Through five weeks of action in the USL Championship and USL League One, players under the age of 20 have combined to make 67 starts and play over 6,000 minutes. Those numbers are up by 88% and 70%, respectively, compared to this point in 2025. Expansion has created more opportunities for young players to break through, but it doesn’t explain the increase in its entirety. This season’s batch of prospects has been especially impactful and properly earned their time.
Who among the USL’s U20s have shined the brightest in the early season? A healthy blend of academy products, reclamation projects, and splashy imports have all stood out. I’ve got 11 picks of young players that have stepped into major roles in 2026.
Colton Swan, FW, Charleston Battery
A Michigan native, Swan made his pro debut in 2024 as a member of the Colorado Rapids’ MLS Next Pro affiliate before spending a year at Indiana University. The young forward shone as a Hoosier but was enticed to Charleston by a multi-year contract offer over the winter. Still just 18, Swan has the look of a significant contributor for the Battery.
