The Big 12 women's basketball landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years, with eight new members joining since 2023 and powerhouse programs Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC. Baylor Bears, under fifth-year coach Nicki Collen, have climbed to No. 11 in ESPN's Power Rankings while leading the conference standings at 10-2.

This week brings crucial matchups that could determine the Big 12 regular-season title race. TCU Horned Frogs face Baylor Thursday in Waco before hosting West Virginia Sunday, seeking revenge after their January loss to the Mountaineers. The Frogs, who finished first last season, fell out of the rankings after an upset loss to Colorado but have high-stakes opportunities to return.

Meanwhile, the national championship picture remains dominated by undefeated UConn Huskies at No. 1, with UCLA Bruins and South Carolina Gamecocks holding the second and third spots respectively. The Gamecocks' 43-point demolition of Tennessee marked the worst margin of defeat in Lady Vols' history, while Texas has rebounded strongly from early SEC losses with five straight wins. This weekend's marquee matchup features South Carolina traveling to LSU in a prime-time ABC showdown that could have major implications for SEC standings and NCAA tournament seeding.