The NWSL is back for its 14th season, and this year looks different. For the second year running, there's no college draft. Instead, 48 rookies signed as free agents, and some of them could become the league's next superstars.
Without the old worst-team-picks-first system, talented players are landing on championship-caliber rosters. That means we could see instant impact from these newcomers. Let's break down five rookies who could make serious waves this season.
Skylar Evans: Stanford's Latest Defensive Gem Joins Chicago
Evans grew up in California watching her mom, a former Stanford player, and now she's following in those footsteps. The 21-year-old center back spent four years at Stanford, playing over 7,000 minutes and reaching the National Championship game twice.
Here's the thing: she literally replaced Naomi Girma at Stanford. Girma is one of the best defenders in the world, and Evans studied her game closely. The Stanford coaches used Girma as the blueprint for how Evans should play.
Chicago Stars desperately need help at the back after conceding 54 goals last season, worst in the league by a mile. Evans could push for immediate starting time alongside veterans Sam Staab and Kathrin Hendrich. If you're betting on Chicago improving defensively, Evans is a big reason why that could happen.
Mia Dudley: Top Scorer Joins Reigning Champions
Gotham FC just pulled off a massive signing. Mia Dudley, arguably the best forward in college soccer, left Florida State a year early to join the defending NWSL champions.
Her college numbers are ridiculous: 30 goals and 29 assists in 53 matches. That's a goal involvement every 59 minutes while winning two national titles. She's quiet off the field but absolutely menacing on it.
Dudley could be the highest-scoring rookie in 2026. With Gotham already stacked with talent, adding a player of her caliber makes them even scarier. She'll likely play as a secondary striker or inverted winger, cutting inside to create havoc.
Kate Klenke is heading home to Houston after four years at Notre Dame. The 21-year-old left back racked up 17 assists in 78 college appearances, impressive for a defender. She loves driving forward and whipping in dangerous crosses.
Houston relies heavily on Avery Patterson, who plays multiple positions but tends to occupy one wing. Klenke could balance things out on the left side, giving the Dash more attacking options from the back.
As a former state track champion from Texas, Klenke has the speed and endurance to handle Houston's brutal heat. She's already trained with the Dash during college offseasons, so she knows the system.
Denver's expansion team made headlines signing USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps, but she won't arrive until June. Until then, McCormack could run the midfield. The 21-year-old left college early after winning a national championship with Florida State in 2025.
McCormack excels at timing late runs into the box and scoring from deep. She's fast, covers tons of ground, and brings real dynamism to the center of the pitch. Denver doesn't have many big-name midfielders yet, so McCormack has a clean slate to make her mark.
She'll get at least 11 matches to prove herself before Heaps arrives. That's a golden opportunity for a rookie looking to establish herself.
Reilly Paul might be the most overlooked player on this list, but don't sleep on her. The 21-year-old scored 40 goals in 90 matches at Alabama and netted nine game-winners. Now she's joining the reigning Shield winners in Kansas City.
Paul didn't play for youth national teams like the others, so she's not as hyped. But she's shown serious drive during preseason, soaking up every detail from her new coaches. She's been playing on the left side of attack, possibly filling in while Temwa Chawinga gets fit.
At 5-foot-10, Paul brings height and a silky first touch. With Bia Zaneratto gone to Brazil, Paul could become a target in the air or a decoy to create space for others. Kansas City punters should watch her closely as she could be a sneaky value play for goal-scoring odds.
