Women’s college basketball could be welcoming another historic freshman class this year. Premier Basketball Report’s Shane Laflin, who heads up the group behind ESPN’s Hoopgurlz rankings, likened the class of 2025 to the class of 2020 — a group that included future superstars such as Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink.
This class has just as much potential, starting with the top three. When it came down to crowning the No. 1 recruit, Laflin said it was “the closest No. 1 contest in the last five years,” with each player making a legitimate case for the top spot. Add in a few sleepers and some international talent, and you have a freshman class worth talking about.
Here are the top 10 players, according to Hoops HQ:
10. Grace Knox, 6-foot-2 forward, LSU
The best thing about Knox’s game is her motor, something that makes her a perfect fit for LSU. Coach Kim Mulkey loves a forward who hunts the ball on the glass – think Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow – and Knox has that energy and athleticism. Knox is also an excellent defender who can block or alter shots, which should help her make an impact while she continues to extend her range on offense.
9. Lara Somfai, 6-foot-4 forward, Stanford
A graduate of IMG Academy, Somfai is a 6-foot-4 power forward who plays more like a guard. The Stanford signee will be a matchup problem thanks to her ability to stretch the floor and shoot three-pointers, and she can also bring the ball up the court and score in the paint with soft touch and polished footwork.
8. Agot Makeer, 6-foot-1 guard, South Carolina
The South Carolina signee has the ideal build for college basketball. Her length and agility allow her to slice to the hoop with ease, something she balances with the ability to shoot from long range. Makeer already dominated at the U17 level, leading Canada to a silver medal in the FIBA World Cup with 17.7 points, 7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Makeer has the ability to get hot – and stay hot – while scoring in a variety of ways.
7. Aaliyah Crump, 6-foot-1 guard, Texas
There’s a reason Texas coach Vic Schaefer expects Crump to make an instant impact for the Longhorns. At 6-foot-1, Schaefer likened Crump’s passing ability to that of fellow tall guard Madison Booker. She also possesses a quick-release shot that she can get off in the midrange – something that fits well into Texas’ system – while also shooting well from long range. Schaefer also praised her ability to score with contact, finishing over bigs in the paint.
6. Emilee Skinner, 6-foot guard, Duke
Skinner is a versatile point guard who excels on both sides of the ball. Her size is an asset, as she is both taller and stronger than most players in her position, which means she can defend at multiple spots, pass over opponents and score through contact. Skinner’s understanding of the game is what truly makes her stand out, something that was showcased during the All-American game in April. Skinner’s save to Sienna Betts for an easy bucket on the fastbreak serves as a succinct summation of how she sees the court.
5. Blanca Quiñonez, 6-foot-2 guard, UConn
The Ecuador native has the kind of basketball IQ that comes after years of playing professional ball. Quiñonez has been playing in Italy since she was 13, and made her Senior National Team debut for Ecuador in 2022 for the South American Women’s Championship, where she averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Quiñonez sees the court extremely well as both a passer and a scorer and has a knack for finding cutting lanes to the basket, where she can finish through contact.
4. Nastja Claessens, 6-foot-1 forward, Kansas State
Kansas State got an absolute steal when it signed 6-foot-1 Belgian forward Claessens in July. Not only does she have professional experience already, but the 20-year-old is so well regarded in the basketball world that she was actually drafted by the Washington Mystics with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Claessens instead opted to go the college route, choosing coach Jeff Mittie and the Wildcats. She helped Belgium qualify for the Olympics in 2024, appearing in three games, and Claessens dominated the FIBA U20 Eurobasket, averaging 17.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
3. Aaliyah Chavez, 5-foot-11 guard, Oklahoma
Chavez is the best shot maker in this class, and as a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, she isn’t afraid of big moments, big shots or having the ball in her hands. In fact, she demands it. Chavez has extensive range, with consistency from well-beyond the three-point line. She can score off the catch-and-shoot, but Chavez is at her best when she’s in motion, putting her defender on a string and pulling up off the bounce. At Oklahoma, Chavez will play alongside 6-foot-4 senior center Raegan Beers, who demands a lot of attention inside, which will lead to more opportunities for Chavez to make an impact shooting the ball.
2. Sienna Betts, 6-foot-4 forward, UCLA
UCLA coach Cori Close said Sienna is more polished at this stage in her career than her older sister and Player of the Year candidate, Lauren Betts. That is serious praise, but beyond their shared last name, the comparisons stop. Sienna has her own skillset as a versatile post who can play both the four and the five. She regularly showcases graceful post footwork with her back to the basket, while also possessing the ability to face up and score via quick dribble moves or the midrange shot. Sienna is also an asset passing out of the high post, which will work well with Lauren’s low-post presence and UCLA’s shooters.
1. Jasmine Davidson, 6-foot-1 guard, USC
USC will likely play the entirety of the upcoming season without superstar guard JuJu Watkins, but don’t count out the Trojans just yet. Of all the players on this list, Davidson is the most ready to step into a starring role. At 6-foot-1, Davidson is a complete player with length that she uses on both ends of the floor. The Clackamas, Ore. native is one of those rare players that is just as gifted on defense as she is on offense. Her ability to get into passing lanes is top notch, and Davidson shines in the open floor. She can lead a break, create for herself at the rim or in the midrange, or find an open cutter.
