The number of players making the jump from USL League One to USL Championship has greatly increased this year, showing the talent pipeline is alive and well. Without even counting NCFC, a side that brings 12 players as it rejoins the higher tier, we have 12 others making the jump from teams remaining behind. Who are these 12 players making the jump so far?

Mukwelle Akale

South Georgia Tormenta ?? New Mexico United

The 27-year-old winger started his journey in the Villarreal youth system before signing his first professional contract with Pafos FC in the Cyrpriot first tier. He'd join South Georgia Tormenta FC in the back half of the 2022 season, making an immediate impact as the team went on to win the league title. In 2023, he filled in goals missing from teammate Kazaiah Sterling's down year, landing 12 on the season, along with 5 assists. He's flexible, capiable of starting on the left or the right

Trevor Amann

Northern Colorado Hailstorm ?? Sacramento Republic

The 25-year-old striker not only won the USL Leauge One 2023 Golden Boot, he also blew away the league season goals record, with a whopping 23 in 32 matches. Taking advantage of his hot streak, he makes the jump to Sacramento Republic, a team that finished first in the west. Will his goal-scoring skills transfer over as well? Sacramento seems to think so, bringing him in to play alongside 17-goal scoring winger Russell Cicerone.

Shaft Brewer, Jr.

Union Omaha ?? NCFC

The 24-year-old found his way when he joined Omaha for the second half of the 2022 season, establishing himself as a go-to presence at right back and left back. His regular minutes translated to a return to the USL Championship, where he previously spent time with Phoenix Rising on loan while contracted to MLS side LAFC. He'll join a squad full of former USL League One players, as 12 made the jump with the team this off-season.

Joe Brito

Union Omaha ?? Rhode Island FC

Brito signed his first professional contract with Union Omaha ahead of the 2022 season, immediately becoming a mainstay in the midfield. Brito was a critical part of Omaha's 2023 second-half burst, contributing 5 goals during a time when his side was on a record-breaking win streak en route to topping the table. The 24-year-old joins expansion side Rhode Island FC, alongside a group of talented veterans sourced from around the USL Championship and beyond.

Nico Cardona

Chattanooga Red Wolves ?? The Miami FC

The 24-year-old defender returns to USL Championship after two seasons with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, where he helped lead his side to the playoff finals in 2022. He'll join a Miami side in full rebuild mode, having released 17 roster players in the off season.

Akira Fitzgerald

Richmond Kickers ?? NCFC

The long-time USL veteran goalkeeper returns to where he began his professional career, when NCFC was then called the Carolina Railhawks. He spent the last five seasons with Richmond Kickers as its primary goaltender, amassing three goalkeeper of the year nominations, winning the award in 2021. He'll serve alongside 29-year-old Jake McGuire and 17-year-old Nick Holliday.

Avionne Flanagan

Charlotte Indepenence ?? New Mexico United

The 24-year-old left back and left midfielder returns to the USL Championship after a successful season with Charlotte Independence. There, he mostly started at left back, and provided a goal and 3 assists, and an additional goal in the playoffs. He also led the squad in duels won. Flanagan previously the 2023 season with Charleston Battery, and was on loan to FC Tulsa and Orange County while under contract with FC Cincinnati.

Allen Gavilanes

Greenville Triumph ?? The Miami FC

The 24-year-old midfielder spent the last three seasons with Greenville, putting up consistent numbers and helping his side to the playoffs each season. After a career high 9 assists in 2023, he heads to Miami along with three other USL League One players. 

Daltyn Knutson

South Georgia Tormenta ?? The Miami FC

One of the more uplifting storylines of the off season, the 26-year-old centerback was still a free agent when the 2023 season began after not returning to Union Omaha, despite leading the 2022 squad in minutes. He was picked up by South Georgia Tormenta two weeks after the season begain, a team with whom he had played in 2019. After joining Tormenta to fill in for several injured defenders, he became a center back mainstay, and now finds his hard work rewarded with a promotion to the USL Championship.

Jared Mazzola

Greenville Triumph ?? Sacramento Republic

The goalkeeper signed his first professional contract with Greenville in August 2022 and made his first appearance as the starter in the beginning of the 2023 season. He'd go on to become the number one keeper for the rest of the season, starting all but one match, and leading his side in minutes. Along the way he boasts 6 clean sheets and put up 88 saves. He'll join Trevor Amann in Sacramento.

Noe Meza

Union Omaha ?? Memphis 901

The 25-year-old striker joined The Owls on his first professional contract in 2022, and immedately made an impact, leading the side in goals with 9 that year. He'd return in 2023 to score 12, including this finalist for goal of the year:

Arthur Rogers

Northern Colorado Hailstorm ?? FC Tulsa

His teammate Trevor Amann may have won the player of the year award, but as many USL League One fans will tell you, there may not have been anyone more important for his side than Arthur Rogers in 2023. The 27-year-old led the league in assists, chances created while also leading his side in interceptions, and placing second in tackles won and duels won. He'll return to the USL Championship after previously spending 2020 and 2021 with Hartford Athletic.

JP Scearce

Union Omaha ?? Phoenix Rising

The 26-year-old midfielder has 99 appearances for Union Omaha, having joined the team in its inagural season. Over the last two seasons, he has 13 goals and 2 assists, and in 2023 led his side in interceptions and tackles won, and placed second in duels won and aerial duels won. He'll return to his home state of Arizona to join defending champions Phoenix Rising, but probably deserves a statue in Omaha.