Way-Too-Early AUSL Mock 2026 Rookie Draft

With Kayla Kowalik crowned AUSL All-Star Cup champion, the AUSL slate for 2025 has come to a close. However, it’s never too early to look ahead. There is a large group of talented seniors who will finish their collegiate careers this upcoming spring, meaning the four inaugural teams and the two additional AUSL squads will have plenty of athletes to choose from.

This Way-Too-Early AUSL Mock Draft will be three rounds, but will not follow the previous rookie draft rotation. This draft will place teams in order of finish through each round, similar to other professional leagues; however, the expansion teams will flip-flop in the second round as a tiebreaker.

Round One

1. Team 5: NiJaree Canady, RHP, Texas Tech

There is not a better way to build a team than around a genertional talent. NiJaree Canady is an easy pick for the first choice in 2026. Canady has continued to grow from freshman sensation to college softball legend. She continues her career in the AUSL.

2. Team 6: Jordy Bahl, RHP/UTL, Nebraska

Bahl is another rare talent that another team can build around with her being able to hit at a high-level and be an All-American pitcher. Most years she’d be the uniamous first pick, but the 2026 class is uber talented.

3. Blaze: Karlyn Pickens, RHP, Tennessee

There isn’t a much better fit than Pickens with the Blaze. They struggled to pitch this past season and the flamethrower could isn’t become their best pitcher rightaway.

4. Volts: Jordan Woolery, CIF, UCLA

The Volts don’t have a true first base option, and Woolery, one of the most dangerous hitters the past few seasons fills that hole for them.

5. Bandits: Reese Atwood, C, Texas

The Bandits ‘weakest’ position is behind the plate, but that changes quickly with Reese Atwood still on the board. She’s argulbly the best bat in the class and a great defender as a catcher.

6. Talons: Megan Grant, UTL, UCLA

Lisa Fernandez gets her team another Bruin. The Talons have a pretty loaded roster but Grant has a great left-handed swing and can play around the field. The champs get a pretty great addition in the first round.

Round Two

7. Team 6: Ruby Meylan, RHP, Oklahoma State

Meylan teams up with Bahl again to possibly lead this team in the circle. This sets a strong foundation for the newest team to potentially have two All-American talents in the bullpen.

8. Team 5: Jocelyn Erickson, C, Florida

Erickson falling into the second round shows how talented this upcoming senior class is. The Florida catcher is one of the best defenders behind the plate and a feared bat.

9. Blaze: Sydney Stewart, C, Arizona

Stewart gives the Blaze another catching option with Kayla Kowalik after Jordan Roberts’ retirment. Stewart had a breakout season with the Wildcats in 2025 and has caught multiple All-American pitchers.

10. Volts: Taylor Tinsley, RHP, UCLA

The Volts still need depth and quality in the circle. Tinsley joins her fellow Bruin in Rachel Garcia.

11. Bandits: Dakota Kennedy, OF, Arkansas

The Bandits don’t have many holes on the roster, go best player avalible in Kennedy. The Gold Glove defender is also one of the toughtest outs.

12. Talons: Robyn Herron, LHP, Arkansas

The Talons had the strongest pitching staff, and it’ll be interesting if they are able to keep that group together going forward. However, Herron gives them a different look from the left side regardless.

Round Three

13. Team 5: Lyndsey Grein, RHP, Oregon

Another big addition to the circle. Grein became a star with the Ducks and could make for a strong pairing with Canady.

14. Team 6: Aminah Vega, MIF, Duke

Vega, one of the more underrated players in college softball, has been a consistent presence in Duke’s rise to an elite program. She’s a standond infielder and a bat that has improved with each season.

15. Blaze: Taryn Kern, MIF, Stanford

The Blaze need more infield depth after Anissa Urtez’s retirment and add a power bat with Taryn Kern.

16. Volts: Maya Johnson, LHP, Belmont

Johnson rose to stardom in 2025. She gives the Volts a left-handed pitcher with good spin to fill out the bullpen.

17. Bandits: Kenzie Brown, RHP, Arizona State

The Bandits add another talent that really found herself in 2025. Lexi Kilfoyl and Taylor McQuillin led the Bandits bullpen but struggled to find quality innings behind them.

18. Talons: Maci Bergeron, C, LSU

Bergeron gives the Talons another option behind the plate, one of the best receivers from the college game and has improved with her attack at the plate.

More from Softball America:

2025 Recruiting Rankings
2026 Recruiting Rankings
2027 Recruiting Rankings