Teams are listed in the order they were voted in the Big-12โs official preseason coachesโ poll.
1. Kansas State
Coach: Jeff Mittie (190-135 in 11 seasons at Kansas State; 644-370 record overall in 32 seasons)
2023-24 record: 26-8 overall; 13-5 in Big 12; lost to Colorado in second round of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: C Ayoka Lee (19.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 75 blocks); G Serena Sundell (12.1 ppg, 5.5 apg); F Gisela Sanchez (5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg); G Jaelyn Glenn (7 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
Kansas State center Ayoka Lee (50) pleas her case to the official during the second half of a matchup last season against Wisconsin on Nov. 19, 2023 in Manhattan, Kansas.
Key losses: G Gabby Gregory (graduated, 9.4 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Key additions: F Temira Poindexter (Tulsa transfer, 21 ppg, 5.3 rpg); F Kennedy Taylor (Colorado/Missouri State transfer; 10.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg); G Finley Ohnstad (Minnesota All-State; two-time Pioneer Press East Metro player of the year)
The lowdown: K-State has the pieces to make a long run in the NCAA Tournament, as long as Lee stays healthy. She is the only player in K-State history (third in Big 12) to have more than 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 300 blocks.
2. Iowa State
Coach: Bill Fennelly (611-313 in 29 seasons at Iowa State; 777-366 record overall in 36 seasons)
2023-24 record: 21-12 overall; 12-6 in Big 12; lost to Stanford in the round of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: C Audi Crooks (19.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg); G Emily Ryan (11.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg); G Kelsey Joens (5.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg); F Addy Brown (13 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 4.8 apg)
Key losses: C Isnelle Natabou (transferred to FIU); G Hannah Belanger (graduated, playing overseas); F Jalynn Bristow (transferred to Texas Tech); F Nyamer Diew (transferred to Colorado)
Key additions: G Lily Hansford (Oregon State transfer, 5.1 ppg); C/F Lily Taulelei (UMass transfer, 6.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg); G Kenzie Hare (Marquette transfer, 14 ppg, 2.4 apg); G/F Sydney Harris (Central Michigan/TCU transfer, 9.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg); G Aili Tanke (Ranked 98 by ESPN HoopGurlz, top recruit in Iowa)
The lowdown: The Cyclones have a strong, young nucleus, who can score with Crooks, Ryan and Brown. Donโt be surprised if they finish above K-State as this team is loaded.
Iowa State center Audi Crooks (55) looks toward the hoop while being defended by Stanfordโs Cameron Brink during an NCAA Womenโs Basketball Tournament second-round matchup on March 24 in Stanford, California.
3. Baylor
Coach: Nicki Collen (77-28 in 3 seasons at Baylor)
2023-24 record: 26-8 overall; 12-6 in Big 12; lost to USC in the Sweet 16 of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: G Sarah Andrews (11.4 ppg, 3.9 apg); G/F Bella Fontleroy (9.6 ppg, 5 rpg); (G/F Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (10.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg); G Jada Walker (8.4 ppg, 3.3 apg)
Key losses: C Lety Vasconcelos (transferred to Illinois); G/F Aijha Blackwell (graduated); F DreโUna Edwards (graduated, playing overseas)
Key additions: C Aaronette Vonleh (Arizona/Colorado transfer, 14 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Kayla Nelms (Ranked No. 48 by ESPN HoopGurlz); G Waiata Jennings (Collin College transfer, NTJCAC Player of the Year)
The lowdown: With the pickup of Vonleh in the offseason, the Bears are right back in contention to battle for the top spot in the league.
4. TCU
Coach: Mark Campbell (20-11 in 1 season at TCU; 60-35 overall in 3 seasons)
2023-24 record: 22-12 overall; 6-12 in Big 12; lost to Mississippi State in WBIT
Key returners: G Madison Conner (19.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg); C Sedona Prince (19.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.9 bpg); G Agnes Emma-Nnopu (10.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg);
Key losses: G Jaden Owens (graduated); G Tara Manumaleuga (graduated, playing overseas)
Key additions: G Hailey Van Lith (Louisville/LSU transfer, 11.6 ppg, 3.4 apg); G Taylor Bigby (transfer Oregon/USC transfer); G Donovyn Hunter (Oregon State transfer, 6.8 ppg, 3.7 apg); G Maddie Scheer (Kentucky/Oregon transfer, 12 ppg, 3.9 apg)
The lowdown: TCU is all about offense and with the addition of Van Lith, Scheer and others, they are doubling down on being a high-powered scoring team.
