Why D.C. United selected Nikola Markovic No. 1 in 2026 MLS SuperDraft | OneFootball

Following the signing of DP striker Tai Baribo, D.C. United took another step forward in their rebuilding process, selecting Nikola Markovic with the first pick of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.

The 21-year-old centre-back joins a D.C. side in transition after the club finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last season.

Markovic was a fixture in defence for North Carolina State University, helping the Wolfpack to their first-ever College Cup championship game, which they lost to the University of Washington via golden goal.

On account of his performances, Markovic was one of four players named to the 2026 Generation adidas class, a program that preemptively awards MLS contracts to top draft prospects. Notably, these contracts do not count against a team’s salary cap.

After watching him command NC State's backline, D.C. United managing director of soccer operations Erkut Sogut was thoroughly impressed by Markovic's physical strength and leadership qualities.

 "I think he's a warrior-type player and that's what we like," said Sogut.

"We wanted to get a player who can join the first team and compliment our roster right away."

The son of Serbian parents, Markovic was born and raised in Canada.

As a Canada native, he follows in the footsteps of former MLS SuperDraft No. 1 pick Cyle Larin and former Generation adidas defender Moïse Bombito, both of whom went on to become Canada internationals.

After spending time at the CF Montréal academy, Markovic moved to North Carolina to play college soccer.

"College is a very physical and intense game," said Markovic.

However, physicality was never an issue for the six-foot-four, 205-pound defender during his two seasons with NC State.

"I understand going into the MLS, it's another level which I'll have to adapt to, but I think college really put me in the right spot to adapt quickly."

Along with Markovic, D.C. United also selected forward Richie Aman with the eighth overall pick. Aman played in the Washington Huskies team which defeated Markovic's NC State in the final.

"He was probably their most dangerous player on the field," recalled Markovic.

"I'm excited that I'm going to have the chance to play [with] him."

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