We’ve been watching this year’s stellar freshman class throughout the season, and measuring their impact on their respective teams. On the eve of college basketball’s biggest stage, this has never been more important than now.
Last year, again-new people sarah strong (Yukon), Joyce Edwards (South Carolina) And Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt) was one of the 25 best women’s college basketball players in the NCAA Tournament. This season, the trio have continued to perform and are ranked among the top five in the country, according to Cerebro Sports. Considering his statistical impact and consistent efficiency, he is ranked at the top, despite doing the heavy lifting for his teams. This is the definition of major impact.
This year’s freshman group has performed well and are ready to play a big role in the NCAA Tournament.Starting from March 20th). Some mid-major teams punched their ticket thanks to their impressive new players: tatum brown (jacksonville), vanessa harris (Rhode Island), Kaylee Yarbrough (Samford) And franci morris (Samford).
It was also difficult to limit the list to just 10 names. We examined usage rates, statistics and analytics as well as team rankings and strength of schedule. We used Hudl Instat to break down production vs. the top 25 teams and took into account the load each player has carried for his team. The list below is our final rankings of the 2025-26 freshman class – with a few additional names that stood out.
Previous ranking: 1
Davidson ends the year where she started. The top-ranked recruit in the 2025 SC Next 100 led the Trojans in five key statistical categories: points (17.6 ppg), rebounds (5.7 rpg), assists 4.2 apg, steals (2) and blocks (2) while maintaining a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.
with juju watkins Out for the season, Davidson stepped up as a catalyst for the program, highlighted by a 32-point game on February 22 against Ohio State, where he shot 11-22 from the floor, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, with six rebounds and four assists. As a result, he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and All-Big Ten first team.
The next step for Davidson is to improve her shooting efficiency (27.9% from 3, 39% from the field), as she will continue to increase her impact next year with the return of Watkins and the addition of 2026 No. 1 pick Saniyah Hall.
Previous ranking: 2
Chávez was vital to the program, which spent most of the season ranked in the top 10. Everyone will remember his performance against South Carolina in early January, when he scored 15 of his 26 points in overtime to secure the win, and also dished out eight assists.
Overall, Chávez averaged 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists on a 27.6% usage rate this season, which is good enough to earn him inclusion on the All-SEC second team – and for him to win. ESPN votes for SEC Freshman of the Year. He was extremely accurate from the free throw line (93.9%) and lights from the floor (31.6% from 3, 37.7% from the field).
As the season progressed, he showed signs of improved shot selection, which was an integral part of his development. But it’s always been clear: When Chavez is on fire, no shot is a bad shot.
Previous ranking: 6
Galvan was a big two-way punch for a team that finished eighth in the SEC last season and second this campaign. He is the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Her presence created space for superstar sophomore Mikayla Blakes to work without the ball in her hands, drawing attention from the defense and creating opportunities for Galvan and the sharpshooting senior. Justin Pisot –who also had the best season of his career.
There are many elements to evaluating a point guard, but making others better and running the team are two extremely important criteria. Galwan excelled in both areas.
Previous ranking: not ranked
After missing time early in the season due to injury, Davis produced dominant production upon his return. He and the junior guard S’mya Nichols Served as the foundation of the Jayhawks’ attack, with Davis recording a 31.5% usage rate and 19.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as well as 76.6% free throw shooting.
Named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team, Davis’ high-energy style and ability to finish around the rim, combined with his ability to get to the offensive glass, made him a priority on scouting reports during conference play. She looks to be one of the hottest forwards to return to college basketball next season.
Previous ranking: 3
Big East Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big East, Quinonez averaged 10 points, three rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals for the No. 1 Huskies. But these figures do not tell the whole story.
They can be added to the lineup when they grow up sera williams She can play center and strong small forward, or inside when UConn goes with a smaller lineup. His efficient shooting (39% from 3, 54.4% from the field) supports UConn’s attack no matter where he is on the floor. Quinonez always gets them extra possessions on the glass or by snatching steals at times. She would be highly productive anywhere in the country, but she is the elite role player who can help UConn win back-to-back championships.
Previous ranking: not ranked
The New Zealand native has had a different journey compared to other new players on this list. She arrived at Gonzaga for one semester during the 2023-24 season – a common route for players from Australia or New Zealand – then redshirted in 2024-25 due to a knee injury that delayed her Bulldogs debut. Now that she’s finally seen the floor, she’s turned in a phenomenal freshman season. He was named WCC Player of the Year after averaging 19.3 points and 10.2 rebounds on 80.6% free throw shooting, 36.6% 3-point shooting, and 55.8% shooting from the field.
She has proven herself as a strong post forward who can stretch the floor, keep the ball on the deck with both hands, and has patience with footwork and a myriad of counter moves. She does a good job of finding holes in zone defense and averages nearly four offensive rebounds per game. With a 32.4% usage rate, he looks to be a foundational player for the Zags.
Previous ranking: not ranked
Parchment started all 32 games for Illinois this season, averaging 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.8 steals and shooting 79.8% from the free-throw line, 40.2% from 3 and 50.2% from the field. This included high-scoring outings against Nebraska (25 points), UCLA (26) and Washington (23) – and arguably his best performance of the year, a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double against Iowa. As a result, Parchment was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and received honorable mention All-Big Ten.
With a 22.2% usage rate, Parchment has been a vital and versatile piece for the Illini attack. His shooting abilities are excellent, and with fellow classmate destiny jackson and second year berry wallaceIllinois looks ready to take things to the next level next season.
Previous ranking: 10
Simply put, Francis was Mississippi State’s most productive player. She led the Bulldogs in scoring (13.2 points) and blocks (2.8) and was second on the team in rebounds (7.4), while shooting 45.8% from the field and 70.4% at the free-throw line. This was enough to be named to the SEC All-Defensive Team and SEC All-Freshman Team. Being a catalyst for production as a freshman in the nation’s toughest conference is no small feat. But Francis proved he was up to the task, including a particularly outstanding game against Tennessee (22 points, 13 rebounds). Players like Francis make huge leaps forward in year two, something the Bulldogs will rely on heavily.
Previous ranking: 5
Brenda Freese demands a lot from her players, but Mack stepped up right when needed, becoming Maryland’s primary point guard in several games early in the season due to various injuries. He has been rewarded for his performance by being named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Mack started 24 games and played just under 27 minutes per game, averaging 10.7 points, 3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. This kind of steady reliability for a top-20 team is remarkable for the future.
Previous ranking: not ranked
Like becoming a reliable role player in a major event with stars flaujay johnson, Mikayla Williams And Milesia Fulville More valuable than realized. A natural wing, Zakiyah Johnson was asked to play forward for most of the season, and performed with 9.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 59.1% shooting from the field, being named to the SEC All-Freshman team in the process.
She defends, rebounds, runs the floor and takes the right shot, playing with the electric playmaking of the Tigers’ main stars. LSU is playing its best basketball in the NCAA Tournament and could even make a run at the Final Four. If this happens then Johnson will be a big reason for it.
Previous ranking: not ranked
Pauldo was one of the stable members of an up-and-coming Tennessee team, being the centerpiece of the Vols’ freshman class at point guard. After averaging 10.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists and shooting 85.5% from the free-throw line and 29.9% from 3, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
He made the most of his 23 minutes per game and brought much-needed consistency. Tennessee needs a little momentum to propel this group into the NCAA Tournament, and Paulado can provide that.
In the next line: lara somfai (stanford); ava zedikar (creighton); Ariana Roberson (ruler); kennedy henry (villanova); Brian McGaughey (Washington)
