The NCAA softball season begins this weekend.Oklahoma is coming off its fourth consecutive national championship but doesn’t look like the favorite in 2025 after having to replace a talented senior class. Instead, the Texas Longhorns, last season’s Women’s College World Series runner-up, earned the No. 1 spot in The Athletic’s college softball preseason top 25.AdvertisementThe 2025 season will look different with the sport’s winningest conference — the Pac-12 — dismantled. Texas and Oklahoma will play their first seasons in the SEC, adding to the competitiveness of a conference that sent all 13 of its teams to the NCAA Tournament last season. The SEC leads all conferences with 23 players on the 53-person USA Softball Player of the Year watchlist.A game to watch on opening weekend is Texas Tech versus Nebraska on Feb. 8 in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla. The matchup should pit two of the sport’s most high-profile pitchers against each other in NiJaree Canady and Jordy Bahl and will air on MLB Network. The season culminates in Oklahoma City at the 2025 WCWS from May 29 through June 6.Here is The Athletic’s second annual college softball preseason top 25.1. Texas (2024 final rank: No. 2)The Longhorns are a veteran squad, returning 16 players from their top-seeded 2024 WCWS team while welcoming three newcomers (two freshmen and one transfer). Junior catcher Reese Atwood was one of three finalists for the 2024 USA Softball Player of the Year award and set single-season program records in home runs (23), RBIs (90), total bases (163) and slugging percentage (.862). Another player to watch is sophomore Teagan Kavan, who pitched two complete game shutouts against Stanford in last season’s WCWS.2. Florida (No. 3)The Gators thrilled in last season’s WCWS by beating Oklahoma and taking the elimination rematch with the Sooners to eight innings before losing 6-5. As with Texas, many star players from that run return, including catcher Jocelyn Erickson and outfielders Korbe Otis and Kendra Falby. Pitcher Keagan Rothrock also returns after leading the country in innings pitched as a freshman last year. The Gators host the Longhorns in their second series of SEC play beginning on March 15.Advertisement3. Oklahoma (No. 1)What will this Oklahoma team look like after losing its 10-person senior class that won four straight national titles? That’s the storyline around the Sooners entering 2025. Head coach Patty Gasso is an eight-time national champion with a 1,515-352-2 record at OU. There’s always an unknown with transfer portal players (the Sooners brought in five), but Gasso showed last year by snatching ace Kelly Maxwell from rival Oklahoma State that she knows how to find the right fit. Sophomore utility player Ella Parker is coming off an impressive freshman campaign in which she led the Sooners in hitting. Plus, two-time New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year Sophia Bordi reclassified earlier this month and will join OU’s pitching staff for the 2025 season.GO DEEPERLove Oklahoma's dynasty or hate it, but respect what Sooners have accomplished in softball4. Oklahoma State (No. 7)With Oklahoma and Texas off to the SEC, the Cowgirls could take over the Big 12 softball throne. Tenth-year head coach Kenny Gajewski brought in a talented transfer class that includes 2025 USA Softball Player of the Year watchlist athletes Megan Delgadillo (outfielder, Cal State Fullerton) and Ruby Meylan (pitcher, Washington). The Pokes have made the WCWS field in each of the past five seasons, the second-longest active streak behind Oklahoma.5. Tennessee (No. 9)The reigning back-to-back SEC regular-season champions will face both conference newcomers on the road (March 28-30 at Oklahoma, April 11-13 at Texas). The team is centered around Karlyn Pickens, the 2024 SEC Pitcher of the Year who finished last season with a 22-7 record and 1.12 ERA, best in the SEC and third nationally. Head coach Karen Weekly enters her 24th season leading the Vols. Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens throwing 76 MPH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IgUxTl3nuA — Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) June 5, 20236. UCLA (No. 5)Eyes will be on the Bruins’ top-ranked freshman class, which includes pitcher Addisen Fisher, the No. 1 player in the 2024 cycle, per Softball America. Pitching should be UCLA’s strong suit, with Fisher joining a staff led by veterans Taylor Tinsley and Kaitlyn Terry (both All-Pac-12 players in 2024). After playing a key role in the Pac-12’s emergence as college softball’s marquee conference, the winningest team in the sport’s history will play its first season in the less heralded Big Ten. Since 2015, UCLA has twice as many WCWS appearances (eight) as the Big Ten has combined (four).7. Texas A&M (No. 10)The Aggies nearly clinched their first WCWS appearance since 2017 last season. They upset top-seeded Texas in