Oklahoma State Women's Basketball Tops Big 12 Preseason Media Poll, Sweeps Conference Predictions

STILLWATER, Okla. — Expectations continue to rise for Oklahoma State women's basketball ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Cowgirls were selected to finish first in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll released Wednesday, adding another conference-wide endorsement to an already highly anticipated season.

Oklahoma State also topped the league's preseason coaches' poll earlier this month, marking the first time in program history the Cowgirls received the top spot in that vote.

With both groups now favoring Oklahoma State, head coach Jacie Hoyt enters the season with a roster expected to compete for the Big 12 championship.

Oklahoma State finished ahead of TCU, Baylor and West Virginia in the media poll, with Arizona State rounding out the top five. The top four teams were identical to those in the coaches' poll, although Kansas and Arizona State switched places in the next two positions.

In the coaches' voting, Oklahoma State received seven first-place votes and 215 points, narrowly edging TCU, which collected six first-place votes and 212 points. The agreement between the two groups is significant for a program entering the season with several prominent additions and increased expectations.

However, the conference predictions differ from the national preseason rankings. TCU enters the season ranked No. 15 in the Associated Press Top 25, while Oklahoma State is No. 22 and West Virginia is No. 24. Despite that national ordering, both the Big 12 coaches and media believe the Cowgirls are the team to beat in conference play.

Much of the excitement surrounding Oklahoma State stems from its additions through the transfer portal.

Former Iowa State center Audi Crooks arrives in Stillwater as the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Crooks averaged 25.8 points per game last season, finishing second nationally in scoring, and brings an established offensive presence to the Cowgirls' frontcourt.

Florida transfer Liv McGill was named the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year after averaging 22.5 points, 6.3 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season. McGill also earned a place on the Nancy Lieberman Award preseason watch list, adding to the recognition surrounding Oklahoma State's new backcourt.

Both Crooks and McGill were selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team. Alongside returning standout Stailee Heard, the additions give Hoyt several proven scoring options entering the season.

Oklahoma State provided an early look at its offensive depth Tuesday night, defeating NAIA opponent Langston 117-44 in an exhibition at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Yuting Deng led the Cowgirls with 20 points, while Heard contributed 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Crooks finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds, and LA Sneed recorded 10 assists.

Oklahoma State shot 53.6% from the field, connected on 17 three-pointers and recorded 26 assists. McGill did not play in the exhibition.

While the level of competition makes it difficult to draw major conclusions from the result, the performance demonstrated the Cowgirls' ability to generate offense through multiple contributors.

The preseason recognition reflects confidence in Hoyt's roster, but it also brings heightened expectations.

The Big 12 sent eight teams to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, matching a conference record, and the league figures to present another demanding schedule.

TCU enters the season as the two-time defending Big 12 regular-season champion, while Baylor and West Virginia are also projected among the conference's strongest teams.

For Oklahoma State, the challenge will be translating its individual talent and preseason recognition into consistent results against conference competition.

The Cowgirls begin their regular season Monday, November 2, against Southern, with Big 12 play scheduled to begin December 19.

After earning the top spot in both preseason conference polls, Oklahoma State will enter the season with a clear message from coaches and media alike: the Cowgirls are expected to contend for the Big 12 title.