Photo by: Isabelle Johnson | Louisville Athletics
Olayinka Ogunleye Selected by FC Dallas in 2026 MLS SuperDraft
December 18, 2025 | Men's Soccer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville men's soccer defender Olayinka Ogunleye has been selected by FC Dallas with the 66th overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, continuing the Cardinals' tradition of producing professional talent.
The Cards have had at least one player selected in 13 of the last 16 seasons and eight have now been drafted in John Michael Hayden's seven years at the helm of the program.
Ogunleye, a 6-foot-4 defender from Bolingbrook, Illinois, has become a cornerstone of Louisville's back line over his college career. After earning significant minutes as a freshman — appearing in 12 matches with 11 starts and logging 915 minutes in 2024 — he steadily developed into a reliable two-way player for the Cardinals.
Over the 2025 season, Ogunleye contributed both defensively and offensively, starting in all 17 matches for the Cards. He scored multiple key goals, including his first of the season in a commanding 4-0 victory over IU Indianapolis and the equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Lipscomb — totaling two goals and one assist on the season from the back line.
Ogunleye will have the option to return to school and further his development but will not be draft-eligible in the future. A selected player who elects to go back to college or remains unsigned will have their SuperDraft Priority held by the drafting club for approximately two years following the SuperDraft.
The Cards have had at least one player selected in 13 of the last 16 seasons and eight have now been drafted in John Michael Hayden's seven years at the helm of the program.
Ogunleye, a 6-foot-4 defender from Bolingbrook, Illinois, has become a cornerstone of Louisville's back line over his college career. After earning significant minutes as a freshman — appearing in 12 matches with 11 starts and logging 915 minutes in 2024 — he steadily developed into a reliable two-way player for the Cardinals.
Over the 2025 season, Ogunleye contributed both defensively and offensively, starting in all 17 matches for the Cards. He scored multiple key goals, including his first of the season in a commanding 4-0 victory over IU Indianapolis and the equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Lipscomb — totaling two goals and one assist on the season from the back line.
Ogunleye will have the option to return to school and further his development but will not be draft-eligible in the future. A selected player who elects to go back to college or remains unsigned will have their SuperDraft Priority held by the drafting club for approximately two years following the SuperDraft.
Players Mentioned
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