vacated by Walker Zimmerman open until the summer transfer window, but once Espinoza became a realistic option for Nashville in free agency, signing him was a slam dunk decision.
"He embodies really the three things that we look for," said Callaghan. "He’s hardworking… he’s humble… and he’s hungry."
Ben Wright
Warren Madrigal was another important acquisition. While he's not currently with the team due to visa delays, Jacobs says that he should join during the first phase of preseason, and expects him to be a crucial piece of the puzzle. He's also a player Callaghan has been familiar with for a long time.
