NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC announced on Wednesday that 17-year-old midfielder Isaiah Jones has been signed to a homegrown contract. Jones is the second player to ever come through Nashville SC’s academy to sign a first-team contract.
“Isaiah exemplifies what we look for out of our youth academy as a homegrown player, and I’m so excited for he and his family for this special moment,” said Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs in the club’s press release. “He has all of the attributes you look for in a young central midfielder – industrious, tenacious, athletic, and tough – but it’s his character and ability to influence winning that now sees him make the next step in his career as a first team player.”
Isaiah is the younger brother of Malachi Jones, a standout winger at Lipscomb University who was drafted eighth overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and signed by New York City FC. Isaiah joined Nashville SC’s academy from Nashville United Soccer Academy, training regularly with the first team before making his Huntsville City FC debut last season.
“Isaiah is a role model for our emerging Academy talent,” said Aidan O’Connor, Nashville’s U-17 head coach. “His approach to training every day is exemplary. Isaiah has the tools to be a top professional. He is a dynamic, talented player and we are excited to see him impact our club at the highest level.”
With Huntsville, Jones played seven matches, starting four, and was a regular in the team after making his debut on August 9, 2023. Expectations for his immediate involvement with Nashville’s first team should be tempered, but he’s an exciting prospect with loads of potential who can continue to develop in MLS NEXT Pro.
