Pro Panthers Pipeline: Toronto FC signs former Pitt captain Jackson Gilman to First-Team MLS contract

Pitt men’s soccer alumni keep making waves in the professional ranks.

The latest breakthrough came on Friday afternoon when Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC announced that the club has signed Toronto FC II defender and former Pitt standout Jackson Gilman to a first-team MLS contract through the 2026 season, with club options extending through the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.

“We are pleased to elevate Jackson to the First Team,” Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez said. “

Jackson has continued to grow in our environment, starting with his time earlier this year in preseason with the First Team, all the way through to his first MLS start this past weekend. His mentality, positional versatility, and desire to improve are all great characteristics we value at the club, and we look forward to the ongoing work together.”

Gilman, 22, officially joins the first team after receiving four short-term agreements earlier this spring. He has already logged two competitive appearances for the club across regular season play and the Canadian Championship, including his full MLS debut as a starter against Charlotte FC on May 16.

The Schwenksville, Pennsylvania native was originally invited to Toronto FC’s 2026 preseason training camp in Marbella, Spain, before signing a professional contract with their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Toronto FC II, on February 20, 2026. Prior to his call-up, Gilman recorded 540 minutes across six appearances (all starts) for the Young Reds during the MLS NEXT Pro regular season, notably serving as team captain during the club’s season opener against Philadelphia Union II on February 28.

Toronto FC originally selected the imposing center back 36th overall (the sixth pick of the second round) in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft following a stellar four-year collegiate tenure under Jay Vidovich at the University of Pittsburgh.

During his time in Oakland, Gilman was a three-year captain, scoring two goals and registering seven assists as a defensive anchor across 75 appearances (74 starts). He established an enduring legacy as one of the most reliable, physically imposing, and tactically intelligent defensive leaders in the country, helping guide the Panthers to deep NCAA tournament runs, including a College Cup appearance.

With his signing, Gilman becomes the latest addition to a rapidly expanding ecosystem of former Pitt stars carving out significant roles across global professional soccer leagues.

Pro Panthers Tracker: Former Pitt Stars in the Professional Ranks

The pipeline from Ambrose Urbanic Field to the professional ranks has never been stronger.

Here is where former Pitt men’s soccer standouts are currently playing professionally:

Major League Soccer (MLS)

• Jackson Gilman (DF) — Toronto FC

USL Championship

• Valentin Noël (MF) — New Mexico United
• Edward Kizza (FW) — Indy Eleven
• Shane Wiedt (DF) — Detroit City FC
• Robby Dambrot (DF) — Loudoun United FC
• Johan Peñaranda (GK) — FC Tulsa
• Jackson Wälti (MF) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
• Bryce Washington (DF) — North Carolina FC
• Nico Campuzano (GK) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
• Arturo Ordoñez (DF) — Lexington SC 
• Bertin Jacquesson (FW) — Oakland Roots

MLS NEXT Pro

• Michael Sullivan (MF) — FC Cincinnati 2

International / Overseas

• Mohammed Abualnadi (DF) — Selangor F.C. (Malaysia Super League & Jordan National Team)

• Joe van der Sar (GK) — Koninklijke HFC (Netherlands)

• Jasper Löffelsend (MF/DF) —ŁKS Łódź (Poland)

Also, of note, Niklas Soerensen (DF) — drafted by Real Salt Lake — opted to return to school – playing with Riverhounds Two in USL League Two this Summer 

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).