Jackson Gilman, a former Pitt men's soccer standout, has agreed to a new Major League Soccer contract with Toronto FC that runs through the 2026 season, with club options that could keep him under contract through the 2027‑28 campaign.
The agreement marks a homecoming of sorts for the defender, who previously wore the Toronto FC jersey at the senior level and spent time with the club's reserve side, TFC II, before earning a professional deal with the latter earlier this year.
Gilman's first taste of MLS action came in a brief two‑appearance stint that included his debut against Charlotte FC, and he was also called into the club's preseason training camp in Marbella, Spain, where he trained alongside the first‑team squad.
After signing a professional contract with TFC II on February 20, 2026, he logged 540 minutes across six appearances in the MLS NEXT Pro regular season and was named captain for the team's opening match against Philadelphia Union II.
The 2026 MLS SuperDraft saw Gilman selected 36th overall in the second round, capping a college career that spanned four seasons at Pitt, where he served as team captain and amassed 75 appearances, two goals and seven assists from the defensive line.
His collegiate experience, combined with his growing résumé in the professional ranks, positions Gilman as a versatile option for Toronto FC as the club looks to blend homegrown talent with seasoned depth heading into the next phase of its roster construction.
A Pitt Legacy Takes Shape in MLS
His leadership on the field and experience as a captain have been evident throughout his career, providing a steady presence for the club's defensive options.
The move also underscores the growing pipeline between the University of Pittsburgh's program and Major League Soccer, a trend that has produced several recent MLS signings and could signal a sustained partnership between the university's coaching staff and professional academies.
For a franchise that has increasingly leaned on domestic talent, Gilman's signing reflects a strategic emphasis on developing players who have already proven themselves in high‑pressure collegiate settings.
As the 2026 season unfolds, observers will watch to see how quickly Gilman can convert his collegiate form into MLS minutes, with the possibility of the club extending his stay beyond the initial contract window.