1. Texas

Last Year: 29–4 (18–2 Big 12, T–1st), NCAA National Semifinalist

Outlook: The Longhorns are poised for another run to the Final Four, with over 80 percent of their offense returning. Reigning Big 12 Athlete of the Year Destinee Hooker will lead a powerful offense that loses just one starter from last season.

2. Nebraska

Last Year: 31–3 (18–2, T–1st), NCAA National Semifinalist

Outlook: John Cook’s bunch will be young, but another dynamite recruiting class has the Huskers in good shape. The big question will be how well Nebraska can replace one of the most prolific hitters in school history, especially with Kori Cooper recovering from last season’s ACL injury.

3. Iowa State

Last Year: 22–13 (11–9, T–4th), NCAA Regional Finalist

Outlook: The Cyclones are fresh off the best finish in program history and have no reason to expect less this season, as all but one starter returns. Senior setter Kaylee Manns has established herself as one of the best in the nation (2nd team All-American in 2008), and outside hitter Victoria Henson was a unanimous preseason pick in the Big 12.

4. Texas A&M

Last Year: 16–14 (11–9, T–4th)

Outlook: Despite finishing barely above .500 last season, the Aggies return a good chunk of their production with Sarah Ammerman and Mary Batis, both preseason All-Big 12 selections.

5. Baylor

Last Year: 18–13 (9–11, 6th)

Outlook: After missing postseason eligibility by one conference win last year, Baylor is primed for their first NCAA Tournament since 2001 with Preseason All-Big 12 picks Anna Breyfogle and Taylor Barnes returning, to go along with the No. 14 recruiting class in 2009.

6. Oklahoma

Last Year: 12–16 (8–12, 7th)

Outlook: All seven players that recorded at least 100 kills for the Sooners last year return, including Francie Ekwereku, who led the team in kills and hitting percentage and was second in blocking as a sophomore.

7. Kansas State

Last Year: 24–8 (14–6, 3rd), NCAA First Round

Outlook: Unlike several of the aforementioned teams, the Wildcats saw nearly 80 percent of their offense graduate from their third-place Big 12 team last season.

8. Missouri

Last Year: 13–17 (7–13, T–8th)

Outlook: Three of the Tigers’ top five hitters return for this season, along with their starting setter and libero. But in a talented Big 12, don’t expect Missouri to turn many heads.

9. Kansas

Last Year: 13–16 (7–13, T–8th)

Outlook: Kansas has plenty of players coming back from last year, but needs to find more offensive options. Just three of eight players who tallied more than 100 kills last season return for 2009.

10. Colorado

Last Year: 13–16 (7–13, T–8th)

Outlook: To go along with a new head coach Liz Kritza, Colorado has to find a new set of hitters, as only Schylur Edelman is back from last season, when she was fourth on the team in kills.

11. Texas Tech

Last Year: 5–26 (0–20, 11th)

Outlook: First year head coach Trish Knighthas a several returning players, but it’s difficult to rank the Red Raiders anywhere but last after going winless in Big 12 play last season.