There’s been a lot of talk lately about the future of the United States Women’s National Team. Who will step up for the retiring Carli Lloyd? Are the up-and-coming stars ready to assume the mantle?

While spectacular goals from Catarina Macario and Sophia Smith in the USWNT’s September fall friendlies provided a glimpse into the team’s possible future, an under-covered talent pool exists in the NCAA today.

With conference play kicking off, here’s five current college stars who could be representing the USWNT at future World Cups:

Jaelin Howell, Florida State University

Heading into her senior year at Florida State, Howell has already captured nearly every award there is to win in collegiate soccer. The star midfielder is the reigning 2020-2021 Mac Hermann Trophy winner and 2020 ACC Midfielder of the Year. And with two USWNT caps already under her belt, there’s no doubt the future is bright for the 21-year-old.

In her last year at Florida State, the Seminoles are the heavy favorite to take home the national championship after falling to Santa Clara last season in a PK shootout. Howell’s defensive presence and ability to distribute balls through the midfield will be critical in Florida State’s run for the NCAA trophy. Her role as a defensive midfield is one the USWNT is looking to develop under the tutelage of Julie Ertz, making Howell a near lock as a prospect.

Naomi Girma, Stanford University

Girma, a Senior at Stanford University, has a long and likely growing resume. She previously captained the U.S. U20 Women’s National Team, was voted the 2020 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, and won the 2019 NCAA Championship with Stanford.

The 21-year-old faced some adversity earlier this year when she tore her ACL, forcing her to redshirt and miss the delayed 2021 season. Back on the pitch with Stanford, Girma brings a critical, technical presence to both sides of the ball. Her attacking mindset, combined with her defensive know-how, makes her a strong contender for a shot on the USWNT’s backline.

Mia Fishel, UCLA

Since she was a teen, Fishel has been making a name for herself, scoring the tournament-opener at the 2018 U-17 World Cup and winning the Golden Ball during the 2020 CONCACAF U-20 Championships. The 20-year-old has been equally successful in her collegiate career, leading the Bruins in goals during her freshman season and being named a Second Team All-American in 2020.

The junior now has a chance to make a title run with a top-10 UCLA squad. The Bruins started their season going undefeated in non-conference play, thanks in part to Fishel’s seven goals across eight games. No stranger to the USWNT’s developmental programs, Fishel is one to watch as she rises through soccer’s ranks.

Kelsey Turnbow, Santa Clara University

Turnbow returns to the pitch following a record-breaking 2020-2021 season, when she led the Santa Clara Broncos to their first national championship since 2001.

With an extra year of eligibility, Turnbow returns to Santa Clara after being selected 18^th overall in the 2021 NWSL draft by the Chicago Red Stars. Before going pro, Turnbow will look to defend the Bronco’s NCAA title, serving as the team’s offensive spark. An additional year in the NCAA and a spot in the NWSL could provide Turnbow the stage she needs to show her attacking skills are worthy of a National Team look.

Anna Podojil, Arkansas

Podojil enters her junior year with some distinguished credits to her name: 2021 First Team All-American, 2021 MAC Hermann Award semifinalist, 2020 SEC Forward of the Year, and 2019 Freshman of the Year.

The star forward now hopes to make a run at an NCAA title, and with five goals in her first eight games, Podojil is starting the season on the front foot. With the Razorbacks ranked in the top-20, a championship push isn’t out of the question. Trophy or not, Podojil is the real deal, and her accomplishments should already cement her place in a crowded list of potential USWNT forwards.

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson is hitting the small screen, teaming up with apparel sponsor Nike and LEGO to host the Danish toymaker's new YouTube Shorts series Clicked In.

According to a Saturday announcement for the series, "Wilson is getting together her closest LEGO Minifigure friends to talk sport, style, and tell unbelievable stories from her real life."

The 2025 WNBA MVP first joined the two brands' new multi-year partnership in May, teaming up to help "inspire kids everywhere to play both on and off the court."

