7 of the Best NCAA Forwards to Watch in 2024
The NWSL’s removal of the College Draft has significantly changed the landscape of NCAA Women’s Soccer. A lot of the stars who will come from college will now have far more options at their disposal. They might not even choose to go to the NWSL, they also have the option to go play overseas as well. The bottom line is that all seven of these elite college strikers will someday be pro players. It’s always fun to watch the journey of these college stars. You’ll be the ones to say you got to see them first in college before they burst onto the scene in the pro ranks. Here are 7 of the best NCAA forwards to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Jordynn Dudley – Florida State, Sophomore
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Jordynn Dudley was a relative unknown on a loaded Florida State team last season. Dudley emerged as the team’s star, who helped lead them to a National Championship as a first-year player. Last season, Dudley netted 14 goals and nine assists and already has a goal and assist this season. The striker was called into the U-20 national team and is surely someone to watch for the USWNT down the line. With everyone watching, expectations will be even higher for her this season, but the Seminoles are still the team to beat this year. Dudley is sure to be among the team leaders and is one of the best in the country.
Trinity Byars (If Healthy) – Texas, Senior
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Trinity Byars could have gone pro last season but chose to return for her senior year. Sadly, she picked up what could be a severe injury against Central Michigan. Texas has been keeping her injury status quiet, hopefully she’ll be able to return this season. Even if Byars doesn’t play this season, she’ll leave the college ranks as one of the most prolific players ever. Byars has a gaudy 53 goals and 36 assists over four years, with five goals and three assists already this season before her injury. Byars is a truly dominant player, similar to Croix Bethune or Catarina Macario. She’s always been among the elite players in the country. Fingers crossed she’s okay, and we get to see more of her this season as Texas has lofty goals of a Final Four and potential National Championship.
Riley Tiernan – Rutgers, Senior
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Riley Tiernan was a star for Rutgers as a first-year player and has been a centerpiece of their team ever since. Her best season statistically was her first year, and her last two seasons saw a drop off in production. However, Tiernan has come out firing in her senior season and looks poised to be a First-Team All-Big Ten player and potential All-American. Through six games, she’s already got two goals and five assists. Even though she’s a striker, Tiernan is showing she’s not afraid to share the ball with the five assists already. She’s making everyone around her better. Thanks to her, Rutgers will likely be back in the national conversation as one of the premier programs this season.
Sarah Weber – Nebraska, Senior
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Sarah Weber is one of the more underrated players in the country at the striker position. Weber was highly productive with 16 goals and 6 assists last season. She’s a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten player and a Second-Team All-American. Weber was playing alongside Eleanor Dale, one of the country’s leading scorers. Now, Weber gets her chance to lead the team, and she’s been phenomenal already, with six goals and two assists through the first six games of the season. Nebraska might not be ranked right now, but they should be later as they go through Big Ten play.
Jaida Thomas – Tennessee, Redshirt Senior
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Jaida Thomas’ season was sadly cut short due to a major injury after two games, but make no mistake, she’s a dynamic scorer for Tennessee. In her previous three seasons, she hit the double-digit goal plateau with 39 career goals. While she doesn’t have any goals yet this season, once she gets acclimated, she’s sure to get back in the goal column. You’ll want to tune in to Tennessee’s games this season when she breaks out from this slump. She’s a fun player to watch when she finds her rhythm.
Faith Webber – Utah Valley, Senior
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Faith Webber is a D-III transfer who has done nothing but score goals since coming to Utah Valley. In her last two seasons, Webber has a combined 30 goals and 11 assists and already has five goals and an assist this season. Webber has helped Utah Valley beat some high-profile teams like Michigan and Utah this season, and Webber is on pace to hit the 15-goal mark again this season. Webber might even get to 20 goals, which will catch the eye of pro teams when she leaves Orem after this season.
Gianna Paul – Alabama, Junior
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The former SEC Freshman of the year, Gianna Paul, didn’t have as productive of a season by her standards. After making the College Cup, Alabama has broken through as a premier college soccer program, and they’re eager to go back this season. The junior missed a few games last season due to injury, but she appears to be back with a vengeance. The star striker already has six goals and an assist through 8 games. Alabama’s recent loss to Michigan might knock them out of the Top 25 rankings for now but expect Gianna Paul and the Crimson Tide to return after they enter SEC play. Paul is a must-see on TV when she’s on the ball; she’s got the qualities of every great striker in terms of athleticism and finishing. She’s a bonafide pro prospect who might leave after this season, time will tell but she’s one of the best players in the country without a doubt.
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