the first game of the Austin Super Regional, took the Longhorns to nine innings in the second game and came up one run short in the elimination Game 3. Left-handed pitcher Emiley Kennedy returns after registering the third-most shutouts (10) and complete games (24) in the nation while third-year head coach Trisha Ford adds 13 newcomers (nine freshmen and four transfers).Advertisement8. Duke (No. 8)In the program’s eighth year of existence, Duke was selected as the preseason favorite in the ACC coaches poll, earning 11 of 15 first-place votes. The Blue Devils are led by a trio of juniors (pitcher Cassidy Curd, outfielder D’Auna Jennings and infielder Aminah Vega) who were each named to the Softball America Player of the Year watchlist. Duke went 20-4 in conference play last season, running away with the ACC crown en route to its first WCWS appearance. Infielder Jess Oakland, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, transferred to Duke from Minnesota after ranking fifth nationally in batting average (.452) last season.9. Texas Tech (NR)The Matador Club, a Texas Tech-affiliated name, image and likeness collective, lured NiJaree Canady, who had a 0.67 career ERA in two seasons at Stanford, to Lubbock with a record-breaking $1 million deal in July. Adding Canady proved to be just the start of the Red Raiders’ portal spree. First-year head coach Gerry Glasco, hired last June after seven seasons (and six Sun Belt titles) at Louisiana, signed nine of the 10 transfers brought on campus for the top-ranked portal class per Softball America. Texas Tech was picked second in the preseason Big 12 poll behind Oklahoma State.GO DEEPERThe unprecedented million-dollar recruitment of the nation’s best softball player10. Florida State (No. 14)Jaysoni Beachum earned National Freshman of the Year honors after leading FSU in batting average (.417), hits (78), home runs (16), RBIs (66) and on-base percentage (.509) last season. With Beachum and veteran Michaela Edenfield back — the Seminoles’ two best hitters in 2024 — Florida State’s offense is in good shape. In the circle, the Seminoles have three returners, including Makenna Reid, who is healthy following a back injury late last season, along with three newcomers. If the pitching staff can mesh as previous ones have under head coach Lonni Alameda, Florida State could make a run.11. LSU (No. 11)Two-time All-America pitcher Sydney Berzon leads the Tigers in the circle. “She’s been on everybody’s list and she deserves to be there,” head coach Beth Torina said this week. “She can do some things with a softball that I’ve never seen before.” LSU also welcomes back infielder Danieca Coffey, who suffered a season-ending injury 16 games into the 2024 season. Nine newcomers join the Tigers, including Oklahoma transfer Avery Hodge, a two-time national champion in Norman. More than anything, the Tigers will be battle-tested. They play 39 games against teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year and have faced a top-10 schedule in each of Torina’s 14 seasons in charge.12. Alabama (No. 6)Despite finishing 10-14 in SEC play last season — the program’s first-ever losing record in conference play — the Crimson Tide went on a run in the postseason, upsetting Tennessee in the Super Regionals to advance to Oklahoma City. Head coach Patrick Murphy retooled through the transfer portal in the offseason and added depth to the pitching staff. The offense was the Tide’s biggest shortcoming in 2024 — their .251 batting average was second-worst in the SEC. Improvement at the plate will be most important.13. Arkansas (No. 17)The Razorbacks are moving on from their early postseason exit in last year’s Fayetteville Regional with a mix of returners and newcomers. Freshman Ella McDowell is ranked as the No. 3 overall player and No. 1 infielder in the 2024 class by Extra Innings Softball. “You can tell, whether you watch her play one pitch or you watch her play one game, she’s special,” head coach Courtney Deifel told reporters this month. Arkansas also added graduate transfer Courtney Day, a former Texas slugger who earned All-WCWS honors in 2022.14. Arizona (No. 15)The Wildcats were picked third in the Big 12 in the preseason coaches poll in their debut season in the league. Outfielder Regan Shockey returns after a strong freshman campaign in which she led the Wildcats with 80 hits (top 10 nationally), a .404 batting average and eight stolen bases. Fellow outfielder Dakota Kennedy also batted above .400 last season and joins Shockey as the two preseason All-Big 12 selections from Arizona. With power at the plate and increased depth across the roster — particularly on the pitching staff — the Wildcats feature one of the more experienced squads.Advertisement15. Georgia (No. 13)The Bulldogs have a strong core of veterans returning in left-handed pitcher Lilli Backes (USA Softball Player of the Year watchlist), catcher Lyndi Rae Davis (ranked No. 17 at her