The FC Dallas Breakout Index: Preseason 2026

One of FC Dallas' franchise pillars has been worldwide player development. From MLS regulars like Reggie Cannon, Kellyn Acosta, and Shaq Moore to global names like Chris Richards, Tanner Tessman, and Ricardo Pepi many talented players have traversed Frisco's halls.

For many, the Dallas association begins post star turn. As the Burn aren't on the coasts and don't have a global superstar on their roster, national media doesn't give the Toros their share of nuanced attention. That means it falls to the local scribes, of which I am one of many, to fill those gaps.

You want to know who might be the next big breakout player to come out of Toyota Soccer Center? That's what the Index is all about.

This will be a running concept that gets periodic updates as time goes on. Players can play their way on or off the Index, meaning there won't be a set number of players. This first edition is the baseline, and it'll evolve from there.

One important distinction: This isn't about current stars who aren't well exposed. Players like Petar Musa and Osaze Urhoghide are already stars, they just lack their deserved national coverage . This is more about younger players, second teamers, academy players, etc.

The only way to begin is by beginning, so let's kick off the Index.

One: Nolan Norris

The Norris hype train has been building since signing his Homegrown deal in November 2022. A Dallas Cup and Bayern Adidas Campus Cup champion, Norris joined Dallas' academy at 12 years old. He's also a United States Youth National Team veteran, including starting at this past year's U-20 World Cup. His pedigree is extensive, the only thing missing prior to 2025 was first team experience.

14 appearances and nine starts including the team's home playoff game later and Norris' train is starting to reach top speed. It's widely expected that Norris, barring unforeseen circumstances, will start 2026 as Dallas' first choice left center back. That decisiveness from manager Eric Quill is crucial; part of Norris' delayed emergence has been positional ambiguity. Between left back, center back, and midfield Norris' experience in his Dallas tenure is varied.

With MLS minutes under his belt, a defined position on the team sheet, and a manager with total confidence in him the stage is set for Norris' star turn. He's the top prospect on the initial Index. His initial floor looks to be high end MLS starter; with time his ceiling could be Liga MX or maybe even Ligue 1. The floor is Norris' selling point, the ceiling is of which dreams are made.

Two: Kaick

Kaick's Frisco journey to date has taken him from unknown quantity to high riser in just under 12 months. Dallas shipped Brazilian giant Gremio $4 million for the 20 year old academy product, drawing questions from stateside media unfamiliar with the defensive midfielder.

After 29 MLS appearances, 23 of them starts, the cheeky Brazilian has shown why Andre Zanotta splashed all that cash. A tenacious player who isn't afraid to bite in on a tackle, get forward to score or assist on goals, all paired with elite cardio means Kaick is a rare bird. All the youngster needs now is more minutes to continue his development while growing his soccer IQ.

While Norris is the high floor player in Dallas' back seven, Kaick is the high ceiling prospect. He's the player that Dallas, assuming his continued development, could clear a big profit one day when he goes to Europe or back to South America. Even if that never comes to pass, a long time MLS starter would still be worth every penny spent. His dynamism will be undeniable sooner than later.

Three: Diego Garcia

It might be early, but I'm amassing a lot of Garcia stock. Yes, Dallas' midfield is crowded right now. Yes Garcia might not be the highest on the pecking order. Even so there's a lot to like about the Denver native.

Garcia's been doing this for years, dating back to when he was 15 debuting for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive. He won the MLS Next Pro Cup with North Texas SC in 2024 alongside several USYNT call ups, similar to his teammate Norris. Players like Garcia are often important cogs to successful MLS teams: relentless energy, good field vision, and an importance on being a two way midfielder. At their best, players in Garcia's mold hold teams together and with time he should do the same.

2026 could see Garcia head back to USL-C on loan if there's not enough playing time in Frisco. Should that happen a recall clause will be necessary, because the Dallas midfield depth could erode at any time. It's one to two injuries, Paxton Pomykal or otherwise, from being weakened to the point where Garcia is needed. Any opportunity Garcia is afforded he'll run with, literally and figuratively.

Four: Ricky Louis

Speaking of early, I'm starting the Ricky Louis hype train now.

Seeing the highlights of Louis' preseason debut where he bagged a goal and assist, it's easy to see why Dallas took the Georgia Southern product #2 overall in the SuperDraft.

While the above contributions will draw headlines, it's a play Louis didn't score on that should excite supporters. Louis drew a penalty for Dallas by getting the ball just past midfield, beating two Portimonense players before the third fouls him in the box. That level of aggressive run paired with his ability to get past defenders creates an interesting profile with which to experiment for Quill and company.

Louis in college played forward, was drafted as one and played the second half of this preseason game as one. With abilities like this, he very well could stick at the spot. I do wonder if Quill might experiment with Louis in a different position: wing back. He's done it once, revitalizing Bernard Kamungo's career with the shift back and wide. Louis still has plenty of time in his journey, but it's something to consider.

Regardless of the where, Louis' future seems bright. Dallas' recent SuperDraft history is superb, so the benefit of the doubt is there. The way too early returns show plenty that should generate excitement among supporters. Stuff like this is what gets you on the Index, even if you're the last one on.

Others being monitored: Jaidyn Contreras, Slade Starnes, Caleb Swann