TCU women’s basketball has come a long way under head coach Mark Campbell. What was once a program fighting for recognition in the Big 12 now expects to compete for conference championships and make deep NCAA Tournament runs. After winning back-to-back Big 12 regular-season titles and reaching consecutive Elite Eights, the Horned Frogs have raised the standard in Fort Worth. Now comes the difficult part: keeping that success going with a different-looking roster.
The Horned Frogs enter the 2026–27 season ranked No. 15 in the preseason AP poll, the program’s highest preseason ranking. That ranking shows how much respect Campbell has earned, but it doesn’t guarantee anything once the season begins. TCU lost several key contributors from last year’s 32–6 team, raising questions about leadership, scoring, and overall chemistry. The roster has plenty of talent, but Campbell has work ahead of him.
Clara Silva Needs to Take the Next Step
If TCU wants to remain among the Big 12’s best teams, Clara Silva needs to have a big season. The 6-foot-7 junior averaged 9.0 points and 7.4 rebounds last year while blocking 67 shots. Those numbers show how valuable she already is defensively, but she can become a much bigger offensive threat. With several experienced players gone, Silva cannot afford to disappear offensively for long stretches.
TCU needs to make a conscious effort to get Silva involved early in games. Her size gives the Horned Frogs an advantage around the basket, particularly against teams without a true center. She also needs to be more aggressive on the boards and create second-chance scoring opportunities. If Silva can consistently produce double-doubles, it would take considerable pressure off the backcourt.
New Faces Must Make an Immediate Impact
One thing Campbell has shown during his time at TCU is that he knows how to use the transfer portal. This offseason was no different, with Jadyn Wooten, Lanie Grant and Bella Hines joining the program. Each brings something different, and all three could play major roles in the Horned Frogs’ success. The challenge will be getting them comfortable playing together before conference competition begins.
Wooten might be the most important addition because of what she brings at point guard. The former Oklahoma State standout averaged more than 12 points and five assists last season and should help organize TCU’s offense. Grant gives the Horned Frogs a dangerous perimeter shooter after hitting 42 percent of her three-point attempts at North Carolina. Hines adds another scoring option who can attack the basket and create problems for opposing defenses.
However, having talented guards doesn’t automatically mean the offense will run smoothly. TCU must figure out who takes control when possessions break down and who can deliver when the game is on the line. There will be nights when the outside shots aren’t falling, making ball movement and shot selection even more important. Campbell needs his guards to understand that winning basketball isn’t always about putting up big scoring numbers.
Young Players Will Have Their Opportunities
Another interesting part of this TCU team is the number of younger players who could see significant minutes. Freshman Jessie-May Hall arrives with high expectations after being named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year. Lara Somfai and Avery Hjelmstad also give Campbell additional options as he works through his rotation. Their contributions could become especially important during the demanding conference schedule.
Campbell doesn’t necessarily need his younger players to become stars immediately. He needs them to defend, take care of the basketball, and provide quality minutes when the starters need a break. The Horned Frogs will face talented, physical teams throughout Big 12 play, and relying too heavily on a small group could become a problem. Developing a dependable bench could make the difference between another good season and another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Can TCU Win Another Big 12 Championship?
Winning a third consecutive Big 12 regular-season championship won’t be easy. Oklahoma State, Baylor, and West Virginia are among the teams that can challenge TCU, and every opponent will look to knock off the defending champions. The Horned Frogs also have a December 6 matchup against Texas that should provide an early indication of where they stand nationally. Those types of games will expose weaknesses that might not show up against lesser competition.
There is no reason to believe TCU will suddenly fall out of contention, but expecting another Elite Eight appearance might be asking too much from a team with so many new pieces. Silva gives the Horned Frogs a legitimate presence inside, and the backcourt additions should keep the offense competitive. The biggest question is how quickly everything comes together, especially as TCU faces the conference’s better defensive teams. Campbell has earned the benefit of the doubt, but this season might be his toughest coaching challenge yet.
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