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Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez Named ESPN National Freshman of the Year
The Sooners' first-year star earned All-SEC from the league but wasn't voted as the SEC's top freshman.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:38pm
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Oklahoma guard Aaliyah Chavez was named the national Freshman of the Year by ESPN, despite not being named the SEC's Freshman of the Year. Chavez leads the No. 10-ranked Sooners in scoring at 18.4 points per game, the highest mark among qualified freshmen in the nation this year. She also averages 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest.
Why it matters
Chavez's recognition as the national Freshman of the Year by ESPN highlights her exceptional performance this season, even though she was overlooked for the SEC's top freshman honor. This award showcases her talent and potential, and will likely raise her profile as she continues her collegiate career.
The details
Chavez, a consensus national prep player of the year, has exceeded expectations in her first season with the Sooners. She has appeared on watch lists for national player of the year, national freshman of the year and national point guard of the year, while tying an SEC record with eight Freshman of the Week honors. Chavez has recorded 12 games with 20 or more points, the third-most among true freshmen nationally, and her six 20-point performances against ranked opponents lead all first-year players.
- Chavez was named the national Freshman of the Year by ESPN on March 11, 2026.
- Chavez was named to the All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman team last week.
The players
Aaliyah Chavez
A first-year guard for the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team, who was named the national Freshman of the Year by ESPN.
Jennie Baranczyk
The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“Aaliyah is a winner. Every single thing that she's ever done, she's won. ... So this might be something that stings, but she's a winner, and that's what I'm going to count on.”
— Jennie Baranczyk, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners
What’s next
The Sooners await their NCAA Tournament seeding, which will be announced during the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN. According to ESPN's Bracketology, Oklahoma is projected to host first- and second-round games at Lloyd Noble Center as a top-16 team.
The takeaway
Aaliyah Chavez's recognition as the national Freshman of the Year by ESPN, despite not being named the SEC's top freshman, showcases her exceptional talent and potential. Her performance this season, including leading the Sooners in scoring and setting several records, has positioned her as one of the top young players in the country.
