What happened: Karumanchi made his MLS debut July 23 after joining Crew 2 in March. Columbus selected the midfielder in the second round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
Why it matters: The move converts a recent affiliate call-up into a longer-term roster piece for Columbus. The 2027 sprint campaign will determine qualification for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.
By the numbers: The sprint season consists of 14 intra-conference matches from February through April, followed by the playoffs and MLS Cup in May.
What to watch: Karumanchi's matchday selections and midfield minutes will show whether he earns an immediate role in the 2026 rotation.