Get ready for a thrilling season of KU women’s basketball, because this team is poised to defy expectations and shake up the Big 12 Conference. After a disappointing 11th-place finish in the injury-riddled 2024-25 season, the Jayhawks are back with a vengeance. In a recent poll of league coaches, they were picked to finish sixth out of 16 teams—a significant leap that has fans buzzing with anticipation. But here's where it gets exciting: this prediction isn’t just wishful thinking. With a powerhouse roster that includes nearly every key player from last year, plus one of the most impressive recruiting classes in program history, KU is stacking the deck in their favor.
Leading the charge is S’Mya Nichols, the junior guard from Overland Park who’s become a household name in college basketball. Nichols, a two-time All-Big 12 first-team selection, was unanimously named to the preseason all-conference team. Last season, she averaged 18.6 points per game—fifth-best in the league—set a school record for free throws, and earned an All-American honorable mention. Her return alone is a game-changer, but she’s far from the only reason to be optimistic.
And this is the part most people miss: KU’s depth is deeper than ever. Head coach Brandon Schneider, entering his 11th season, has assembled a roster that includes returning stars like wings Elle Evans and Brittany Harshaw, guards Laia Conesa and Sania Copeland, forward Regan Williams, and center Nadira Eltayeb. Add to that a freshman class featuring Tatyonna Brown, McDonald’s All-American Jaliya Davis, Libby Fandel, and Keeley Parks, plus Indiana transfer Lilly Meister, and you’ve got a squad built to compete at the highest level.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can this team live up to the hype? While the talent is undeniable, the Big 12 is no walk in the park. TCU, Iowa State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia were all ranked ahead of KU in the coaches’ poll. Iowa State’s Audi Crooks was named preseason player of the year, and Cincinnati’s Dee Alexander is the freshman to watch. With such stiff competition, is a sixth-place finish ambitious—or even realistic? That’s the question dividing fans and analysts alike.
KU’s season kicks off with Late Night in the Phog on October 17, followed by an exhibition against Fort Hays State on October 29. The real test begins on November 5, when they face Kansas City in their season opener. Will this be the year the Jayhawks soar above expectations, or will they face another uphill battle? One thing’s for sure: this team has the tools to make some noise. But do they have what it takes to climb the Big 12 ladder? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
