NCAAW: Get to know five must-watch freshmen stars in the making

As women’s college basketball continues to grow and develop, so do the incoming freshman classes. Recently, players like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins have been able to come into the space and immediately make an impact.

While no player from the 2025-26 freshman class has that level of hype, things can quickly change once the games begin. Here are five players who given their situation, potential and talent should be required viewing for all fanatics.

Jasmine “Jazzy” Davidson, the No. 1 recruit in the class, will be must-see TV this season. As she is joining a USC team without Watkins for the season, she instantly will have a significant opportunity, even though it’s a shame she won’t play with JuJu until 2026 at the earliest.

But, Davidson not only will have a chance to make her own mark, but also aim to get a still very good Trojans squad, ranked No. 18 to start the season, over the hump.

As a tall, 6-foot-1 guard, she she should give USC elite ball handling and playmaking on the perimeter.

Aaliyah Chavez (Oklahoma)

Aaliyah Chavez will, undoubtedly, be one of the most electrifying freshman in the country this year.

The only thing grander than her play is her swagger. She’s the type of guard to hit a clutch basket over a defender and let them know about it, riling up herself, her teammates and the whole arena.

With Oklahoma ranked No. 6 in the nation to start the season, there is certainly expectations that the Sooners will be good. The 5-foot-11 Chavez will be part of that success and she’ll play a role in deciding who dominates the SEC this year.

Alexandra Eschmeyer (Stanford)

Alexandra Eschmeyer will have every opportunity to earn a starting frontcourt role at Stanford.

Even if she doesn’t claim that position right away, expect the 6-foot-5 freshman to be an impact player. In high school, she was a walking double-double and has shown a willingness to do all of the little things to impact winning.

Add in an ability to shoot the deep ball and Eschmeyer will be a player to watch in the ACC. In a world that’s constantly focused on wing play, Eschmeyer will remind that the bigs still stand tall.

Similar to Eschmeyer, Grace Knox will have the chance to have a big role right away. With the Tigers having playing time available in the frontcourt, the 6-foot-2 Knox can come in and be a dynamic two-way player from the jump.

The McDonald’s All-American will have her feet to the fire with No. 5 LSU having title aspirations.

But in that situation, she is more likely to shine like a diamond than burst like a pipe. It won’t be long before the rest of the country becomes well aware of her game.

Bueckers is in the WNBA and the Huskies have a national title to defend.

Enter freshman guard Blanca Quiñonez, a 6-foot-2 forward. She’s had a non-traditional path to the NCAA. The Ecuadorian spent time in Italy playing with Magnolia Basket Campobasso in the Serie A1 League and represented her national team at the 2022 South American Women’s Championship.

Even with so much experience playing overseas, she’s not yet a ready-made player, but expect her to be a bit more polished than most freshmen.

No. 1-ranked UConn doesn’t have time to wait and develop talent as they aim for another title. However, anytime she steps on the floor, eyes should be on Quiñonez.