Need to get acquainted with the new batch of USL clubs debuting in 2026? I preview that, and then I look ahead to the next wave for 2027 and beyond.

The commitment to the ex-Loyal players is just the best

Mangione is a legit pick-up for Brooklyn in the midfield, with the ability to run the gamut from the No. 6 to No. 10 spots. He put up 0.16 xG+xA per 90 in Next Pro last year, and he's got the forethought and skill to be a good one- and two-touch passer in a Championship lineup.

"We all know that the players have immense creativity within their game, so we don’t want to stifle that, but just give them a little bit more structure." Junior Gonzalez laid out his plan to take El Paso Locomotive to the next level on Tuesday. #USL-C www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...

I like all three of these, but I’m especially chuffed as a long-term stockholder in Gabriel Alves. If you want a left back that can do anything you ask of him in possession, Alves is that guy. Deserved jump back up to the Championship.

Great as always from Nicholas, and I love the Zubak shout. He was very good last year and feels like he’s got even more goals in his back pocket in a healthier, more coherent OCSC team.

As first broken on the stream, sources confirm that All-USL First Team center back Sean Suber will be joining the Charleston Battery in 2026. Suber spent two years with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, making 55 appearances and leading the club to a title in 2025.

For the first time, This League! is streaming live. Come check in for all things USL offseason! www.youtube.com/watch?v=_llX...

NEWSLETTER: We’ve got a first batch of signings out of Boise and a big vibe change in Monterey, so how are those clubs going to look in 2026? That, plus more transfer breakdowns and inanity. www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...

MLS Next Pro Star Midfielder Facundo Canete Joins Monterey Bay FC on Transfer: and why he may be the club's best acquisition so far this offseason. medium.com/the-union-re... #soccer #sports #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #futbol

As I wrote about in the newsletter today, Nate Miller likes his center backs - particularly his left-siders - to be able to push upfield and initiate on the ball. Nobody in League One does that as well as Jake Crull. Boise continues to be ridiculous.

Really big move for #LouCity to get one of the breakout players in the #USL-C in 2025 under a new three-year contract. Jones was voted to the All-League First Team as he came on in leaps and bounds after breaking into the starting lineup. Certainly should have big things ahead.

NEWSLETTER: We’ve got a first batch of signings out of Boise and a big vibe change in Monterey, so how are those clubs going to look in 2026? That, plus more transfer breakdowns and inanity. www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...

Mark Briggs is out at Birmingham to take an MLS Assistant job. Unfortunately for Birmingham fans, this is the normal progression for rising coaches in this country. What is the path forward? New episode of Hammering Down explains it all… open.spotify.com/episode/5FKK...

Hernandez had one of my favorite stat lines of 2025, which was basically just "oops all goals"

BREAKING: Birmingham Legion head coach Mark Briggs is leaving the USL Championship club, sources tell me and @usltactics.com. He’s expected to become an assistant coach at FC Dallas. Briggs, formerly of Sac Republic and Real Monarchs, spent less than a season in Birmingham.

BREAKING: Mark Briggs, head coach of the Birmingham Legion, is departing the club, sources tell me and @joeclowery.bsky.social. Briggs is expected to join the staff at FC Dallas, where he’ll serve under former New Mexico United manager Eric Quill.

I’m still buying the potential on Gnaulati even if he failed to make the offensive leap last year. In the right system, he’s got the potential to really be a player.

Berry put up “Kim Jong Un election” numbers during his runs with San Diego Loyal, major get to replace Jennings and Myers in the Lowcountry.

And follow Josh on BlueSky! Support local journalism and encourage him to post more here :)

Kinda awesome that Boise decided to build a legitimate Championship roster.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has acquired forward Albert Dikwa via transfer from Rhode Island FC, returning the 2023 #USL-C Player of the Year to the Hounds for a second stint. Dikwa recorded 19 goals and 10 assists for RIFC across all comps over two seasons. www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...

ICYMI: I’m kicking off the new year with 10 predictions for 2026. Which League One team is gonna win it all? Which Championship star is bound for a transfer? All that and more here. ⬇️ www.backheeled.com/10-usl-predi...

The Kyle Scott move to Las Vegas is now official, and they’re getting one of the premier deep-lying creators in the USL. This Lights team has improved at every position group this winter, but Scott is the caliber of initiator that can bring it all together.

