Nashville SC 2025 Squad: Roster Preview, Signings & Analysis

The Nashville SC 2025 Squad is taking shape with a mix of star veterans and exciting new talent. After a strong 2024 season led by MVP Hany Mukhtar and 2024 Golden Boot winner Sam Surridge, the Boys in Gold retained their core leaders and added depth across the lineup. In the offseason the club exercised key contract options (e.g. on Julian Gaines) and re-signed defender Josh Bauer, while declining veteran options (such as Tah Brian Anunga and Aníbal Godoy).

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Head coach B.J. Callaghan – entering his first full campaign – has bolstered the roster with new signings at every position. This 2025 squad preview covers all the arrivals, departures, and player roles to expect as Nashville SC heads into the new MLS season.

Offseason Roster Moves

Nashville’s front office overhauled the 2025 roster with several key retentions, departures, and signings. The club confirmed that Hany Mukhtar, five-time MLS Best XI Walker Zimmerman, and leading 2024 scorer Sam Surridge would all return in 2025. These veterans form the spine of the team alongside veteran goalkeepers Joe Willis and Elliot Panicco. (Note: Panicco was later waived in January 2025, leaving Willis as the clear No.1.) Nashville kept pace with league rules by retaining homegrown talents Isaiah Jones and Adem Sipić – the first time the Boys in Gold begin a season with two homegrowns on the roster.

At the same time, several players departed after the 2024 season. Midfielder Randall Leal was waived and eventually joined D.C. United, and midfielder Tah Brian Anunga was traded to FC Dallas. The club declined options on a number of veterans, including Anunga, Aníbal Godoy, Ben Martino, Amar Sejdic, and others. Goalkeeper Elliot Panicco and midfielders Randall Leal (Costa Rica) were waived in January 2025. Long-time Nashville defenders Brent Kallman and Dru Yearwood also left as free agents. In late December 2024 Nashville re-signed defender Josh Bauer through 2026, though stalwart center back Lukas MacNaughton (acquired in 2023) was traded to D.C. United in exchange for up to $200K in allocation money. This cleared the way for new defensive signings.

Key departures: Randall Leal, Tah Anunga, Aníbal Godoy, Dru Yearwood, Brent Kallman (and others with declined options).
Retained veterans: Hany Mukhtar (2022 MVP), Walker Zimmerman (USMNT), Sam Surridge (2024 Golden Boot), plus keepers Joe Willis and (briefly) Elliot Panicco.
Re-signing: Josh Bauer (signed through 2026).
Trades: Lukas MacNaughton (to DCU for GAM).

New Signings and Roster Additions

Nashville aggressively filled roster gaps by signing a host of new players:

Defense: Free agent Andy Najar (31, Honduras) was added at right back. A former D.C. United homegrown and LAFC veteran, Najar has 55 caps for Honduras and a World Cup pedigree. To bolster the left side, Nashville signed Tate Schmitt (27, USA), a six-year MLS veteran left back, specifically as cover for the injured Taylor Washington. Young defenders also join the squad: 2024 SuperDraft pick Wyatt Meyer (6’2″) signed a pro contract, and homegrown academy product Chris Applewhite (18) signed through 2027, giving the back line more flexibility.
Midfield: The midfield was overhauled with both experienced and young talent. Nashville signed Swedish midfielder Ahmed Qasem (21) on a U22 Initiative deal from IF Elfsborg. Qasem is a versatile attacking playmaker (5 goals, 4 assists in 27 matches for Elfsborg in 2024). They also added Honduran international Bryan Acosta (30) through 2025 (option 2026) from Real CD España, a ball-winning playmaker with 69 caps for Honduras. From Norway’s top flight came Edvard Tagseth (23, Rosenborg), a dynamic engine midfielder with 6 goals and 4 assists in 2024, and Patrick Yazbek (22, Viking FK), a running box-to-box midfielder known for covering 7.58 miles per game last season. In addition, rising American prospect Matthew Corcoran (18, US Youth National Team) signed from Birmingham Legion on a long-term deal through 2027. Jonathan Pérez (22, Mexican U-23) remains on loan from LA Galaxy for the season.
Attack: At forward, Nashville expects Sam Surridge (England) to lead the line after his 2024 surge. Wingers Tyler Boyd and Teal Bunbury (veterans) provide experience on the flanks. Young Ghanaian striker Woobens Pacius continues to develop as a backup striker. On January 30, 2025, Nashville signed Maximus Ekk (19) to a contract (through 2025 with options). Ekk, a former Huntsville City FC MLS Next Pro forward, is considered a versatile attacker with “bags of potential”.
Goalkeepers: Nashville’s goalkeeping corps now includes veteran Joe Willis (leader and MLS mainstay) and new prospects Xavier Valdez (19, Dominican Republic) and Brian Schwake (23, USA). Valdez (6’5″) was claimed off waivers from Houston and signed through 2025; he starred with six clean sheets in 13 starts at Houston Dynamo 2 and even kept a shutout at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the Dominican Republic. Schwake, from Spain’s second division (CD Castellón), signed through 2026; he brings European experience and athleticism, having recorded double-digit clean sheets in Scotland.

