Women’s College Basketball Recruits in 2026 Class Poised to Outperform Rankings
January 28, 2026 — ESPN Recruiting Insight — Predicting how high school basketball stars will perform at the collegiate level has never been an exact science. While scouting services like the SCNext 100 provide a snapshot of talent entering college, many players go on to exceed those expectations once given the opportunity on the court. Looking ahead to the Class of 2026, several recruits are widely regarded as having the potential to outperform their high school rankings once they arrive on campus next season.
Historically, some players have already outpaced their rankings — like Vanderbilt’s Aubrey Galvan and Maryland’s Addi Mack, who were unranked in high school yet emerged as impact freshmen. Similarly, sophomores such as Liv McGill (Florida) and Britt Prince (Nebraska) have already proven that development after high school can drastically reshape a player’s trajectory.
Addison Nyemchek – Indiana Commit
One of the recruits receiving plenty of buzz is Addison Nyemchek, a versatile wing set to join Indiana University. Ranked No. 28 in the SCNext 100, Nyemchek has a well‑rounded offensive game highlighted by scoring, rebounding and playmaking. This season she has averaged over 20 points, 6.5 rebounds and nearly 4 assists per game, while shooting efficiently from long range — a combination that could allow her to make an early impact at the collegiate level.
Scouts describe Nyemchek as the kind of player who can score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, attributes that often translate quickly in college systems that value versatility. Her playstyle fits well within Indiana’s motion offense, where unselfish decision‑making and switchable defenders thrive.
Lola Lampley – LSU Commit
Another promising recruit is Lola Lampley, who has committed to Louisiana State University (LSU). Ranked No. 29, Lampley’s ceiling appears high due to her length, mobility and defensive versatility. In high school, she proved capable of guarding both perimeter players and post threats, a two‑way skill set that could earn her early minutes under head coach Kim Mulkey.
Her combination of size and lateral quickness gives Lampley the tools to play both forward and wing — a valuable trait as opposing offenses push pace and space. Her inclusion on the Nike Hoops Summit Team USA roster further highlights her rising profile among elite recruits.
Rieyan Desouze – Texas A&M Commit
Ranked No. 44 in the SCNext 100, Rieyan Desouze of Texas A&M is another name generating attention. A fiery on‑ball defender and floor general, Desouze has improved her all‑around game this season, averaging double figures in points while adding rebounds and assists. Her playmaking instincts and understanding of spacing and timing could make her a key contributor once the Aggies begin life without senior point guard Ny’Ceara Pryor.
Desouze’s ability to read defenses, protect the ball effectively and facilitate offense mirrors traits seen in successful college point guards who transition quickly from high school.
International Influence and Rising Talent
The Class of 2026 also features rising talent beyond U.S. borders. Two international five‑star recruits — Sara Okeke and Isi Etute — have made significant impressions in the United States after playing prep ball, illustrating how global talent is increasingly influencing the recruiting landscape. These players bring unique skill sets and physical profiles that could allow them to thrive at the collegiate level.
Okeke, an uncommitted 6‑4 center, has shown strong finishing ability and rim‑running instincts, while Etute, a committed Texas forward, blends traditional post strength with surprising ball skills for her size — a combination that could make her an immediate contributor.
Development Beyond Rankings
While pre‑college rankings like the SCNext 100 provide a useful benchmark, they represent just one point in a player’s developmental timeline. Coaching, system fit, physical growth and opportunities for early playing time all play critical roles in determining whether a recruit overperforms expectations once they step onto an NCAA floor.
With that in mind, the rising stars of the 2026 class — from Nyemchek’s scoring versatility to Lampley’s defensive potential and Desouze’s floor leadership — are among those most likely to outgrow the numbers on paper as they begin their college careers in 2026–27.
