Jacob Bartlett Midfielder Sporting Kansas City #16 Player Profile and Career Highlights

Jacob Bartlett is a name you’ll want to remember if you’re following Sporting Kansas City or the surge of young American midfielders. Sporting that number 16 jersey, Bartlett didn’t just show up—he jumped from promising academy prospect to first-team regular in 2025. He’s got poise on the ball, a relentless motor in midfield, and, at only 19, he already looks right at home mixing it up with the league’s seasoned pros. The club signed him through 2027, which says a lot about their confidence in him.

If you’ve watched players come and go, you know there’s something special about seeing a local kid make it. Bartlett grew up in Overland Park and moved up through Sporting KC’s academy, playing at every level from U-12 to U-19 before breaking in with Sporting KC II. His rise isn’t built on hype—it’s steady progress. He earned his MLS deal after a standout freshman year at Notre Dame and some rock-solid MLS NEXT Pro seasons.

Now, as this season gets rolling, keep your eyes on Bartlett. He stands out for his tactical smarts and his knack for adapting on the fly. Whether you’re just jumping on the Sporting KC bandwagon or you’ve been here for years, you’ll want to see how his game continues to grow and shape that midfield. There’s more on his role and quick rise at Jacob Bartlett’s official club profile and his growing league reputation here.

Jacob Bartlett: Player Profile and Background

Jacob Bartlett brings that Midwest grit, athletic discipline, and a true homegrown attitude to the Sporting Kansas City midfield. You see his impact in his positioning, his work rate, and the way he’s steadily improved since his days in the youth system.

Personal Information

Jacob Bartlett was born in Overland Park, Kansas, back in 2005. At just 19, he’s already making an impression on the first-team roster.

He grew up right here, and you can feel that connection with local fans—a real asset in a league that loves its homegrown talent.

Bartlett represents Sporting Kansas City at the highest level after climbing through the Academy. He played a year at Notre Dame, then jumped to the pro game in 2025.

He’s the type of young athlete who stands out for discipline, not just flash. His path looks a lot like other MLS homegrowns who made it by mixing patience with ambition.

Local supporters see themselves in him. He looks comfortable out there, having worn Sporting KC colors for most of his life.

Position and Playing Style

You’ll usually spot Bartlett in midfield, working as a defensive or holding midfielder. He sometimes drops into center back, which gives Sporting KC some tactical flexibility.

That number 16? It fits. He’s become a core piece of the squad.

Bartlett stands out for his positional sense and his ability to shield the back line. Coaches love his knack for winning the ball and making smart, efficient passes when things get tight.

He won’t dazzle you with tricks—he’s the guy who does the dirty work so the attackers can shine. His defensive approach lets the forwards push up while he keeps the ship steady.

He never shies away from physical battles in the middle third. You might not catch him in highlight reels, but you’ll notice how much smoother the midfield runs when he’s out there.

His game’s about reliability, not wild risk-taking.

Achievements and Recognitions

Even at a young age, Bartlett’s already hit some big milestones. He became Sporting Kansas City’s 22nd Homegrown Player—a clear product of the club’s academy pipeline.

Before the MLS contract, he played a full season at Notre Dame and helped Sporting KC II during their MLS NEXT Pro run.

Here’s a quick look at his recent stats:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Position
2023	Sporting KC II	16	0	Defensive Midfielder
2024	Notre Dame	16	1	Midfielder
2025	Sporting KC	Rookie	–	#16 (Midfielder)

He’s signed through 2027, which shows the club believes in his potential. Landing a contract like that at 19 is no small feat.

Bartlett’s steady climb in MLS is putting a spotlight on Kansas City’s homegrown development. His progress and early recognition show what hard work and local ties can do in American soccer.

Pathway to Sporting Kansas City

Jacob Bartlett worked his way up with Sporting Kansas City through grit, skill, and a steady climb through the city’s soccer pathways.

You can trace his rise right back to early training, strong academy development, and those elite youth experiences that shaped him.

