Toronto FC announced today that the club has signed Toronto FC II defender Jackson Gilman to a Major League Soccer (MLS) contract through the 2026 season with club options through the 2027-28 MLS season.
“We are pleased to elevate Jackson to the First Team,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. “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, joins Toronto FC after receiving four short-term agreements and made two appearances for the club (MLS regular season and Canadian Championship), including his MLS debut against Charlotte FC on May 16 as a starter. The defender was invited to Toronto FC’s 2026 preseason training camp in Marbella, Spain before signing a professional contract with Toronto FC II on February 20, 2026. The Schwenksville, Pennsylvania native has recorded 540 minutes in six appearances (all starts) for TFC II during the MLS NEXT Pro regular season. Gilman made his Young Reds debut and served as team captain in the season opener against Philadelphia Union II on February 28, 2026.
He was originally selected 36th overall (sixth pick, second round) by TFC in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft after spending four seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, where he scored two goals and registered seven assists as a defender across 75 appearances (74 starts).
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC sign defender Jackson Gilman to an MLS contract through the reminder of the 2026 season with club options through the 2027-28 season.
JACKSON GILMAN
Position: Defender
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthdate: April 29, 2004 (Age – 22)
Hometown: Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Nationality: American
Pronunciation: GILL-mun
