TCU basketball will begin the 2026-27 season outside the Associated Press Top 25, but the Horned Frogs aren't entering November without national attention.

Jamie Dixon's team received 17 points in Monday's preseason poll, falling short of the rankings despite building a roster that could become a difficult matchup in the Big 12.

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The omission is particularly notable considering the strength of the conference.

Six Big 12 programs earned preseason rankings, led by No. 5 Arizona and No. 10 Houston.

Kansas begins at No. 17, followed by Iowa State at No. 18, Texas Tech at No. 19 and BYU at No. 25.

That leaves TCU chasing some of college basketball's most established programs before conference competition even begins.

But Dixon has reasons for optimism.

The Horned Frogs return experienced guard Brock Harding, who provides leadership and playmaking ability in the backcourt.

Harding demonstrated his outside shooting during Saturday's exhibition victory over Wyoming, connecting on four 3-pointers as TCU defeated the Cowboys 89-76.

The Horned Frogs made 10 shots from beyond the arc and outrebounded Wyoming 34-22.

Sophomore Gavin Sykes provided another encouraging performance, scoring a team-high 17 points off the bench while making seven of 12 shots.

That combination of perimeter shooting, scoring depth and rebounding could become especially important against the physical defenses TCU will face in conference play.

Dixon also has several newcomers capable of contributing.

Forward Luke Bamgboye brings size and experience after previous stops at VCU and Texas Tech.

The 6-10 junior provides another option in the frontcourt, while guard Micah Robinson and forward Xavier Edmonds add depth to the rotation.

The Horned Frogs also feature Tanner Toolson, an experienced perimeter player who previously competed at BYU and Utah Valley.

The challenge will be turning that collection of talent into consistent production.

TCU's schedule won't offer many opportunities to hide weaknesses.

The Big 12 remains one of college basketball's deepest conferences, with nationally ranked opponents capable of punishing defensive breakdowns and poor shooting performances.

For Dixon, now entering his 11th season leading the Horned Frogs, the objective is to establish a dependable rotation before the conference schedule intensifies.

TCU will also face an important early nonconference test when Texas A&M visits Schollmaier Arena on Nov. 19.

The Aggies received preseason poll consideration themselves, making the matchup an opportunity for both programs to strengthen their early resumes.

A preseason ranking wouldn't guarantee postseason success, just as being excluded doesn't eliminate TCU from the NCAA Tournament conversation.

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But the Horned Frogs have something to establish.

With six conference rivals already ranked, TCU doesn't need more preseason recognition. It needs victories that force voters to pay attention.

Source: Yahoo Sports