Come find out how 2026 is going to go down with my annual USL predictions!

Getting Ostrem and Nigro is the kind of greed they talked about in the bible

Great as always from Jeff Carlisle, and the image rights stuff is fascinating. I reported earlier this week that the USL's Konami deal alone generates a huge profit, and that's before you consider any other sponsorships or licenses on the table.

🔥NEW KIT ALERT🔥 We partnered with Equipt Studios to present to you the 2025 Sash of Champions kit. The area codes for Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Knoxville, Vermont, Utah United, and Hartford are all featured on the kit. Like, share, and click the link below! www.equiptstudios.com/shop/theusls...

NEWSLETTER: With the USL Championship’s last CBA now expired, I recap how we got here. That, plus: ⭐️ League One signing catch-up 🚂 El Paso’s coaching hire 🧡 Halfway all-Super League picks www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...

flying to Cedar Rapids for work on the first real day of the new year is like a bad dream

NEWSLETTER: With the USL Championship’s last CBA now expired, I recap how we got here. That, plus: ⭐️ League One signing catch-up 🚂 El Paso’s coaching hire 🧡 Halfway all-Super League picks www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...

It’s that part of January where I’m mentally like “damn I wish I could quit my job and just cover soccer”

Swan was at his best as a No. 9 with Rapids 2 in Next Pro and with IU, as you can see across his finishes here. Typically ambitious move from Charleston.

Enormous move for New Mexico. United clicked when they leaned into a slightly more vertical approach that maximized speed on the flanks, and Reid-Stephen's mix of pace with end product is made for that kind of soccer. He should excel in the Championship.

The USL offseason has been historically busy — we've seen spending sprees, free agent splashes, and new records 👀 But which signings stand out above the rest? @usltactics.com examines the best offseason moves (so far) ⤵️

NEW: With the 2025 portion of the USL offseason in the books, I’m picking my favorite signings. From an under-the-radar member of Tampa Bay’s haul to a star prospect heading to the New York Cosmos, see what’s catching my eye. www.backheeled.com/best-usl-cha...

Start your 2026 right by checking in with The USL Show! We catch up on the latest about the now-expired Championship CBA and then reflect on the year that was. www.youtube.com/live/ATimRzY...

Live in five to talk about the expiry of the current USL Championship CBA and reflect on the year that was!

Because I lead a very exciting social life, I’ll be podcasting tonight. Drop any questions or favorite 2025 USL moments below, and then come join us to talk CBA and reflect on the year.

Third try. USLPA director Connor Tobin on @mkickaround.bsky.social right now with CBA expiring tonight. www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGBf...

A deal for the Charleston Battery to send USL star Juan David Torres on loan to Peruvian club Sport Boys is close, per source. Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history. 🇵🇪 💰

NEW: It's the end-of-year special for the newsletter. First up, I take nearly 400 USL free agents and rank them by position – who are the best players left on the market? Then, I get self-indulgent and comb through the year in movies. Check in! www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...

2025 was a big year for Backheeled, filled with more and better U.S. soccer coverage than ever before. To our paid subscribers: thank you! None of our work would be possible without you. A look back — and a look forward to 2026 ⤵️

The radio station at my gym just played an ad for the Knicks voiced by Mike Watts

NEW: It's the end-of-year special for the newsletter. First up, I take nearly 400 USL free agents and rank them by position – who are the best players left on the market? Then, I get self-indulgent and comb through the year in movies. Check in! www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...

Sources: Lexington SC has signed Phillip Goodrum from Louisville City. Goodrum, 28, joins Lexington after 44 appearances, 18 goals, and two assists for Louisville over 2,461 minutes. Of note, Lexington and Louisville face each other to open the USL Championship season on March 6. #lexgo #doop

Announcing new contracts on Christmas Eve without advance notice? That'll get a club on the Naughty list.

The new USL CBA should include bonuses for my annual top 50

Tekiela is a proven No. 9/No. 10 hybrid player that seems perfect for Vincenzo Candela's attacking line. One of Omaha's biggest strengths late in 2025 was their depth and versatility up top, and Tekiela is purpose-built to provide that in 2026.

NEWSLETTER: The first half of the Super League campaign is in the books, so I check in with the action across the final weekend of 2025. That, plus a deep dive into various signings from across the Championship and League One. www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...