How the 2025–26 Women’s College Basketball Freshman Class Is Shaping the NCAA: Impact Rankings & Rising Stars

1. The Freshman Class Set to Make Waves This Season

As the 2025–26 women’s college basketball season progresses, analysts and fans alike are paying close attention to a wave of newcomers poised to reshape the NCAA landscape. ESPN has released a set of freshman impact rankings, evaluating which first-year players are already making — or expected to make — the biggest contributions to their teams this season. These rankings consider advanced analytics like usage, efficiency, team responsibility, and strength of schedule to identify the most influential freshmen across the country.

Topping many projections is Jazzy Davidson, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, who entered USC with high expectations after an outstanding high school career. Davidson’s skill set — which includes scoring, playmaking, and defensive instincts — makes her a candidate for immediate impact, especially with key veteran JuJu Watkins sidelined due to injury.

Another elite first-year player generating buzz is Blanca Quiñonez at UConn. Coming from a professional environment overseas, Quiñonez brings maturity and advanced basketball intelligence unusual in a freshman. Her ability to play both on and off the ball gives the Huskies lineup flexibility and depth, which is crucial on a team with high championship aspirations.

Beyond these early standouts, the class includes a mix of five-star recruits and breakout talents expected to influence conference races and potentially become future WNBA prospects. Fans and pundits are watching closely as these freshmen adapt to the NCAA’s pace, physicality, and strategy, knowing that many of them could be key pieces in postseason runs or national award conversations.

2. Top Freshmen and Their Early Season Performances

While some freshmen are still finding their footing, a handful have already shown flashes of the disruptive potential that earned them high rankings. Jazzy Davidson, for instance, has put up notable performances for USC, demonstrating her scoring ability and competitive toughness in key games this season. Her scoring, rebounding, and all-around contributions underline why she heads most preseason impact lists.

At UConn, Blanca Quiñonez has helped her team maintain dominance in a loaded schedule while earning weekly conference honors. Her numbers — including double-digit scoring and efficient shooting — show a level of consistency that’s rare for true freshmen.

While ESPN’s impact rankings spotlight players like Davidson and Quiñonez, other freshmen are emerging through performance rather than hype. Teams across the country have introduced new faces to their rotations, and some newcomers are finding roles that fast-track their development. For example, some programs have entrusted key minutes to freshmen early in the season, indicating confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully on both ends of the floor.

It’s also worth noting that last year’s freshmen — like Sarah Strong at UConn — set a high bar for first-year impact, winning national awards and anchoring one of the best teams in the country. While current freshmen are unlikely to replicate Strong’s historic season immediately, that precedent shows how quickly young talent can ascend to national prominence. Wikipedia

3. Breaking Down the Freshman Impact Rankings

ESPN’s rankings — driven by Synergy Sports data, advanced metrics, and film study — aim to quantify more than just raw scoring numbers. They assess how freshmen are being used within their team’s game plans, how often they handle critical offensive or defensive possessions, and how their contributions correlate with team success.

Jazzy Davidson stands out for her two-way versatility and leadership ability. As a guard capable of initiating offense and locking down defenders, she is expected to be a cornerstone for USC as it navigates a competitive Pac-12 slate.

Blanca Quiñonez’s ranking reflects her high basketball IQ and nuanced skill set. Her experience playing against professionals in Italy before arriving in the NCAA gives her an edge in spacing, positioning, and decision-making — aspects of the game that aren’t always obvious in box score statistics but greatly influence team dynamics.

Beyond those top two, the impact list includes freshmen from a variety of programs. These players, while sometimes lesser-known nationally, bring specialized skill sets — from rebounding and rim protection to three-point shooting and playmaking — that can tilt conference races or even affect tournament projections. The diversity of roles among impactful freshmen underscores the depth of the 2025 recruiting class and suggests a vibrant season ahead.

4. Historical Context: Freshmen Who Set the Standard

To understand why this class draws such attention, it helps to look at recent history. Sarah Strong of UConn, though now a sophomore, provides a benchmark. In her freshman season, Strong did more than just score; she became one of the country’s most versatile players, earning Big East Freshman of the Year, a unanimous All-Big East First Team selection, and WBCA National Freshman of the Year honors. She also posted a historic performance in the national championship game with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, illustrating how freshmen can influence both regular seasons and title runs. Wikipedia

Strong’s meteoric rise carries into this season as she remains a focal point in national player of the year conversations, setting expectations high for what freshmen can accomplish. Her trajectory exemplifies how ready-made talent can reshape a team’s fortunes immediately — a yardstick by which current first-year players are often measured.

Last season’s class also included standout performances from other freshmen — such as Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, who led all first-year players in scoring and posted multiple 50-point games, a rare feat that underlined her offensive prowess. Those breakout campaigns from the previous year help contextualize this season’s impact freshmen, showing that elite newcomers are capable of stepping into leadership roles and altering competitive landscapes swiftly.

By comparing this year’s class to past standouts, it’s clear that the NCAA continues to be a platform where elite youth talent can thrive. The 2025–26 freshmen are carrying forward a tradition of immediate contributions that make collegiate women’s basketball one of the most exciting stages in sports.

5. What the Freshman Impact Means for the 2025–26 Season

The ripple effects of this freshman class extend far beyond individual accolades. Impactful newcomers can alter conference dynamics, tournament projections, and team strategies. A freshman who can handle pressure minutes often shifts how coaches allocate playing time, manage rotations, and prepare for long postseason runs.

For programs like USC and UConn, which have national title aspirations, freshmen such as Jazzy Davidson and Blanca Quiñonez are not simply supplemental pieces — they are central to how these teams will compete at the highest level this season. Davidson’s scoring and ball-handling could offset the absence of key veterans, while Quiñonez’s versatility adds layers to UConn’s already potent offense and defense.

The impact also resonates in broader fan engagement and media coverage. Freshman impact rankings provide storylines that stretch across the season — from weekly awards and highlight reels to tournament seedings and narrative arcs. Fans are following these young stars closely, and their performances often become focal points in conference rivalries and national matchups.

Moreover, the success of this freshman class could shape recruiting narratives for years to come. When high-profile freshmen thrive early, it reinforces the idea that elite prospects can contribute immediately in the NCAA — a factor that future recruits consider when making decisions about where to play.

Ultimately, as the 2025–26 women’s college basketball season unfolds, the true measure of these freshmen’s impact will become clearer. But early data, rankings, and performances suggest that this class is poised to leave its mark on the sport, continuing a tradition of first-year players who transcend expectations and elevate the competitive landscape.

From: Teetopiaworldus