University of California produces talented MLS stars, study finds
- A new study reveals which U.S. colleges have produced the most talented MLS draft picks between 2023 and 2025.
- Indiana University and the University of California tie for the third-highest number of picks for the SuperDraft over the three years, each with nine players selected.
- University of North Carolina ranks first, with 15 picks over the three years.
New data has identified which U.S. institutions have produced the most talented MLS draft picks over the last three years.
Sports betting experts, CBS Sports, analyzed MLS SuperDraft selections from the three rounds across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, matching each pick to its college or university to determine which contributed the most talent to the league.
The researchers considered the number of players drafted and their average SuperDraft position to highlight the most successful institutions.
When it comes to the number of players selected in the SuperDraft, the University of North Carolina ranks first with 15 picks between 2023 and 2025. However, the school’s average draft position was fairly low, at 42.5.
Clemson University in South Carolina and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., tie for the second-highest number of picks over the three years, each with 10 players selected. Their average draft positions were 42.1 and 48.7, respectively.
Tied for third are Indiana University and the University of California, each with nine picks. Indiana’s average draft position was 32.3, while California’s was 40.8.
Fourth place goes to the University of Maryland, with eight players selected since 2023. Their average draft position during this period was 43.3.
Sharing the fifth spot are Syracuse University, the University of Virginia, Wake Forest University, California State University, and Western Michigan University, each with seven players selected.
Among five institutions tied for fifth, Syracuse had the best average draft position at 38.3, while Western Michigan had the lowest at 61.9.
Discussing the findings, a CBS Sports Betting spokesperson said:
“Understanding which colleges and universities consistently produce top MLS talent is interesting and crucial – not just for scouts and clubs, but also for budding student-athletes making decisions about their future.
“High draft pick positions and post-draft appearances indicate strong player development, as well as a clear pathway to the professional game, so those who are focused on long-term progression should consider these institutions when applying.
“It’s exciting to see which programs are rising as elite pipelines to MLS, and it offers us a valuable insight into where the next generation of soccer stars is being shaped. With Missouri schools ranking high in draft value, the state is becoming a hotspot for MLS betting, and the insights may show us which other states could be showing an increased interest in this.”