Early Development and Youth Clubs

Bartlett grew up in Overland Park, playing for local youth clubs that focused on technical skill and team play. He started with Sporting Blue Valley, a club that’s built a reputation for prepping kids for the next step.

Coaches spotted his work ethic and field smarts early on. You could see it—calm on the ball, rarely flustered, always hunting for the right pass.

Kansas City’s a soccer town, and Bartlett separated himself by nailing the basics and embracing disciplined training.

A lot of his early teammates took different routes, but Bartlett stayed loyal to the Kansas City system. That loyalty paid off, giving him solid development and a shot at the best local competition.

Key Clubs Played For at Youth Level

Club	Location	Level	Age Started
Sporting Blue Valley	Overland Park, KS	Local Elite	Age 8
Sporting KC Academy	Kansas City, MO	Developmental	Age 12

Progression Through Sporting KC Academy

When Bartlett moved to the Sporting KC Academy, things stepped up. The academy runs under the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system, now rolled into MLS Next.

Here, you train like a pro—every session matters, every match is a test.

Bartlett sharpened his skills in the academy. He played midfield, reading the game well and switching play under pressure.

He often played up an age group, earning a rep for leadership and steady performances.

His standout play earned him a spot with Sporting KC II, the club’s MLS Next Pro affiliate, before he even signed his first MLS contract.

That path—from academy to second team to first team—is the blueprint at Sporting KC. You’ll see his name with other top prospects, like Gianluca Busio and Jaylin Lindsey, who made the same journey.

Center of Excellence Experience

Before the main academy, Bartlett spent time at the Center of Excellence, Sporting KC’s elite youth training program.

That Center focuses on individual skills, tactical smarts, and physical conditioning.

You work with top coaches, facing tough drills and scenarios that mimic the pro environment. Bartlett got advanced feedback and training, which gave him an edge.

Not everyone from the Center of Excellence makes it pro, but for Bartlett, it set the habits and mindset needed for the next level.

All that attention to detail, the small group sessions, and the constant competition—those built a strong base for what was coming as he moved up.

Collegiate and Professional Journey

Jacob Bartlett’s path blends standout moments in college soccer with a fast climb through Sporting Kansas City’s system.

His journey includes a key year at Notre Dame and a transition to the pros, all shaped by hard work and Kansas City roots.

Notre Dame and Fighting Irish Career

You saw Bartlett kick off his freshman year at Notre Dame, playing both midfield and defense for the Fighting Irish.

He made 16 appearances, starting 8, and showed off his versatility and smart play. He debuted as a starter against Akron and nailed his first goal in a 2-1 win over Louisville during the conference opener.

Bartlett’s time at Notre Dame wasn’t just about numbers. Playing in a top program exposed him to elite competition and tactical challenges.

That experience helped shape him into a player with both skill and tactical awareness.

Notre Dame Freshman Stats

Year	Matches	Starts	Goals
2024	16	8	1

His stint with the Fighting Irish built up his discipline and resilience, making the jump to pro soccer a little smoother.

Transition to Sporting KC II and MLS Next Pro

After South Bend, Bartlett came home to join Sporting KC II in MLS Next Pro.

He kept facing tough competition, earning minutes and getting used to the pro game’s speed.

In 2023 and 2024, he played as an amateur, bridging college and pro soccer.

Those games with Sporting KC II mattered. MLS Next Pro gave him a platform to polish his technique, pick up tactical know-how, and adapt to the physical side of things.

He showed coaches that his college form could translate to pro reliability.

You can dig deeper into college player development at collegiate sports. That background helped him land a pro contract.

Signing the Homegrown Contract

By 2025, Bartlett’s progress paid off with a homegrown contract from Sporting Kansas City.

The deal runs through 2027, with club options for two more years, making him the 22nd homegrown player to come out of their academy.

Landing a homegrown contract recognizes both his potential and his work ethic.

