Nashville SC 2026 Preview

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Hooligan Soccer

·19 February 2026

Nashville SC 2026 Preview

This article was written after recording The Designated Pundits‘s Nashville SC preview for the 2026 MLS Season with special guest Stephen Robinson from “Pharmaceutical Soccer.” You can find that video on Spotify below.

2025 Recap

Nashville SC had a successful 2025 season.

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They won the US Open Cup (the club’s first major trophy) with a 2-1 win over Austin FC, and made it to the playoffs with a 16-6-12 record. Along the way, they faced an end of season slump, partly because they played Inter Miami on decision day and the first round of the playoffs. That means they played each of their last four matches against Miami.

Successful on offense and defense, Nashville came in 4th and 5th in the east, respectively.

The story for Nashville is home/away splits. At home, they were 12-3-3 with a +20 goal differential. The road, however, was another story. Their 5-3-11 record and -12 goal differential is something they will look to improve in 2026.

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Outgoing players for Nashville SC include Walker Zimmerman, possibly the most sought-after centerback in MLS. They also saw pieces like Jonathan Perez, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Gaston Brugman leave in the winter.

Incoming players include Cristian Espinoza and Warren Madrigal, two wingers. Madrigal is a 21 year old Costa Rican who played with Saprissa and Valencia B.

Cristian Espinoza comes on a free transfer after the Quakes fumbled his extension. He is one of the biggest offensive players switching teams this offseason.

Nashville also brought in Maxwell Woledzi from Norwegian top-flight side Fredrikstad FK who will replace Zimmerman as an everyday starter on the backline.

Depth Chart

Nashville ran a 4-2-2-2 narrow for a few years now, having Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar up top. They combined for 40 goals and 11 assists last season, and represent possibly the best attacking duo in MLS.

Looking back to the midfield, Eduard Tagseth and Patrick Yazbeck form a double pivot, protecting and linking the backline to the midfielders one level up. Those midfielders will be Cristian Espinoza on the right and Ahmed Qasem (or Alex Muyl) on the left.

The backline has a pair of aging fullbacks, Andy Najar and Dan Lovitz. We expect Reed Baker-Whiting to be announced this week as a transfer. Woledzi (below) and Palacios form the centerback pairing, with Jack Maher as the first backup.

In goal, we expect Brian Schwake to start over Joe Willis. Willis does, however, provide cover and MLS experience, while Schwake provides upside and youth.

Questions

Which player, outside our projected starting 11, has the best chance to win a job? Joe Willis or Brian Schwake. They were interchangeable at times last year, with Schwake being the keeper for the entirety of the US Open Cup run. This is a close position battle, with each being just as capable depending on Nashville’s needs.
What are some realistic expectations for 2026? Nashville wants to see growth from last season and a better finish. Many supporters are looking to move from 6th place up into the 3rd-4th conversation.
What are some storylines to follow throughout the 2026 season? Cristian Espinoza. This will be the best team he has played with in a long time. How does he deal with not being the only star? How does he contribute and form a connection with the Sturridge and Mukhar?
What styles does this team match up well against? Nashville will play well against teams who don’t do their due diligence to stop Mukhtar and Surridge. They struggle against the low block.
What styles does this team match up poorly against? Nashville matches up poorly against teams who can control time and tempo, or those who have the highest level of talent. Namely, Inter Miami.
What player improves the most in 2026? Ahmed Qasem should be given the reins across from Espinoza in midfield. He has a great opportunity to grow and develop with a lot of talented players around him.
Which player regresses in 2026? Daniel Lovitz. He is turning 35 this season and has a lot of tread on the tires. He also has a young Reed Baker-Whiting waiting in the wings.