Summary – Players In:

Defense/Midfield: Andy Najar (D/F, Honduras), Tate Schmitt (LB, USA), Wyatt Meyer (D, USA), Chris Applewhite (D, USA), Ahmed Qasem (M, SWE), Bryan Acosta (M, HON), Edvard Tagseth (M, NOR), Patrick Yazbek (M, AUS), Matthew Corcoran (M, USA).
Attack: Maximus Ekk (F, USA).
Goalkeepers: Xavier Valdez (GK, DOM), Brian Schwake (GK, USA).

Summary – Players Out:

Departed/Released: Randall Leal (to D.C. United), Tah Brian Anunga (FC Dallas), Aníbal Godoy (free agent), Dru Yearwood (free agent), Brent Kallman (free agent).
Waived: Elliot Panicco (GK), Randall Leal (MF).
Traded: Lukas MacNaughton (to DC, GAM).

Team Composition by Position

Goalkeepers

Veteran Joe Willis (35) returns as the undisputed No.1 keeper, providing leadership and experience in goal. He has been an MLS starter for over a decade. Behind him, Nashville now relies on two young prospects. Xavier Valdez (6’5″, 19) joins after an impressive stint with Houston Dynamo 2; he helped lead the Dominican Republic at the 2024 Olympics. Brian Schwake (23) also joined from Europe, bringing his training and match experience in Scotland and Spain. Notably, Nashville waived backup Elliot Panicco (28) in January 2025, so depth behind Willis will come from these new signings.

Defense

Nashville’s back line in 2025 is built around center backs Walker Zimmerman (USMNT captain) and Jack Maher (young US youth international). They form a strong partnership in front of goal, as confirmed by the club.. Jeisson Palacios (Colombia) is an additional experienced center back brought in 2024. Josh Bauer (re-signed) and rookie Wyatt Meyer add further depth.

At fullback, Dan Lovitz will play left back, having started every match in 2024 (he even led the team with 4 assists). Covering his wing and on the right side is Taylor Washington (injured early 2025) and new signee Tate Schmitt. Washington suffered a knee injury in May 2025 that will sideline him up to three months, making Schmitt’s signing timely. On the opposite flank, Nashville’s recent homegrown Julian Gaines (LB) and Academy defender Chris Applewhite (signed 2025) provide youthful options, while veteran Andy Najar (signed from Honduras) can slot in defensively and also contribute going forward on the right side.

Midfield

The midfield is anchored by Hany Mukhtar (#10), the creative talisman and 2022 MVP. Mukhtar led the team in goals in recent seasons and brings playmaking and scoring (he had nine goals in 2024). Around him, Nashville has several dynamic midfielders. Jacob Shaffelburg (Canadian international) provides wing play; he “became a fixture on the Canadian Men’s National Team” in 2024 and continues to create opportunities on the flank.

The club added three new midfielders from Scandinavia and Honduras: Patrick Yazbek (Australia) uses relentless running (7.58 mi/match last year) to box-to-box midfield duties; Edvard Tagseth (Norway) brings ball-progressing ability – he tallied 6 goals last season with Rosenborg; and Ahmed Qasem (Sweden) adds attacking spark, having scored 5 goals for Elfsborg in 2024. Veteran Bryan Acosta (Honduras) joins as a defensive midfielder, offering international experience (69 caps) and ball-winning skill.

Other midfield contributors include Alex Muyl (winger), Jonathan Pérez (on loan, MEX U-23), and homegrown Isaiah Jones and Adem Sipić as depth. Matthew Corcoran (signed from USL) provides another young two-way option in central midfield.

Attack

Up front, Nashville’s offense centers on Sam Surridge, who led the club in goals in 2024. The English striker (formerly of Stoke City) proved lethal last season and is expected to be the primary goal threat. He will be supported by wingers Tyler Boyd and Teal Bunbury, both proven MLS attackers, who can stretch defenses on the flanks. Young striker Woobens Pacius (Ghana) is also in the mix, known for his speed and technical skill from MLS Next Pro. The club added Maximus Ekk to the attack – a versatile 19-year-old who can play across the front line – aiming to develop him as a future goal-scoring contributor.

In training camp and preseason, coaches will also consider rotational players like Josh Bauer (a CB who can play as a target forward in set pieces) and others to balance minutes. Overall, the 2025 forward group blends reliable veterans with promising youth, giving Nashville tactical flexibility.

Tactical Outlook and Team Depth

Under head coach B.J. Callaghan, Nashville SC typically plays an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. With Mukhtar orchestrating the attack from midfield and Zidane-like passing, the team will rely on his creative genius to feed forwards. Zimmermann’s leadership at the back and Willis’s goalkeeping provide defensive stability. The new signings give Callaghan options: for example, Acosta or Yazbek can serve as holding midfielders to shield the defense, while Tagseth and Shaffelburg can push play forward. Najar adds experience and crossing ability, and Valkyrie of youth like Applewhite and Meyer ensures the squad won’t run out of legs.