This contract brought him onto the Sporting KC senior squad as a full roster guy.

For a Kansas City kid raised in the club’s system, signing that first pro deal meant a lot more than just a new chapter.

It put him on the map and validated his journey from youth soccer, through college battles, and now right into the heart of Major League Soccer.

Role in the 2025 Sporting KC Season

Jacob Bartlett stepped up as a key figure for Sporting Kansas City during the 2025 campaign.

His growth and ability to adapt on the field gave the midfield a new dimension, and he logged valuable minutes against some of the league’s biggest names.

Debut and MLS Appearances

Folks, you saw Jacob Bartlett burst onto the Major League Soccer scene at just 19. He made his first-team debut for Sporting Kansas City right as the 2025 season kicked off.

Fresh off a strong preseason, Bartlett earned his spot by moving up from Sporting KC II and the youth academy. He didn’t waste any time making an impression.

Those first minutes? He came off the bench, but it didn’t take long before he started regular season matches. His debut against Inter Miami showed off his calm passing and sharp defensive instincts in midfield.

During the first half of the season, Bartlett played against Austin FC, San Jose Earthquakes, and Charlotte FC. As injuries piled up and the schedule got packed, his steady presence mattered more and more.

By mid-July, you saw him rack up over 15 league appearances. That’s not nothing—he showed he belonged with the big squad.

Category	Total
MLS Appearances	17
Starts	7
Minutes Played	915
Goals	1
Assists	2
Yellow Cards	3

Key Matches and Notable Moments

Let’s talk about that Charlotte FC match. Bartlett came in as a second-half sub and even filled in as a center back in a three-man line. That move, with the team down 1-0, really showed the coaches trusted his poise and decision making.

Fans definitely noticed, and kcsoccerjournal.com even spotlighted the moment.

In the Concacaf Champions Cup, Bartlett played against Inter Miami CF and helped Sporting KC grind out a tough away leg. He also logged big minutes against San Jose, notching a late assist to set up the equalizer.

He scored his first MLS goal at home against Austin FC, blasting one from outside the box. That fired up the team and the crowd—talk about a confidence boost for a young player.

Positional Impact and Contributions

Bartlett mostly played central midfield, but you saw his versatility all year. Sometimes he dropped deeper, other times he slotted into a back three when Sporting KC needed a tactical shift.

He kept the ball moving and helped transition from defense to attack. His stamina let him press high or cover ground on defense, making him a real asset in those hectic stretches.

Stats don’t tell the whole story with Bartlett. He worked hard and adapted to whatever role the team needed, especially in matches like those against Charlotte FC and Inter Miami. That’s why coaches see him as one of Sporting’s top homegrown prospects.

If you want to dig deeper into his rise, check out Sporting KC’s official profile for Jacob Bartlett.

Tactical Analysis and On-Field Performance

Jacob Bartlett brings a blend of work rate, tactical awareness, and composure to Sporting Kansas City’s midfield. You notice his impact whether he’s breaking up plays or sparking attacks.

Defensive Responsibilities and Stats

As a defensive midfielder, Bartlett breaks up attacks and gets the ball back for Sporting KC. In the 2024/2025 season, you can see his value in tackles, ball regains, and positional discipline—especially under pressure.

He’s already won 7 tackles and regained possession 19 times this season. That’s solid cover for the back line.

Bartlett doesn’t back down from physical duels. When Sporting KC faced Charlotte FC, interim coach Kerry Zavagnin even put him in as a center back in a three-man setup. That’s trust, right there.

Here’s a quick rundown of his defensive stats:

Stat	Value
Ball Regains	19
Tackles Won	7
Key Passes	0
Interceptions	6

He shields the defense and eases pressure, especially compared to other academy grads like Jake Davis or former standout Gianluca Busio.

Passing and Possession Metrics

When Sporting KC has the ball, Bartlett keeps things tidy. His passing isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable. Over the 2024/2025 season, he completed 68 passes, serving as a steady link between defense and attack.

