By OkayGoal 
The NWSL Draft is a thing of the past under the new CBA agreement between the NWSLPA and the NWSL. Before, NWSL teams were at the mercy of waiting for draft picks to add the best college players. Now, the players have the freedom to decide where they want to go, which has changed the landscape of American pro soccer forever. The best of the best from the NCAA ranks are sure to be fought over in free agency once the season ends. Here are 10 of the best players who you’re most likely to see on a pro team next year.
Jasmine Aikey, Stanford – Midfielder
Jasmine Aikey has been one of Stanford’s best players since she stepped onto campus as a Freshman in 2022-2023. Ten goals and three assists are impressive for any first-year player; in year two, she outdid herself with 11 goals and 12 assists. Injuries marred her junior season, but this year has reaffirmed that she’s one of the best players in the nation. Aikey has taken another step up, already with 13 goals and seven assists. Any team looking for a versatile player who can play on defense and attack is going to pursue her heavily. Expect Aikey to be among the first names you hear signed to a team once the season ends.
Jordynn Dudley, Florida State – Forward
Jordynn Dudley was a primary reason why Florida State won the National Championship in 2023 and was named a First-Team All-American as a result. As a junior, Dudley has proven everything that she’s needed to at the collegiate level. After showing off her scoring ability as a freshman, she’s also shown her ability to distribute to her teammates. Dudley has nine goals and 11 assists currently, which is identical to her production from last season, and she’s sure to add to it. Her athleticism, speed, and vision make her an elite prospect right away, should she choose to forgo her senior year and become a pro.
Gianna Paul, Alabama – Forward
Gianna Paul will leave Alabama as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 35 goals, along with a chance to add to that total before the season ends. The Crimson Tide star was a First-Team All-American last year with 12 goals. This year, she’s upped her game with a career-high six assists this season to go with 10 goals. Paul’s profile is very similar to Jordynn Dudley’s, as she has a comparable combination of size and speed. Her ability to pass the ball this year is an improvement that pro teams will love. Paul is the kind of player who can make an impact as soon as she enters the pro ranks.
Mia Bhuta, Stanford – Midfielder
Mia Bhuta has been one of the best players in her age group for quite some time. Bhuta captained the U-17 USYNT at the 2022 World Cup and has since starred at Stanford. This year hasn’t been as fruitful for Bhuta as she’s only played in 8 games this year, but she’s coming back at the perfect time for the Cardinal as they prepare for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Bhuta is more of a defensive midfielder who can pull the strings and get the ball to her teammates in the right areas. Bay FC needs some midfield help. Don’t be surprised to see if Bay at least tries to entice Bhuta to stay close to where she graduated from school.
Heather Gilchrist, Florida State – Defender
Gilchrist hails from the same Colorado pipeline that developed players like Lindsey Heaps, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson. The best indicator that Gilchrist will be a pro next year is the fact that Emma Hayes called her into the USWNT Futures camp in January. Those are the players who are being identified as future players for the senior USA team. Considering the Seminoles have been run like a pro team and have produced multiple stars in the NWSL, Gilchrist is sure to be the next in line. She’s got a chance to be a starting center back for a team right away next season.
Yuna McCormack, Florida State- Midfielder
Yuna McCormack was one of Virginia’s best players last season, yet she decided to leave for one of Virginia’s conference rivals, Florida State. All McCormick has done is bolster an already strong Seminoles team. McCormack brings stability to the Seminoles; she’s as reliable as can be and would help any team that’s looking to add to their midfield. Her stats indicate she doesn’t get as far up the pitch and plays in more of a defensive role.
Izzy Engle, Notre Dame – Forward
Izzy Engle has earned the title of the best striker in the country; her production in the best conference in America is simply ridiculous. After bursting onto the scene last year, scoring 19 goals as a freshman, she’s got 17 this season and is primed to eclipse the 20-goal plateau. This type of production will no doubt have her on the radar of a few pro teams. Engle could say in school and be on pace to become the school’s all-time leading goal scorer. Or she could go pro now and, with enough production, could eventually earn a call to the USWNT. The ball is in her court, but there’s sure to be interest in Izzy Engle if she chooses to leave Notre Dame at the end of the season.
Macy Blackburn, Texas Tech- Defender
Macy Blackburn is one of the more unique players in college soccer history. You will not find another defender with 44 assists anywhere around. Blackburn has to be coming into the midfield for stretches, but Texas Tech has listed her solely as a defender. Hitting double digits assists each year is truly an impressive feat and the kind of statistic that will catch the eye of many pro teams. Blackburn is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the Big 12, if not the entire country. Considering the positional versatility she may be able to bring to the table, expect her to be on an NWSL roster next year for sure.
Seven Castain, TCU- Forward
Should Izzy Engle choose not to leave Notre Dame, then Seven Castain is sure to be another striker who will be heavily pursued in free agency. All Castain has done is score goals since joining TCU in 2022. The All-Big 12 First Team player has racked up 35 goals over her career and has 12 goals this season, with a chance to surpass the 13 goals she scored last year. Castain’s finishing ability will get her onto an NWSL roster. She’s not too far from the Houston Dash; they might be giving her a call in the offseason, considering they need the help up front. Whether it’s the Dash or somewhere else, she should get signed.
Elise Evans, Stanford – Defender
Elise Evans is a fifth-generation Stanford athlete proudly carrying on her family’s legacy. After a solid first two seasons in the Bay Area, her junior year saw her limited by injuries. However, this year she’s taken her game to another level. Being listed as a defender and scoring five goals and four assists shows she’s been producing when she gets forward into the attack. Could she be moving to a different position? Time will tell if teams elect to move her based on the versatility she’s shown. Evans is a key piece of this Stanford core, having been to multiple College Cups and poised to do it again this year. With Evans as their best defender, she’s sure to be on an NWSL roster or in Europe next year.
Featured image via @stanfordwsoc
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