Ballek and Biggar Make Program History, Taken in MLS SuperDraft
NEW YORK – South Carolina men’s soccer players Ethan Ballek and Jonah Biggar were drafted Friday (Dec. 20) during the third round of the MLS SuperDraft 2025. It marks the first time in program history two Carolina players have been taken in the same MLS SuperDraft.
The pair become the seventh and eighth players taken in the MLS SuperDraft in program history. They are the first Gamecocks taken in the SuperDraft since Danny Deakin was selected in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by Orlando City SC. Twice Carolina has had multiple players taken in the MLS Supplemental Draft (1997 and 2011) and six total players.
A junior forward, Ballek was taken by Nashville Soccer Club with the 6th pick of the 3rd round, No. 66 overall. He had a remarkable first season in Columbia, as he was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team, was a Sun Belt All-Conference Second Team pick, and earned Academic All-America Second Team honors. He started and played in all 17 matches. He finished the regular season with nine goals and five assists for 23 points. Nationally, he finished the regular season ranked 31st in total points, 34th in total goals, 35th in points per game, and 40th in goals per game. His nine goals and 23 points are the most by a player since 2016, while his five assists are the most since 2018. He ranked third in the conference in points, fifth in goals and sixth in assists.
Four picks later Biggar, a defender, was drafted by D.C. United No. 70 overall with the 10th pick of the 3rd round. He is the second player in program history to be taken by D.C. United (Blake Brettschneider, 2011 Supplemental). He has been a mainstay for the Gamecocks in the backfield over the last two seasons, started in 33 of Carolina’s 35 matches. He tallied a goal each season, and in 2024 finished third on the team with four assists. He played 1,390 minutes on the field, second most by a Carolina player this season. For his career, he has played all 90 minutes in 24 matches.
South Carolina MLS Draft History
COLLEGE DRAFT
| Year | Name | Team | Round |
| 1998 | Clint Mathis (M) | Los Angeles Galaxy | 1 (6) |
SUPERDRAFT
| Year | Name | Team | Round |
| 2001 | Henry Ring (GK) | Chicago Fire | 3 |
| 2003 | Tim Glowienka (D) | NY/NJ MetroStars | 3 |
| 2005 | Brad Guzan (GK) | CD Chivas USA | 1 (2) |
| 2007 | Mike Sambursky (F) | Houston Dynamo | 3 |
| 2017 | Danny Deakin (M) | Orlando City SC | 3 |
| 2024 | Ethan Ballek (F) | Nashville SC | 3 |
| 2024 | Jonah Biggar (D) | D.C. United | 3 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT
| Year | Name | Team | Round |
| 1996 | Rob Smith (M) | Columbus Crew | 2 |
| 1997 | Billy Baumhoff (F) | Colorado Rapids | 2 |
| 1997 | Billy Clifford (D) | Columbus Crew | 3 |
| 2011 | Jimmy Maurer (GK) | New York Red Bulls | 1 (4) |
| 2011 | Blake Brettschneider (F) | DC United | 2 |
| 2011 | Sam Arthur (F) | Chicago Fire | 3 |
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