Here are 12 star-studded players to watch this season in college softball.
1. NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech
If you don’t know NiJaree Canady’s name, you should and you will. She's the best arm in college softball and one of the most dominant pitchers. Canady led her team all the way to the national championship series last year and had a 1.11 ERA with 319 strikeouts.
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2. Jordy Bahl Frahm, Nebraska
Another pitcher and two-way absolute super star is Jordy Bahl Frahm at Nebraska. She had a 1.50 ERA in the circle and is one of the most dominating and confident presences in the circle. Not to mention she also hit over .450 with 20-plus bombs last season. A generational talent.
3. Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee
She broke the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in softball last season. Try facing that. These pitchers are changing the game and are back for one last go around.
Karlyn just hit 79.4 on the gun 🔥🔥🔥
— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball)
the new fastest pitch in NCAA Softball history, breaking her own record of 78.2
4. & 5. Jordan Woolery and Megan Grant, UCLA
We have a duo at UCLA that are two absolute super stars: Jordan Woolery and Megan Grant. They are a great duo and terrifying back-to-back in the lineup. Woolery hit .424 with 23 homers while Grant hit .375 with 26 homers.
6. Taylor Shumaker, Florida
Taylor Shumaker has every tool needed to have the most insane career. The 2025 freshman of the year hit 22 home runs. She has power, speed, defense — you name it.
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7. & 8. Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering, Oklahoma
At OU, we have another duo in Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering. They are a power duo with the experience of winning a national title in 2024. Both of the Sooners had over 1.300 OPS, hit for power, hit for average and have the clutch gene in the big moments.
Kasidi. Pickering. blasts her third home run of the NCAA Tournament and our lead is three! | 📺 ESPN2
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball)
9. & 10. Teagan Kavan and Reese Atwood, Texas
The reigning champs bring back two stars on this list with Teagan Kavan in the circle and Reese Atwood behind the dish. Kavan won MVP at the Women's College World Series last year for good reason. She makes it tough on hitters with her pitch mix and command and is always calm, cool and collected in the big moments. Then her backstop in Atwood is another player in the 20-homer club with a knack for the big moments.
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11. Isa Torres, Florida State
Isa Torres is a 2025 First Team All-American who broke the Noles' school record with a .436 batting average and had the third-most hits in school history with 95. She is so good, and a premiere defender in the field. Torres is a must-watch this season.
12. Mya Perez, Texas A&M
And finally, the 12th and final star to watch this year is Mya Perez at Texas A&M. She had a breakout season last year hitting over .420 and with loads of power. Watch out for more Perez in 2026.