5. West Virginia
Coach: Mark Kellogg (25-8 in 1 season at West Virginia; 470-128 record overall in 19 seasons)
2023-24 record: 25-8 overall; 12-6 in Big 12; lost to Iowa in the second round of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: G JJ Quinerly (19.8 ppg, 97 steals); G Kyah Watson (8 ppg, 6.4 rpg); G Jordan Harrison (13.5 ppg, 5.3 apg)
Key losses: F Kylee Blacksten (graduated, playing overseas); F Tavy Diggs (graduated); G Lauren Fields (graduated, on Indiana womenโs basketball graduate manager); G Jayla Hemingway (graduated, on Memphis womenโs basketball staff); F Messiah Hunter (transferred to Seton Hall)
Key additions: G Sydney Shaw (Auburn transfer, 6.6 ppg); G Sydney Woodley (Long Beach State transfer, 10.8 ppg, 5 rpg); G Destiny Agubata (Ranked No. 78 by ESPN HoopGurlz); F Celia Riviere (NW Florida State transfer, 12.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg)
The lowdown: Keep an eye on all-everything Quinerly as she is the driving force of the Mountaineers. After back-to-back losses early in the NCAA Tournament the last two years (to Arizona and Iowa), Quinerly will push to get UWV further in her senior year.
6. Utah
Coach: Lynne Roberts (162-118 in 9 seasons at Utah; 383-294 record overall in 22 seasons)
2023-24 record: 23-11 overall; 11-7 in Pac-12; lost to Gonzaga in the second round of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: F Jenna Johnson (8.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg); G Kennady McQueen (10.7 ppg, 7.3 apg); G Gianna Kneepkens (season-ending injury); G Ines Vieira (8.1 ppg, 5.9 apg)
Key losses: F Alisa Pili (playing in WNBA); G Isabel Palmer (graduated, playing overseas); F Dasia Young (graduated, on Utes staff)
Key additions: F Chyra Evans (Michigan transfer, 6.2 ppg); F Alyssa Blanck (BYU Transfer, redshirted last year); F Maye Toure (Rhode Island transfer, 12.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg)
The lowdown: The Utes will look a little different this season without All-American Pili, who is playing for the Minnesota Lynx. However, donโt count out Roberts who has enough talent โ new and returning โ to make a run at the Big 12 title and a run in the NCAAs.
7. Arizona
Coach: Adia Barnes (150-100 in 8 seasons at Arizona)
2023-24 record: 18-16 overall; 8-10 in Pac-12; lost to Syracuse in the first round of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: G Jada Williams (9.4 ppg, 2.3 apg); G Skylar Jones (7.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg); F Breya Cunningham (7.8 ppg. 4.6 rpg); F Isis Beh (4.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg); F Montaya Dew (redshirted, ranked No. 8 in 2023 Class)
Key losses: G Helena Pueyo (graduated, drafted in first round of WNBA draft, playing overseas); F Esmery Martinez (graduated, drafted in first round of WNBA draft, playing overseas)
Key additions: G Lauryn Swann (Ranked No. 81 by ESPNโs HoopGurlz); F Jorynn Ross (Pepperdine transfer, 6.1 ppg, 4 rpg); G Paulina Paris (North Carolina transfer, injured last portion of season); F Sahnya Jah (South Carolina transfer, out last portion of season); F Katarina Knezevic (from Serbia); G Mailien Rolf (from Germany)
The lowdown: If the Wildcats can stay relatively healthy (FIU transfer Ajae Yoakum has a season-ending injury) and bring the grit they had in the final six weeks of last season, this young squad can compete and go far.
