STILLWATER, Okla. — Expectations continue to rise for Oklahoma State women's basketball ahead of the 2026-27 season, with ESPN placing the Cowgirls among the nation's top 25 teams while identifying one major question that could determine their championship potential.
ESPN women's basketball analyst Charlie Creme ranked Oklahoma State No. 21 nationally in his preseason Top 25, with only TCU ranked higher among Big 12 programs.
The ranking adds to the growing anticipation surrounding head coach Jacie Hoyt's team, which enters the season with a significantly revamped roster and two of the most productive players in women's college basketball.
But for Creme, the question isn't whether Oklahoma State has enough individual talent. It's whether Audi Crooks and Liv McGill can maximize their abilities while sharing the same offense.
Crooks and McGill arrive in Stillwater with impressive résumés, but their contrasting styles present an intriguing challenge for Hoyt.
Crooks, who transferred from Iowa State, averaged 25.8 points per game last season and established herself as one of the country's most dominant interior scorers. Her effectiveness comes primarily around the basket, where she uses her size, positioning and touch to create high-percentage scoring opportunities.
McGill, meanwhile, arrives from Florida after averaging 22.5 points per game, the second-highest mark in the SEC. The dynamic guard also ranked fourth in the conference with 6.3 assists per game, demonstrating her ability to create opportunities for teammates.
However, McGill's offensive approach differs significantly from Crooks. McGill thrives attacking the basket and playing at a faster tempo, while Crooks has been most effective in offenses that emphasize patient execution and spacing around the post. Creme also pointed to McGill's 28.2% shooting from three-point range as a potential consideration when evaluating how the two stars will complement each other.
For Hoyt, the challenge will be finding an offensive balance that allows both players to remain effective without sacrificing what makes each dangerous.
Creme suggested that if the two can develop the necessary chemistry, Oklahoma State has the potential to emerge as the Big 12's best team.
The Cowgirls' potential extends well beyond their two high-profile transfers. Creme projected a starting lineup featuring Crooks, McGill, returning standout Stailee Heard and transfers Nene Ndiaye and LA Sneed.
ESPN's projected Oklahoma State starting lineup:
| Player |
Previous Season Scoring Average |
|---|---|
| Audi Crooks |
25.8 PPG — Iowa State |
| Liv McGill |
22.5 PPG — Florida |
| Stailee Heard |
11.9 PPG — Oklahoma State |
| Nene Ndiaye |
14.8 PPG — Rutgers |
| LA Sneed |
6.3 PPG — Utah |
The five players combined to average 81.3 points per game at their respective schools last season, illustrating the offensive production Oklahoma State has assembled. However, that combined total is not a projection of what the lineup will score together.
With multiple players accustomed to significant offensive responsibilities, developing chemistry and establishing roles will be essential.
Heard provides valuable continuity for a roster featuring several new contributors, while Ndiaye and Sneed offer additional options as Hoyt works to construct an effective rotation.
Oklahoma State enters the season with considerable expectations after winning 24 games last year. The Cowgirls were also selected as the Big 12 preseason favorites, adding another layer of pressure to a program hoping to translate its roster talent into a conference championship. Crooks was named the conference's Preseason Player of the Year, while McGill earned Preseason Newcomer of the Year recognition.
Those honors reinforce the significance of Oklahoma State's offseason additions and the expectations surrounding Hoyt's program. ESPN's preseason rankings place TCU ahead of the Cowgirls nationally, creating another compelling storyline within the Big 12.
Although Oklahoma State enters the conference season with substantial expectations, the Cowgirls will need to prove that their new-look lineup can consistently perform against high-level competition.
For Oklahoma State, Creme's preseason evaluation reflects both optimism and uncertainty.
The Cowgirls have assembled a roster featuring elite scoring talent, experienced contributors and multiple players capable of impacting games in different ways. But successfully integrating Crooks' interior dominance with McGill's attacking style could ultimately determine whether Oklahoma State meets its lofty expectations.
That challenge falls to Hoyt, who must balance the strengths of her new stars while establishing a cohesive offensive identity.
The Cowgirls will begin their season on November 2, with opportunities ahead to demonstrate whether their collection of individual talent can translate into sustained team success.
For now, ESPN sees Oklahoma State as one of the nation's top 25 teams. And if the chemistry between Crooks and McGill develops as hoped, the Cowgirls could have an opportunity to climb considerably higher.