Depth has been a focus: the club’s MLS Next Pro affiliate (Huntsville City FC) provided players (Corcoran, Ekk), and the homegrown signings complete a talented 30+ man roster. The team’s strategy will likely be to press high, circulate the ball through Mukhtar and midfield rotations, and exploit wide space with fullbacks and wingers.

Statistically, Nashville was among the top teams in possession and chances created in 2024; keeping the core intact and adding creative mids should sustain that style. Maintaining match fitness is critical: since Lovitz played every minute of the first 13 games in 2024, having backups like Schmitt was necessary, especially after Taylor Washington’s season-ending injury.

Team Depth Chart:

Goalkeepers: Joe Willis; Xavier Valdez; Brian Schwake.
Defenders: Walker Zimmerman; Jack Maher; Jeisson Palacios; Josh Bauer; Tate Schmitt; Dan Lovitz; Julian Gaines; Wyatt Meyer; Chris Applewhite.
Midfielders: Hany Mukhtar; Jacob Shaffelburg; Patrick Yazbek; Edvard Tagseth; Bryan Acosta; Ahmed Qasem; Jonathan Pérez (loan); Isaiah Jones; Adem Sipić; Matthew Corcoran.
Forwards: Sam Surridge; Tyler Boyd; Teal Bunbury; Woobens Pacius; Maximus Ekk.

This depth – featuring internationals (Surridge, Mukhtar, Yazbek), veterans (Najar, Bunbury), and U22 prospects (Qasem, Acosta) – positions Nashville SC to compete in 2025. Their blend of attack, creativity, and solid defense (anchored by Zimmerman and Willis) suggests the Boys in Gold will remain playoff contenders in MLS’s Eastern Conference.

What’s Next for 2025

The Nashville SC 2025 squad will finalize its roster before the season opener (Feb 22, 2025 at New England). Fans can expect a polished blend of flash and resilience at Geodis Park as the team builds chemistry. In training and preseason games, look for how Callaghan integrates new signings – especially U22 players like Qasem and Corcoran – into his system.

The team’s goals will be to harness Mukhtar’s creativity, build on Surridge’s scoring form, and maintain one of the league’s stingiest defenses. The schedule will be challenging (MLS franchises are stronger each year), but with key home matches at Nashville’s new 30,109-seat soccer-specific stadium and a passionate fanbase, the 2025 Nashville SC squad aims to write another successful chapter.

Fans should keep an eye on the official roster page and club announcements for final updates. Social media buzz around signings (e.g. Najar’s Honduran excitement or Qasem’s highlight reels) will give clues to how this squad gels. With exciting depth and star power, the Nashville SC 2025 Squad is shaping up to be one of the most promising in club history.

Stay Connected: Follow Nashville SC on social media and MLS Next Pro affiliate Huntsville City FC updates to watch prospects like Maximus Ekk and Chris Applewhite develop. Share this preview with fellow fans, and let us know in the comments who you expect to shine for Nashville in 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who are the key players on the Nashville SC 2025 roster?
A: Nashville SC’s core includes 2022 MVP Hany Mukhtar, captain Walker Zimmerman, and top scorer Sam Surridge. Other standouts are experienced wingers Tyler Boyd and Teal Bunbury, plus new signings like Midfielder Patrick Yazbek and Defender Andy Najar. Rising talents include Homegrowns Isaiah Jones and Adem Sipić, and young forwards Woobens Pacius and Maximus Ekk.

Q: What new signings did Nashville SC make for 2025?
A: The club signed several new players: midfielders Ahmed Qasem (from Sweden), Bryan Acosta (Honduras), Edvard Tagseth (Norway), Patrick Yazbek (Australia), Matthew Corcoran (USA); forwards Maximus Ekk (USA); defenders Tate Schmitt (USA), Wyatt Meyer (USA), Chris Applewhite (USA); and goalkeepers Xavier Valdez (Dominican Republic) and Brian Schwake (USA).

Q: Who is Nashville SC’s star player to watch?
A: Hany Mukhtar (#10) is the standout star. As the reigning MLS MVP and a two-time Landon Donovan Award winner, Mukhtar leads the team’s attack with creativity and goals. He teams up with Sam Surridge, the club’s 2024 leading scorer, making them the duo to watch in 2025.

Q: Who is Nashville SC’s head coach in 2025?
A: B.J. Callaghan took over as interim head coach late in 2024 and will lead Nashville SC in 2025. He was previously an assistant with the U.S. Men’s National Team and now brings his energetic, possession-oriented style to the Boys in Gold.

Q: Where do Nashville SC play their home games?
A: Nashville SC plays at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee – a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium with about 30,109 seats. It provides a loud, supportive home atmosphere where the 2025 squad will look to start many season victories.