8. Kansas
Coach: Brandon Schneider (150-90 in 9 seasons at Kansas; 529โ287 overall in 26 seasons in Division l and Division ll)
2023-24 record: 20-13 overall; 11-7 in Big 12; lost to USC in the second round of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: G SโMya Nichols (15.4 ppg, 2.7 apg); G Wyvette Mayberry (9.7 ppg, 2.7 apg)
Key losses: C Taiyanna Jackson (graduated, drafted in WNBA; playing overseas); G Holly Kersgieter (graduated); G Zakiyah Franklin (graduated, playing overseas)
Key additions: G Jordan Webster (UC Riverside transfer, 17.1 ppg); G Sania Copeland (Wisconsin transfer, 7.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg); G Ellie Evans (North Dakota State transfer, 14.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg)
The lowdown: Finding a replacement for Jackson โ a semifinalist for Naismithโs Defensive Player of the Year last season โ isnโt going to be an easy task for Schneider. Although, this is nowhere near a total rebuild, with sophomore playmaking guard Nichols at the point.
9. Colorado
Coach: JR Payne (143-101 in 8 seasons at Colorado; 344-216 overall in 15 seasons)
2023-24 record: 24-10 overall; 11-7 in Pac-12; lost to Iowa in the Sweet 16 of NCAA Tournament
Key returners: G Frida Formann (12.5 ppg); G Kindyll Wetta (5.9 ppg)
Key losses: F Quay Miller (graduated, playing overseas); G Jaylyn Sherrod (graduated, drafted to NY Liberty); C Netty Vonleh (transferred to Baylor); G Tameiya Sadler (transferred to Ole Miss); G Maddie Nolan (graduated, playing overseas)
Key additions: G Johana Teder (Washington State transfer, injured last season); F Nyamer Diew (Iowa State transfer, 5.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg); F Lior Garzon (Oklahoma State transfer, 9 ppg); F Jade Masogayo (Missouri State transfer, 8.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg); F Tabitha Betson (Ranked No. 48 in ESPNโs HoopGurlz, selected as preseason Bi 12 freshman of the year)
The lowdown: The big question here is if Formann and Wetta can join forces with Teder and the potential top rookie in the Big 12, Betson, to make things interesting for the Buffs first season in the Big 12.
10. Texas Tech
Coach: Krista Gerlich (58-65 in 4 seasons at Colorado; 347-212 overall in 18 seasons)
2023-24 record: 17-16 overall; 5-13 in Big 12
Key returners: G Jasmine Shavers (15.4 ppg, 5 rpg); G/F Jordyn Merritt (8.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg); G Bailey Maupin (14.1 ppg, 3.1 apg); G/F Kilah Freelon (7.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg)
Key losses: G Jazion Jackson (transferred to Arizona State); G Rhyle McKinney (transferred to SMU)
Key additions: G Adlee Blaylock (Oregon State transfer, 3.5 ppg); Maya Peat (Arkansas at Pine Bluff transfer, 10.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg); G Bird Martin (Ranked No. 63 by ESPNโs HoopGurlz); F Jalynn Bristow (Iowa State transfer, 5.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg)
The lowdown: The Red Raiders have eight returners and added some good pieces from the transfer portal and a highly ranked freshman. Their defense might surprise some teams.
11. Oklahoma State
Coach: Jacie Hoyt (35-28 in 2 seasons at OSU; 116-93 overall in 7 seasons)
2023-24 record: 14-16 overall; 7-11 in Big 12
Key returners: G Anna Gret Asi (12.7 ppg, 4.6 apg); G Stailee Heard (12.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg); C Tรฉnin Magassa (7 ppg, 4.6 rpg)
Key losses: C Hannah Gusters (transferred to USF); G Quincy Noble (graduated); F Lior Garzon (transferred to Colorado); F Briana Jackson (graduated)
Key additions: G Jadyn Wooten (Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year); F Stacie Jones (Mercer transfer, 11.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg); G Macey Huard (Montana transfer, 7.4 ppg); G Micha Gray (Seton Hall transfer)
The lowdown: OSU is looking to have a bounce back year after missing out on the Tournament in Hoytโs second year at the helm. Guard play with Gret Asi, Heard and transfer Gray will be key in carrying this small team.
