The second edition of the National Academy Championships begins this weekend, with the Under-13 through Under-16 teams traveling to IMG Academy.

It's a big weekend for players in the class of 2026. While recruiting in men's soccer operates on a different timetable than the women's game, it's still big for those focused on pursuing college athletics.

Keep an eye on these 10 players expected to compete.

Pablo Stewart, Real Colorado – Part of Real Colorado’s defensive group, Stewart is a mobile, talented center back. He has good recovery pace and will likely be high on the list of players college coaches will take a look at.

Jake Broekhuizen, Michigan Wolves – An ECNL All-Conference honoree in 2022-23, Broekhuizen has brought his goal-scoring prowess to the Wolves’ 08 MLS NEXT squad. He’ll look to lead the line and score some goals in Florida.

Charlie Smith, Sockers FC – The goalkeeper is a talented part of a Sockers FC team that is among the top teams in the Mid-America Division. He’ll look to make an impression against the opponents in Bracket A of the Gold Division.

Christopher Argueta, Baltimore Armour – An attacker that can play through the middle or out wide, Argueta’s consistently among the goal-dangerous players for the Armour. He’s effective as a 10, 7 or 11, and can pair well with a forward up front. His ability to make progressive passives catches the eye, something he’ll look to do this weekend.

Peter Giorgianni, New York SC – A center forward for New York SC, Giorgianni is excellent with his back to goal and link up play. He plays quickly and makes the off-ball runs that open up space and gets himself into the right spots.

Enedel Rivera, Tampa Bay United – The central midfielder is one of several talented players on Tampa’s 08 squad. They’ve posted a 6-2-1 record so far in MLS NEXT play, and Rivera captains the squad. He generally plays deep and is the captain of the Under-16 team.

Ethan Kim, BW Gottschee – A tough and tenacious left back from the New York powerhouse, Kim’s one of several players that have boosted the side to a 10-1-2 record. They’ll enter the weekend as one of the favorites in the Gold Division.

Landon Okonski, Orlando City Youth Soccer – A tall, lanky player that features mostly in central defense, Okonski can also step into a holding midfield role. Part of the Orlando City YS 08 squad, he’s a very sharp passer, able to progress the ball from the back under pressure. He’s tall enough to dominate this age group aerially, and will look to lead Orlando to a success stint this weekend.

Mateo Shinn, FC United (IL) – FC United typically does a quality job of identifying and developing talent, whether for the college game or to bounce to the Chicago Fire Academy. There are more than a few players at this age group of note, including Shinn, a defender that can play centrally or on the left.

Brandon Marcal, FC Westchester – Marcal is a left-footed central midfielder that links the defense and attack for FC Westchester. He willingly does the defensive work, and can play as a 6, 8 or 10.

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