"I have loved playing with LEGO bricks since I was a kid, and know that my creativity and play helped me not only in sports but also at school and in life," Wilson said in a press release last May. "I'm thrilled to be part of this partnership with Nike and the LEGO Group and know we can help to make a positive impact with kids and adults alike."

With new episodes dropping every Sunday through mid-November, LEGO is calling Wilson's upcoming YouTube Shorts series "the biggest mini sports show ever."

In addition to the streaming series, Nike and LEGO will also release the third installment of their kids' clothing and accessories line in less than two weeks, with the full collection set to drop on October 11th.

Angel City welcomed four new owners on Monday, as NBA star Chris Paul headlines four high-profile investors buying into the 2022 NWSL expansion side under the leadership of controlling owner Willow Bay.

A 12-time NBA All-Star, Paul is joined by fellow NWSL investors philanthropist Solina Chau, organizational development consultant Ina Coleman, and entrepreneur Paul Bernon.

"Chris, Solina, Ina, and Paul exemplify the values and vision that define ACFC," said Bay in a club statement. "Their outstanding leadership across business, sport, advocacy, and social impact makes them ideal partners as we continue building a world-class club that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and ambitious."

"It's an incredible honor to join Angel City FC as an investor and owner," Paul said on Monday. "Being able to join ACFC is not only an amazing opportunity, it's a chance to support women's sports and help drive positive change."

Valued at upwards of $250 million, Angel City has long been a draw for celebrity co-owners. The investor roster includes tennis legend Billie Jean King, singer Christina Aguilera, and actors Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner, and America Ferrera.

Despite the big-name backers, ACFC currently sits 11th in the 2025 NWSL standings with just four matches left on the year. The team is in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

The WNBA Class of 2025 balled out this season, with the league naming every one of this year's top four draft picks to the All-Rookie Team on Monday — the first quartet to achieve the feat since 2014.

The 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick and Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers leads the first-year squad, with the Dallas Wings guard joined by Seattle Storm center and No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga as well as the Washington Mystics' Nos. 3 and 4 selectees — guard Sonia Citron and forward Kiki Iriafen, respectively.

One undrafted player rounds out this year's WNBA All-Rookie Team, with international signee and Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün making the cut after averaging 11.3 points per game for the 2025 expansion side — helping lead the Valks to a history-making playoff berth in their inaugural season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

Three members of the 2025 WNBA All-Rookie Team — Bueckers, Citron, and Iriafen — also became All-Stars in their debut season, with each joining Salaün in logging double-digit point averages across their inaugural pro campaigns.

Bueckers claimed even more scoring history, with her 692 total points trailing only 2024's Caitlin Clark and 2006's Seimone Augustus for most points tallied in a WNBA rookie season.

As for Malonga, the 19-year-old made her own mark as the youngest-ever WNBA player to record 100 career points.

The NWSL is gearing up for the 2025 postseason, releasing this year's Championship Week schedule — including a brand-new end-of-season awards ceremony — on Monday.

Prior to the championship match on Saturday, November 22nd, the festivities in San Jose, California, will kick off with the first-ever NWSL Awards on Wednesday, November 19th.

Calling it a "landmark celebration of excellence in women's soccer," the live awards ceremony on ESPN2 will honor the season's Best XI as well as the 2025 NWSL MVP, Rookie of the Year, Golden Boot winner, Coach of the Year, and the top position players (Midfielder, Defender, and Goalkeeper of the Year).

In addition, the NWSL will announce the winner of the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award during the program.

The league is also bringing back some fan favorite events to this November's Championship Weekend, including the NWSL Skills Challenge, in which players will face off for a cut of a $30,000 prize pool at San Jose State University on Friday, November 21st.

The following day will see the return of Fan Fest, with games, activations, food, and music counting down to kickoff of the 2025 NWSL Championship match, with an additional Post-Game Party wrapping the weekend's celebration at San Pedro Square Market on Saturday evening.