The 2025-26 women's college basketball season is on the horizon, and with it comes a wave of fresh talent ready to shake up the courts. But can any of these newcomers match the jaw-dropping impact of UConn's Sarah Strong last year? It's a tall order, but here are 11 freshmen who just might rise to the challenge.
These players dominated in high school and club leagues, but now they face a whole new ball game—literally. Busier schedules, higher stakes, and tougher competition await, not to mention the daily grind of refining their skills. Yet, some are poised to make an immediate splash, shaping their teams' seasons from day one.
And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about talent; it's about adaptability, maturity, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Let's dive into the rankings and see who's ready to take the college basketball world by storm.
Jazzy Davidson (6-foot-1, G, USC Trojans)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 1
With JuJu Watkins sidelined due to an ACL injury, all eyes are on Davidson to step into a leadership role. Her natural scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive prowess make her a perfect fit for USC's needs. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a freshman truly carry a team that lost key players to the transfer portal? USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb thinks so, praising Davidson's ability to elevate those around her.See AlsoJosh Hubbard Returns: Mississippi State Bulldogs' Key Player Back for NCAA GloryDylan Darling: The Unheralded 'Pit Bull' Who Could Be St. John's Hidden GemSean Jones: Marquette's 2024-25 Starting Point Guard? | Player Preview & AnalysisNo. 23 Emily McDonald Commits to Kentucky Wildcats: 2026 Women's Basketball Recruiting BreakdownBlanca Quiñonez (6-foot-2, G, UConn Huskies)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: NR
Quiñonez isn't your average freshman. Having played against professionals in Italy, her basketball IQ is off the charts. Her size, versatility, and shooting ability give UConn the flexibility to experiment with lineups. But will she live up to the hype in Geno Auriemma's demanding system? Only time will tell.Emilee Skinner (6-foot, G, Duke Blue Devils)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 4
Skinner joins a Duke team in transition after losing key players. Her championship experience and advanced understanding of the game could make her a cornerstone of Kara Lawson's backcourt. But can she adapt quickly enough to Duke's defensive system? Lawson seems confident, highlighting Skinner's maturity and positional size.Mia Pauldo (5-foot-6, G, Tennessee Lady Volunteers)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 9
As the only true point guard in Tennessee's top-ranked recruiting class, Pauldo's pace, vision, and 3-point shooting have already turned heads. Her undersized frame might raise questions, but her confidence and tenacity make her a strong candidate to lead the Lady Vols' backcourt. Coach Kim Caldwell is impressed, but will Pauldo's vocal leadership emerge as the season progresses?Aaliyah Chavez (5-foot-10, G, Oklahoma Sooners)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 3
Oklahoma's fast-paced, shoot-first style is a perfect match for Chavez's instant offense. Her perimeter game complements the returning guards, while her rare vision and communication skills have already strengthened team chemistry. But can a freshman truly be the glue that holds a team together? Coach Jennie Baranczyk believes so.Nyla Brooks (6-foot-1, G, North Carolina Tar Heels)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 13
With key players gone, Brooks has a golden opportunity to shine. Her length, defense, and rebounding skills are impressive, but it's her toughness and versatility that could earn her a starting spot. Coach Courtney Banghart praises her infectious energy, but will it translate into consistent on-court performance?Grace Knox (6-foot-2, F, LSU Tigers)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 7
As the centerpiece of LSU's top-ranked recruiting class, Knox arrives at a critical time for Kim Mulkey's program. With no returning post players, her mobility, rim running, and rebounding are exactly what the Tigers need. But can she handle the pressure of being the go-to player in the paint?Sienna Betts (6-foot-4, F, UCLA Bruins)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 2
Following in her sister Lauren's footsteps, Sienna Betts is poised to fill a crucial role for UCLA. Her rebounding, competitiveness, and vocal leadership have already made an impression. But will she be able to handle significant minutes in a Final Four-caliber team?Alexandra Eschmeyer (6-foot-5, C, Stanford Cardinal)
2025 SC Next 100 ranking: 21
Stanford's lack of height creates a clear path for Eschmeyer to see early playing time. Her length and agility remind fans of past Stanford greats, but her raw skill set raises questions. Can she develop quickly enough to make an impact this season?Hailee Swain (5-foot-11, G) & Lara Somfai (6-foot-3, F, Stanford Cardinal)
2025 SC Next 100 rankings: 8 (Swain), 12 (Somfai)
Stanford's freshmen trio is crucial for a team looking to rebound after missing the NCAA tournament. Swain's defensive pressure and Somfai's versatility are standout qualities, but can they collectively lift the Cardinal back to prominence? Coach Kate Paye is confident, but the jury's still out.
Thought-provoking question: With so much talent entering the college scene, are we underestimating the challenges these freshmen face in transitioning to the next level? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think any of these players can match Sarah Strong's impact, or is that a once-in-a-generation feat?
