Jayhawks Soar to New Heights: Kansas Women's Basketball Primed for Breakout Season

The Kansas women's basketball team is poised for a breakout season, having navigated a 2023-2024 campaign filled with impressive victories over Top 25 opponents, a top-five win at home, and a trip to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. As the Jayhawks embark on the 2024-2025 season, they face a landscape of change, both within their roster and the structure of their conference.

Elevating the Game: Kansas Women's Basketball Primed for Greatness

Nonconference Challenges Await

The Jayhawks will kick off their season with an exhibition against Division II foe Washburn, followed by four home games against Lindenwood, Sam Houston State, Omaha, and North Alabama. However, the real test will come when they hit the road, starting with a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they will face the Iowa Hawkeyes, who are fresh off a trip to the National Championship. Over the Thanksgiving break, the Jayhawks will travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands to compete in the prestigious U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, where they will take on power-four opponents Pittsburgh and Auburn, as well as Northern Iowa.Returning to Lawrence, the Jayhawks will close out their nonconference schedule against Wichita State, led by former associate head coach Terry Nooner, followed by matchups against Kansas City and Penn State, who defeated Kansas 91-85 in University Park, Pennsylvania, last season.

Navigating the Evolving Big 12 Landscape

While the men's Big 12 conference schedule has expanded to 20 in-conference matchups, the women's schedule remains at 18 games. The Jayhawks will face 12 of the 15 conference opponents just once, while taking on Kansas State, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State twice.The Jayhawks will open their conference play just before the winter break, hosting Baylor in the lone matchup between the two squads. Following the break, Kansas will hit the road for the first of two matchups against Iowa State and Oklahoma State.The Jayhawks will then play three of the next four games at home, hosting TCU and newcomers Arizona State and Arizona, with a trip to Colorado following the TCU game. They will then travel to Salt Lake City to take on newcomer Utah, as well as make a trip to face Houston for the first time, before returning home to take on Texas Tech and the first installment of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown, battling in-state rival Kansas State.The final stretch of the season will see the Jayhawks travel to West Virginia and Cincinnati, where they will face the Bearcats in Fifth Third Arena for the first time as Big 12 opponents. They will then return home to face Iowa State for the second time and host UCF for the first time as conference opponents.

Embracing the Challenge: Jayhawks Poised for Greatness

The Jayhawks will look to build on their successful 2023-2024 campaign and continue their upward trajectory in the 2024-2025 season. Fans can get a first look at the squad on Friday, Oct. 18, as part of the Late Night in the Phog festivities, where they can witness the team's dedication and determination to reach new heights.With a roster filled with talented players, a challenging nonconference schedule, and a competitive Big 12 landscape, the Kansas women's basketball team is poised to make a significant impact on the national stage. Fans can expect an electrifying season filled with thrilling victories, marquee matchups, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.