Columbus Crew sign rookie Tarun Karumanchi

Make way for the Crew's newest youngster.

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Tarun Karumanchi, a rookie midfielder who's played in their past two games , signed an MLS contract July 30 that extends through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season plus three additional years with club options.

Tarun is prepared to take it to the next level 📊 pic.twitter.com/kmg4eP95ob

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 30, 2026 Karumanchi, 23, was selected out of UCLA in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and began the season at the MLS Next Pro level with Crew2 after recovering from an ankle fracture he suffered during the preseason. Entering the Crew's lineup July 22 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field against NYCFC , Karumanchi became just the second Crew2 player to start in his MLS debut.

Caesar Ruvalcaba was the first, also debuting against NYCFC on March 22, 2025.

“Tarun has demonstrated strong qualities since he started training with the first team during the preseason, and he’s earned this opportunity based on his eagerness to develop and professional attitude, especially as he worked to come back from his injury,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said in a statement. “Tarun’s production and work ethic have been consistent in training and matches while integrating into our first team environment. We look forward to his continued development further as both a player and person with the Black & Gold.”

Karumanchi also played for the Crew in a friendly July 12 against Burnley Football Club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and started five of six appearances with Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro matches, posting one assist.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be signing my contract with the Columbus Crew," Karumanchi said in a statement. "This is a moment I’ll never forget. From being drafted to battling through an injury in preseason, to earning my place on the roster, every step has made this moment even more meaningful. ... This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Prior to being drafted by the Crew, Karumanchi played 19 matches (1,699 minutes) for UCLA in 2025 while serving as the Bruins ' captain. Adding one assist, he led UCLA to its first Big Ten championship with stout defensive play for a back line that helped the Bruins post shutouts against No. 1 seed Maryland in the conference semifinal and Michigan in the final.

Making it official with the Massive 📝 The Columbus Crew signed Crew 2 midfielder Tarun Karumanchi to a First Team contract through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. 📰: https://t.co/hIQnsLFJ9y pic.twitter.com/I98Q6SRLCm

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 30, 2026 Karumanchi, who's listed at 5 feet 9, is from San Ramon, California and spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy prior to attending UCLA. He also participated in a U.S. Under-20 men's youth national team training camp in 2022 before giving the Bruins three assists while starting 61 of 68 career appearances at the collegiate level.

Getting onto the pitch with the Crew will become more difficult after five players acquired in the summer transfer window begin filling up roles for interim coach Laurent Courtois, including midfielders Lautaro Giaccone and Andres Herrera.

Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew sign rookie Tarun Karumanchi

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