HERRIMAN, Utah (November 18, 2025) - Four RSL Academy players have signed their National Letters of Intent, all with NCAA Division 1 power four programs. The 2026 class is the second largest number of athletes committed to D1 schools, only trailing the 2024 class.
GK Will Mackay headlines this year’s signing class with 28 professional appearances since 2023 for Real Monarchs, The young goalkeeper recorded seven clean sheets and 66 saves leading the club in both statistics through that timeframe. Committed to the University of Virginia, the Cavaliers enter this year's NCAA tournament as a no. 2 seed facing the winner of Elon and UNC Greensboro on Nov. 23.
FW Chase Duke will join Mackay in Charlottesville, Virginia, also committing to become a Cavalier. Duke has five professional appearances and two starts under his belt, logging one assist in Real Monarchs’ 2-2 draw at Tacoma Defiance. The Oklahoma native played a large part in RSL Academy’s attack scoring three goals throughout Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup.
DF and Captain Camron Estella signed with University of Michigan joining former RSL Academy teammate Nick Nobles in Ann Arbor. Estella proved pivotal for the Claret-and-Cobalts back line, providing steadiness and sound leadership. The Wolverines take on Notre Dame and former RSL Academy / Real Monarchs Goalkeeper Blake Kelly in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday Nov. 20.
FW Jack Ottley will join Duke and Mackay in ACC competition, committing to Duke University. Ottley scored two goals for the Claret-and-Cobalt in the 2025 MLS NEXT premier tournaments contributing to RSL Academy’s Quarterfinal and Semifinal runs. The Blue Devils will kick off their tournament campaign hosting FDU on Nov. 20.
RSL Academy college counselor Lauren Genna works with the players every day, helping them through their academic journey to the next level. “National signing day is very important to us,” stated Genna. “As a college counselor it's our goal to give these young men all the tools necessary to continue their careers in the classroom as well as on the pitch. It’s fulfilling connecting these young men to prestigious universities and helping them find their pathway and what their futures may be.”
Real Salt Lake Academy is the official MLS NEXT affiliate of MLS side Real Salt Lake. After a historic 2024-25 season that saw RSL become the first academy to have a squad win both the Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup in the same season, the group now looks to build upon a firm foundation. Leading Major League Soccer in all-time homegrown signings, RSL welcomed Omar Marquez, Aiden Hezarkhani, Owen Anderson, and Gio Villa in January of this year, all RSL Academy products as part of its 45 homegrown signings after inking their deals with the Claret-and-Cobalt.
