Heard someone describe college basketball as “culture,” not just a sports event and it couldn’t be truer. Known for its intense rivalries, passionate fans, and the thrilling excitement of March Madness, the game has evolved over time, but the feeling is still the same as it was back in 1896, when the University of Chicago faced the University of Iowa in the very first college game.

But what we truly love about this game is its ability to surprise us, often in more ways than one. Every year, talented freshmen arrive ready to make their mark, while returning players grow, evolve, and push themselves to new heights. Watching that journey unfold over four seasons is one of the most special things about college basketball.

Here are 10 players who could take the leap this season. 

2025 season’s breakout contenders

1. Joyce Edwards, South Carolina

Freshman Joyce Edwards has quickly become one of Dawn Staley’s aces. Her playmaking and scoring were on full display in South Carolina’s 74-57 Final Four win over Texas, where she finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. That earned her an honorable mention All-American. This year, without Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin and Milaysia Fulwiley, and after hopping this summer with the U.S. national team at the AmeriCup and FIBA 3×3 Nations League, her 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds could climb even higher.

2. Timea Gardiner, UCLA

UCLA fans saw a breakout star last year in Lauren Betts, this season, it could be Gardiner. After transferring to UCLA as a junior, her averages dipped, but we haven’t yet seen Gardiner at full strength. Her freshman season was cut short due to blood clots in her lungs, and the next two years were hindered by a nagging knee injury. Finally healthy and stepping into her senior year, she’s ready to show her true potential.

3. Janiah Barker, UCLA

Barker has always had talent, even if circumstances haven’t always aligned. She started her college career with promise, putting up a career-high 24 points against Georgia, shooting 10-of-11 in just 20 minutes after missing the previous 10 games due to injury. She averaged 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as a freshman and 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds as a sophomore. A transfer to UCLA didn’t immediately click, but after a year, Barker could find her rhythm.

4. Zoe Brooks, N.C. State

Growth has been a constant for Brooks. As a sophomore, she was named the ACC’s Most Improved Player after significantly boosting her shooting percentages from the floor, beyond the arc, and at the free-throw line. Averaging five more points per game than her freshman season, she now steps into a leadership role after Saniya Rivers and Aziah James turned pros last year. Expect Brooks to anchor the Wolfpack and take advantage of expanded opportunities.

5. Avery Howell, Washington

Howell turned heads with standout performances for USC in the Sweet 16 against Kansas State after JuJu Watkins went down with injury. In the season, she averaged 7.5 points and 3 rebounds, but her first real taste of tournament action hints at much more. Starting a new chapter with the Huskies, Howell could emerge as a key contributor this season.

6. Kate Koval, LSU

Koval’s 5.3 points per game last season with Notre Dame barely tell the full story. She notched two double-doubles and had 10 games with multiple assists, showing her versatility. Now at LSU, playing under Kim Mulkey alongside Milaysia Fulwiley and Flau’Jae Johnson, Koval enters a program known for player development and growth.

7. Toby Fournier, Duke

Fournier’s athleticism and post-footwork impressed last year, averaging 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds as a freshman. What separates her from the rest is her frame, dunking ability, and defensive versatility; she can guard multiple positions. With Duke being a top program, we expect her to have a breakout season.

8. Jada Williams, Iowa State

There’s a very good chance you’ve seen Williams’ highlight reels if you follow college basketball.A McDonald’s All-American, she had solid individual seasons at Arizona, but team struggles sometimes overshadowed her performance. Last season, she averaged 12.7 points, up from 9.5 the year before. Now at Iowa State alongside Audi Crooks, Williams finally has the environment to realize her full potential and not do-it-all.

9. Maddie Scherr, Kentucky

This is Maddie Scherr’s fifth year, two at Oregon and then two at Kentucky. She was supposed to play for TCU last season, but a back injury delayed her final year of eligibility. While she stepped up with the Wildcats compared to her time at Oregon, she never fully hit her stride. Now, Scherr will play the two-guard spot for a contending team alongside one of the country’s best point guards, Olivia Miles. We saw Hailey Van Lith break out at TCU in her last season, Scherr could follow a similar path this year.

10. Hannah Stuelke, Iowa

Stuelke’s Iowa career has been remarkable. From a freshman spark plug in the 2023 national championship run to a key contributor in 2024, and now a team star, her well-rounded game makes her a formidable presence. With her senior season ahead, she seems poised for unleashing it all on the court.

Honorable Mentions: Katie Collins and Allie Turner also deserve attention as players who could make meaningful contributions this season.