Top u20 players to watch

Winger | Bryce Jamison, Orange County SC (2006)

Jamison enters the season as USL-C’s most experienced and accomplished young player. He likely expected to move to a more competitive league but remained at OCSC due to an asking price set above market value. Now, he needs a standout season—otherwise, his stock could begin to decline after multiple years in USL-C.

CM | Luis Moreno, El Paso Locomotive (2006)

Two years ago, Moreno left the Houston Dynamo to pursue a professional career in USL-C, but it hasn’t gone as planned—logging just 68 minutes over two seasons. A highly skilled and intelligent player, he may be held back by his lack of size. This season will be crucial for him to prove he can break through.

CB | Chibuike Ukaegbu, Sacramento Republic (2007)

Ukaegbu was one of last season’s surprise breakout players. Initially thought to be a year away, he stepped in and held his own in a position where young players often struggle against experienced competition. His ability on the ball is his X-factor, though he’ll need to add strength for one-on-one duels. If he continues on his current trajectory, a significant transfer could be on the horizon as early as this summer or next winter.

CM | Nate Worth, Tampa Bay Rowdies (2007)

After leaving the New York Red Bulls academy, Worth’s USL-C journey has been a rollercoaster. He finished 2023 strong with FC Tulsa, but a managerial change in 2024 altered his standing, leading to a move to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Now 18, his transfer options are wide open. This season will be crucial in determining whether he can make the jump to a higher level.

Winger | Benjamin Barjolo, Orange County SC (2007)

Barjolo left Atlanta United’s academy in late 2023 but has yet to establish himself in Orange County’s first team. With Jamison still at OCSC, playing time will be harder to come by, but he’ll look to carve out a role as the season progresses.

CB | Ramiz Hamouda, Birmingham Legion (2008)

Hamouda left Sporting Kansas City’s academy last year and has since emerged as one of USL’s most promising young talents. After logging significant minutes, he’s poised for an increased role this season. The key question is whether he remains at left-back or shifts to his natural center-back position. With European ambitions, he’ll have to wait until he turns 18 in May 2026 to make a move, with Werder Bremen rumored as a potential destination—though much could change before then.

LB | Pedro Guimarães, Orange County SC (2008)

Guimarães left LAFC’s academy late last season and surprisingly earned first-team minutes at OCSC. He largely looked like he belonged, and this season will be telling. If he becomes a regular starter and performs well, he could generate interest from more competitive leagues. He won’t be eligible for a European move until April 2026.

Winger | Viggo Ortiz, Charleston Battery (2008)

Ortiz moved from Austin FC’s academy last summer but has yet to feature for Charleston’s first team. Physically, he may not be ready for this level yet, but he’ll have a chance to prove otherwise if given an opportunity.

AM | Jamison Ping, Phoenix Rising(2008)

Ping is one of the few true homegrown players on this list. I haven’t seen much of him yet, but the fact that he signed a professional contract—not an academy deal—is significant at his age. If he earns playing time this season, it would send a strong message about Phoenix Rising’s commitment to developing its academy talent.

CM/CF/Winger | Da’vian Kimbrough, Sacramento Republic (2010)

Kimbrough is the most talented prospect USL has produced, and Sacramento Republic’s ability to keep him from moving to MLS was a major win. He primarily plays with the U-18s but also competes against MLS academies with the U-16s.