It is time for my preseason Power 10 rankings for the 2026 college softball season.
1. Texas Tech
There's been a lot of debate for the No. 1 team, but I went with Texas Tech. This is a team that made it to the national championship series last year, led by NiJaree Canady, and now the Red Raiders added another ace in Kaitlyn Terry, along with Mia Williams, Jazzy Burns, Taylor Pannell and more. Texas Tech has an onslaught of talent on top of what it already returns.
2. Texas
The reigning national champions return Teagan Kavan, Reese Atwood and a dangerous lineup looking to repeat. You could even argue this team as No. 1.
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is at No. 3 and is looking scary heading into 2026. The Sooners have one of the best lineups in the country, led by Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering, and then they brought in an elite pitching staff with Sydney Berzon and Miali Guachino.
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4. Oregon
Most have Tennessee at No. 4, but I went with the Oregon Ducks in my Power 10. The Ducks look to return to the Women's College World Series, led by Lyndsey Grein in the circle. You've also got some big bats returning with Rylee McCoy and Stefini Ma'ake and then add in Amari Harper, Elon Butler and more.
5. Tennessee
Tennessee is at No. 5 with one of the best pitchers in the country in Karlyn Pickens. They did lose a lot of their home run hitters from 2025, but I'm excited to see the new transfers on the big stage.
6. Florida State
Florida State is next at No. 6. Led by a core of Isa Torres, Jaysoni Beachum and Kennedy Harp with Jazzy Francik in the circle.
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7. Arkansas
At No. 7, I have Arkansas. This is a team that fell short of OKC last year led by the National Player of the Year, but the Razorbacks have a ton of pieces returning this year with Robyn Herron leading the way in the circle and a big transfer in Dakota Kennedy.
Robyn Herron or Michelangelo 🎨 paints the corner for the K!
— Arkansas Softball (@RazorbackSB)
8. Florida
The Gators did lose a lot of talent to graduation with Kendra Falby and Korbe Otis and more graduating, but they do bring back Taylor Shumaker, Jocelyn Erickson, Keagan Rothrock and some incoming talent.
9. UCLA
Taylor Tinsley will have a big load in the circle, but the offensive duo of Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery is back for one last go around, and last year’s stellar freshman class returns with more experience.
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10. Nebraska
Wherever Jordy Frahm is, is a team in the mix — and the Huskers have a lineup to back her up. That includes Ava Kuszak, who smashed 21 homers last year while hitting well over .400.
