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Two Preseason All Big 12 Players Looking to Make Their Debut Tonight
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- Two Preseason All Big 12 Players Looking to Make Their Debut Tonight
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Kansas women's basketball team is ready to begin its 2026-27 season Tuesday night as the Jayhawks welcome Omaha to Allen Fieldhouse for their regular-season opener. After a successful offseason and two exhibition victories, Kansas will look to carry that momentum into the start of another competitive year.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT, with the game available to watch on ESPN+. The matchup marks the beginning of the 59th season of Kansas women's basketball and another opportunity for head coach Brandon Schneider to lead the program toward a successful postseason run.
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Kansas enters the season with expectations after finishing 22-14 last year and reaching the semifinals of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament. The Jayhawks were picked to finish fifth in the Big 12 preseason poll, giving them a chance to establish themselves among the conference's top teams.
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the return of senior guard S'Mya Nichols and sophomore forward Jaliya Davis. Both players earned spots on the All-Big 12 Preseason Team and combined to average 37.2 points per game last season. Davis led the way with 19.8 points per game, while Nichols averaged 17.4.
Nichols enters her senior season as one of the most experienced players on the roster. Her scoring ability, leadership and playmaking will be important as Kansas looks to compete against a difficult Big 12 schedule. Davis will also be expected to build on an impressive freshman campaign that earned her Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.
The Jayhawks also bring back Regan Williams, while adding an exciting recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect and McDonald's All-American Cydnee Bryant. Bryant made her first appearance in the exhibition victory over Washburn, giving fans an early look at what she could bring to the frontcourt.
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Kansas has already had two opportunities to prepare for the season, defeating Northeastern State 90-43 before taking down Washburn 68-50. Those performances allowed Schneider to evaluate the roster and give newcomers valuable experience before the games begin to count.
According to the official Kansas season preview , the Jayhawks have won nine consecutive season openers under Schneider. Kansas also enters Tuesday with a 47-11 all-time record in season-opening games.
Omaha finished 6-27 last season and was picked seventh in the Summit League. The Mavericks return several contributors, including Regan Juenemann, who averaged 11.9 points per game.
The Kansas women's basketball schedule shows the Jayhawks will return to Allen Fieldhouse Friday to host Drake.
Kansas has a chance to start the season with a statement in front of its home crowd. JayhawksRoundtable .