He’s not chasing highlight-reel assists. Instead, he prefers short, sharp passes and recycling the ball to keep things moving. That helps Sporting control the pace or settle things down when needed.

He hasn’t registered a key pass yet, but his steady play lets others go forward and combine.

Adaptability Across Positions

Bartlett’s adaptability jumps out right away. He’s most comfortable as a holding midfielder, but he’s slid into central defense when needed—like in that Charlotte FC match.

Coach Zavagnin’s willingness to move him around shows confidence in Bartlett’s reading of the game.

He can anchor the midfield or drop into the back line, depending on what the team needs. That kind of flexibility hasn’t been common among Sporting’s homegrowns since Gianluca Busio. Bartlett’s ability to switch roles without missing a beat really sets him apart.

Family, Mentorship, and Influences

Family, mentors, and a few big-name inspirations have all shaped Jacob Bartlett on and off the pitch. He’s leaned on competitive siblings, supportive coaches, and lessons from both local heroes and global stars.

Soccer Roots and Sibling Achievements

Jacob Bartlett’s soccer story starts in Overland Park. He and his siblings turned family support into a real competitive edge.

You might not know, but his brother Lucas Bartlett plays for St. Louis City and has suited up for FC Dallas, D.C. United, and Charlotte Independence. That’s quite a family résumé.

The Bartletts push each other. Alec Bartlett, another brother, played college and pro soccer too. When Jacob joined the Sporting KC Academy, lessons from his older siblings—like adjusting to new teams or dealing with bench time—helped him grow.

Family ties show up on game days. Jacob shares routines with Lucas and draws inspiration from Grace Bartlett, who played college soccer at Grand Canyon University. The Bartlett tradition is alive every time Jacob steps on the field for Sporting KC. Sporting KC teenage MF Jacob Bartlett benefits from brother Lucas’ MLS journey.

Mentors and Coaching Staff

You see the fingerprints of great coaching all over Jacob’s game. The Sporting KC Academy shaped him, just like it did for Jake Davis, John Pulskamp, and Cam Duke. That structure builds maturity and gets you ready for the pro level.

When Jacob joined Sporting KC II in MLS NEXT Pro, the coaches gave him hands-on feedback and real challenges. Alongside fellow Homegrown Players Ian James and Jack Kortkamp, Jacob had to step up, lead, and stay resilient.

He credits the staff for building him up physically and mentally. Regular check-ins, skill sessions, and tactical breakdowns covered everything from marking a world-class midfielder to making smart choices off the field.

Their mentorship is a big reason why Jacob now fits in with Sporting KC’s core group. Jacob Bartlett | Sporting Kansas City.

Mentor	Role	Notable Contributions
SKC Academy Staff	Technical, Tactical	Developed discipline, tactical awareness
SKC II Coaches	Match Preparation	Guided pro transition, gave leadership
Senior Players	Peer Advice	On-field habits, professional standards

Inspirations and Personal Drive

Let’s be honest—if you want to really get Jacob’s soccer vision, you’ve got to look at who fires him up, both here in Kansas City and way beyond. The roar at Children’s Mercy Park? That keeps his fire burning. But he’s also watching legends outside the SKC family—Lionel Messi, for one, gives him a blueprint for technical skill and that ice-cold composure in massive moments.

Jacob cares a lot about staying humble and hungry. You’ll catch him heading into matches with something to prove, not just for family bragging rights, but because he wants to reward the trust coaches and teammates put in him.

He watches Lucas lighting it up in MLS and keeps learning from older academy graduates—that’s what keeps his motivation real and close to home.

When setbacks hit or doubt creeps in, he doesn’t lose that edge. Instead, you’ll see him dig even deeper, maybe tracking back quicker or fighting for the ball harder than before.

Jacob’s mix of personal ambition and pro-level standards gives him a path that fits right in with the club’s culture. And honestly, that’s the kind of thing SKC fans love most about their own.