12. BYU
Coach: Amber Whiting (32-34 in 2 seasons at BYU)
2023-24 record: 16-17 overall; 6-12 in Big 12
Key returners: G Amari Whiting (10.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg); F Emma Calvert (7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg)
Key losses: F Lauren Gustin (graduated); G Nani Falatea (transferred to Oregon); F Aliโa Matavao (transferred to LMU); G Kaylee Smiler (graduated); G Kailey Woolston (on a mission)
Key additions: G Marya Hudgins (Santa Clara transfer); F Kendra Gillespie (Baylor/Arkansas State transfer); G Kemery Congdon (nee Martin, Utah/Cal transfer)
The lowdown: BYU takes a hit with Woolston, last seasonโs second leading scorer, off this year on a Mormon mission. However, bringing Congdon back home, might just be what the Cougars need to help guide this young team.
13. Cincinnati
Coach: Katrina Merriweather (14-18 in 1 season at Cincinnati; 165-88 overall in 8 seasons)
2023-24 record: 14-18 overall; 5-13 in Big 12
Key returners: G Reagan Jackson (8.2 ppg); F Jillian Hayes (12.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg); C Destiny Thomas (4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, shooting 51.8% from the field); G Aโriel Jackson (9.4 ppg)
Key losses: G Nia Clark (graduated); G TaโZiah Jenks (transferred to Florida Atlantic); F Malea Williams (transferred to Florida State); F/C Clarissa Craig (transferred to New Mexico)
Key additions: F Alliance Ndiba (Arizona Western transfer, 13.9 ppg, 12.4 rpg); G Tineya Hylton (Texas A&M transfer, 4.1 ppg):
The lowdown: With three of their top scorers returning in Hayes, Reagan Jackson and Aโriel Jackson, the Bearcats will be competitive, however the real question is who is else is stepping up.
14. UCF
Coach: Sytia Messer (26-32 in 2 seasons at UCF; 80-73 overall in 5 seasons)
2023-24 record: 12-17 overall; 3-15 in Big 12
Key returners: G Kaitlin Peterson (20.7 ppg); C Khyala Ngodu (6.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg); F Achol Akot (5.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg); G Laia Jewett (8.3 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Key losses: G Mya Burns (graduated)
Key additions: C Hannah Gusters (LSU/Oklahoma State transfer, 14.3 ppg); G Nevaeh Brown (ETSU transfer,13.6 ppg); F Adeang Ring (4 star)
The lowdown: The Knights are trying to rebound back into contention after only winning three league games last year. With the addition of Gusters and Brown, UCF could have a strong inside-out game.
15. Arizona State
Coach: Natasha Adair (19-40 in 2 seasons at ASU; 186-183 overall in 12 seasons)
2023-24 record: 11-20 overall; 3-15 in Pac-12
Key returners: G Tyi Skinner (out with injury last season); G Jalyn Brown (17.3 ppg, 4 rpg); F Kadidia Toure (5.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg); G/F Maggie Besselink (injured most of last season)
Key losses: G Jaddan Simmons (transferred to Michigan State); G Trayanna Crisp (transferred to North Carolina); G Treasure Hunt (graduated, assistant at Tennessee State); F Journey Thompson (transferred to Syracuse)
Key additions: F Kennedy Basham (Oregon transfer, 4.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg); C Nevaeh Parkinson (UC Irvine transfer, 8.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg); G Jyah Lovett (San Jose transfer, 14.6 ppg); G Jazion Jackson (Texas Tech transfer, injured last season); G Makayla Moore (Seattle transfer, 11.3 ppg)
The lowdown: Lots of turnover in Tempe this offseason. Tyi Skinner is retuning from injury and should be the go-to player for the Sun Devils this season.
16. Houston
Coach: Ronald Hughey (135-170 overall in 10 seasons at Houston)
2023-24 record: 14-16 overall; 5-13 in Big 12
Key returners: G Laila Blair (15.9 ppg); F Peyton McFarland (5.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
Key losses: F Bria Patterson (graduated); G NโYah Boyd (graduated); G Britney Onyeje (graduated); G Shalexxus Aaron (graduated); F Maliyah Johnson (injury out for the season)
Key additions: G Leilani Augmon (transfer Arkansas State/Troy, 4.6 ppg); G Kateri Poole (3-time transfer Ohio State/LSU transfer); F Kiera Edmonds (Wagner College transfer, 8.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg)
The lowdown: The Cougars will be relying on Blair (last seasonโs leading scorer), the Houston-native, to carry them. Especially with the loss of the upperclassman Johnson, as she was the third leading scorer last season.
