OSU Women's Basketball Coach Jacie Hoyt Pushes For Expanded Big 12 Schedule

FRISCO, Tex. - Oklahoma State women’s basketball head coach Jacie Hoyt had plenty to say during the recent Big 12 Meetings, touching on major topics that will shape the future of the league.

From conference scheduling to the challenges of roster building in the NIL and transfer portal era, Hoyt gave a thoughtful look at where the sport, and the Big 12 is headed.

One of the biggest items discussed was the potential return to a 20-game conference schedule. Hoyt is on board with the idea, especially with the NCAA Tournament field expanding to 76 teams.

She sees it as a chance for more teams across the league to earn their way into the national spotlight.

“Great opportunities for so many,” Hoyt said. “I think with our conference in particular being as competitive as it is and kind of all beating up on each other and feeling like there were arguably a couple teams in our conference who very well could have been in the tournament this year, it’s going to open up those opportunities for teams like that.”

The league is loaded with talent and extremely competitive week in and week out.

Because teams beat up on each other so much, a couple of deserving programs missed the NCAA Tournament last season.

Going back to 20 conference games would give teams more chances to prove themselves and could help more Big 12 squads punch their ticket to March Madness.

Hoyt’s comments show she believes the expanded tournament field combined with a longer conference schedule will reward the depth and toughness that already exists in the Big 12.

Another hot topic at the meetings was roster construction in this new era of revenue sharing and a wide-open transfer portal.

Hoyt was honest about the evolving landscape, noting that coaches across the country are still figuring things out.

Hoyt said coaches are “learning on the fly” as programs evolve to include GM-style roles and adapt to new recruiting responsibilities with NIL.

Programs are having to build out full staffs with general manager-type positions to handle roster management, NIL deals, and constant transfer portal activity.

Recruiting looks completely different than it did just a few years ago, and Hoyt made it clear that everyone is adjusting in real time.

Hoyt has been steadily building the program, and the Cowboys are working to become a consistent contender in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

Her voice at these Big 12 Meetings shows she’s not only focused on the day-to-day development of her team but also thinking big picture about what’s best for the league.

More games against quality Big 12 opponents could help the Cowgirls better prepare them for the big dance.

Overall, Jacie Hoyt left the Big 12 Meetings sounding optimistic about the future.

She recognizes the challenges that come with rapid change in college athletics, but she also sees the opportunities, especially for a competitive league like the Big 12.