After signing DP forward Tai Baribo, D.C. United took another important step forward in the rebuilding process by selecting Nikola Markovic with the first pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
The 21-year-old center back joined a Washington, D.C., team in transition after finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season.
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Markovich was part of an N.C. State defense that helped the Wolfpack win their first College Cup championship game, where they lost to Washington in gold.
As a result of his performance, Markovich became one of four players selected for Adidas’ Generation 2026, a program that awards Major League contracts to top college and youth team players who are eligible for the draft. These contracts do not count against the team’s salary cap.
D.C. United general manager of football operations Erkut Sogut was impressed with Markovich’s physical strength and leadership after watching him command NC State’s defense.
“I think he’s a warrior type of player and that’s what we like,” Saugut said.
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“We want to get a player who can join the first team and immediately complement our squad.”
Markovic’s parents are Serbian, and he was born and raised in Canada.
As a Canadian, he follows in the footsteps of former MLS SuperDraft pick Caire Larin and former adidas Generation defender Moise Bombito, both of whom went on to become Canadian internationals.
After spending time at the Montreal Soccer Academy, Markovich moved to North Carolina to play college soccer.
“College is a very physical and intense game,” Markovich said.
Fortunately, physical fitness has never been an issue for the 6-foot-4, 205-pound guard during his two seasons at NC State.
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“I knew coming into MLS, it was another level that I had to adapt to, but I think college really put me in the right position to adapt quickly.”
In addition to Markovich, D.C. United also selected Rich Oman with the eighth pick. Aman played forward on the Washington Huskies, which defeated Markovich’s North Carolina State University in the finals.
“He was probably their most dangerous player on the field,” Markovich recalled.
“I’m excited that I’m going to have the opportunity to compete [with] he. “
📸 Ryan Hunter – 2025 Getty Images
