After a historic 2024–25 campaign, the TCU Horned Frogs enter the new season as defending Big 12 champions — and as the hunted.
Last year, TCU swept both the regular-season title and conference tournament for the first time in school history, before making a deep Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament.
Now, with a loaded backcourt and elite transfers joining the program, the Horned Frogs are positioned to defend their crown. But several Big 12 contenders — including Baylor, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State — are right behind them.
Here’s the 2025–26 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Preview and Power Rankings, powered by RallyFuel — the home of fan-fueled NIL support.
1. TCU (Defending Champions)
Led by junior guard Donovyn Hunter and redshirt senior Taylor Bigby, TCU’s lineup is deeper than ever.
The return of Maddie Scheer (after missing last season with a back injury) strengthens the backcourt, while the arrival of Notre Dame transfer and three-time All-American Olivia Miles gives the Horned Frogs star power.
TCU’s frontcourt also got an offseason upgrade with transfers Marta Suarez (Cal) and Kennedy Basham (Arizona State) — making them the clear favorite to repeat.
2. Baylor
Baylor looks like TCU’s toughest challenger.
After a 28–8 (15–3 Big 12) finish, the Bears return a veteran core led by Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, the only Big 12 player to average a double-double last year (13.8 PPG, 10 RPG).
Bella Fontleroy anchors the defense, while Auburn transfers Taliah Scott and Yuting Deng add instant scoring and versatility.
Watch for Kiera Pemberton (North Dakota transfer) to be a breakout performer.
3. Iowa State
Even without legendary point guard Emily Ryan, Iowa State remains elite.
The Cyclones return Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Audi Crooks, who averaged 23.4 points per game last season, and Addy Brown, who added 15.2 PPG and 190 assists.
Arizona transfer Jada Williams brings scoring punch to the backcourt.
Expect the Cyclones to stay near the top of the Big 12 standings.
4. Oklahoma State
Coach Jacie Hoyt has built a model of consistency — two NCAA Tournament appearances in three seasons.
This year’s team leans on Stailee Heard and Micah Gray, who combined for strong guard play and perimeter scoring (Gray hit 83 threes last year).
Key newcomers Amari Whiting (BYU) and Haleigh Timmer (South Dakota State) will round out a deep rotation.
5. West Virginia
Coach Mark Kellogg has taken WVU to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first two seasons, and a third looks possible.
Jordan Harrison (13.7 PPG) and Sydney Shaw headline the backcourt, while sophomore Jordan Thomas and Norfolk State transfer Kierra Walker anchor the paint.
This is one of the Big 12’s most balanced teams.
6. Kansas State
The Wildcats reached the Sweet 16 last year but lost stars Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell.
Coach Jeff Mittie now turns to newcomers Ramiya White (Virginia Tech) and Jenessa Cotton (Duke) to lead the frontcourt, and freshman guard Jordan Speiser — a top-20 national recruit — could make an early impact.
7. Kansas
The Jayhawks return an experienced lineup led by S’Mya Nichols (18 PPG) and Elle Evans (14.4 PPG).
Add a top-10 recruiting class highlighted by Jaliya Davis and guards Keeley Parks and Libby Fandel, and Kansas could surprise people in the upper tier of the conference.
8. Colorado
Top scorer Jade Masogayo (12.5 PPG) returns, but Colorado will feature a nearly new rotation with transfers Zyana Walker (Kansas State) and Clair O’Connor (Gonzaga).
This team’s ceiling depends on how quickly its five freshmen adjust to the college level.
9. Utah
Coach Gavin Petersen welcomes back Lani White, who returns to Utah after a year at Virginia Tech, along with sharpshooter Maty Wilke.
Four freshmen, led by point guard LA Sneed, will compete for minutes as Utah rebuilds around its veterans.
10. Arizona State
New coach Molly Miller takes over after leading Grand Canyon University to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
She brings in an almost entirely new roster featuring transfers Gabby Elliott (Penn State), Last-Tear Poa (LSU), and Marley Washenitz (Pittsburgh).
Junior Jayah LoVett is the lone returning contributor.
11. BYU
New head coach Lee Cummard takes over with a star in Delaney Gibb, last year’s Big 12 Freshman of the Year (17.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG).
He’ll have continuity from sophomores Brinley Cannon, Kambree Barber, and Marya Hudgins (back from injury).
12. Texas Tech
Experience defines this group.
Bailey Maupin (13.6 PPG) leads the Red Raiders alongside shooter Denae Fritz and transfer Sidney Love (UTSA).
Tech has the depth to play spoiler against top Big 12 teams.
13. Cincinnati
Coach Katrina Merriweather continues to rebuild the Bearcats, returning Regan Jackson and adding key transfer Mya Perry (FAU).
A top-20 recruiting class provides optimism for long-term growth.
14. Arizona
New coach Becky Burke brings her up-tempo system from Buffalo.
She inherits a talented transfer class, including Mickayla Perdue (Cleveland State) and Sumayah Sugapong (UC San Diego), plus her former player Noelani Cornfield.
Expect an exciting but transitional year.
15. UCF
Khyala Ngodu and Mahogany Chandler-Roberts return to anchor a revamped roster.
Transfers Jacorriah Bracey (Southern Miss) and Leah Harmon (Miami) add much-needed depth.
16. Houston
Former Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell takes over a major rebuild.
Only Kierra Merchant returns from last year’s roster, while transfers TK Pitts (SMU), Kyndall Hunter, and Amirah Abdur-Rahim (Texas A&M) lead a completely new lineup.
RallyFuel Takeaway
The Big 12 is deeper than ever — with four legitimate contenders and several rebuilds capable of surprise upsets.
If Olivia Miles stays healthy, TCU’s combination of experience and star power could make history again.
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