position by D1 Softball) and outfielder Dallis Goodnight (second on the Bulldogs in batting average last season). Their experience will mix with a seven-player freshman class full of athleticism and Cal transfer Randi Roelling, a left-handed pitcher. Lilli Backes from @UGASoftball is a 5’5 LHP who has been so consistent in her first year at Georgia. Her Change Up is MONEY, opponents are hitting just .108 off it 😱 But in this video she has 3 diff strikeout pitches – Change, Rise and Curve. Can you spot all 3?! pic.twitter.com/IoeO0MQTFN — Amanda Scarborough (@ascarborough) March 27, 202416. Missouri (No. 12)The Tigers have plenty of production to replace offensively, with four of their top five batters from last season no longer with the program. Head coach Larissa Anderson added assistant Bella Norton to the staff in the summer to help with the Tigers offense. In the circle, Missouri returns right-hander Cierra Harrison (2.05 ERA over 106 innings with 87 strikeouts last season) along with Marissa McCann and Taylor Pannell, who led the nation with 15 saves in 2024.17. Virginia Tech (No. 18)Head coach Pete D’Amour’s Hokies have made it to the NCAA Tournament in five of his six seasons in charge (the 2020 tournament was canceled due to COVID-19), but they’ve failed to make it out of the Regionals the last two years. Utility player Cori McMillan returns after setting the program’s single-season home run record last season (21), which was good for eighth nationally. The Hokies ranked fifth in the country in batting average last season and were voted third in the ACC preseason poll. Pitcher Emma Lemley didn’t have her strongest season in 2024, but her return is meaningful since the Hokies are at their best when they have an experienced star on the mound.18. Nebraska (NR)Two-time national champion pitcher Jordy Bahl saw her homecoming season derailed when she tore her ACL in her Nebraska debut last February. She transferred from Oklahoma to join her hometown Huskers after the 2023 season, saying at the time that her “heart was at home.” Her injury sidelined her for the entire 2024 season, but fans got a glimpse into her comeback during an October scrimmage in which she pitched five innings, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking none. The injury bug hit Nebraska hard last year; Bahl was one of six Huskers pitchers to miss significant time. Nebraska addressed its depth issues by adding six pitchers in the offseason.GO DEEPER'Oh, my God, it's happening': Why softball champ Jordy Bahl upended it all to come home19. Baylor (No. 16)The Bears lost their top two pitchers to the transfer portal in two-way star Aliyah Binford (Ole Miss) and RyLee Crandall (Oklahoma State), plus head coach Glenn Moore had to replace the entire outfield. Left-hander Lillie Walker transferred from Duke to help on the pitching front, and there is some continuity in the infield. Shaylon Govan is the nation’s top-ranked first baseman, per D1 Softball, after leading the nation with a .579 on-base percentage in 2024.20. Northwestern (No. 23)Northwestern returns seven of nine starters on offense, and catcher Emma Raye could be poised for a standout sophomore season. The biggest unknowns are in the circle, where former Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Ashley Miller graduated. Graduate student Lauren Boyd will return from an injury that sidelined her last season after a strong campaign in 2023. The Wildcats, who have won three consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles, close the 2025 regular season against league newcomer UCLA.21. Cal (NR)The Golden Bears are picked to finish sixth out of 15 teams in their first season in the ACC. Infielder Elon Butler earned preseason All-Pac-12 honors after she led the team in home runs (17), RBIs (44), total bases (117) and slugging percentage (.760) in 2024. Head coach Chelsea Spencer enters her fifth season in charge, and although her teams struggled in the Pac-12 (29-53-1 with no winning seasons), the ACC provides a clean slate. The Golden Bears do not play conference favorite Duke and host heavyweights Florida State and Virginia Tech.Advertisement22. Oregon (No. 20)With seven freshmen and six sophomores, Oregon may be an underrated contender in its first Big Ten season. “What I like about this group is that I think the outside world sees them a little young and that gives them the opportunity to fly under the radar a little bit,” head coach Melyssa Lombardi told reporters this month. A player not under the radar is outfielder Kai Luschar, who is on the national player of the year watchlist after leading the Ducks with a .410 batting average in 2024.23. Liberty (NR)Head coach and two-time Olympic gold medalist Dot Richardson has led the Flames to the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons. And this year, Liberty might have the depth to overcome the obstacles that kept it one win short of the Super Regionals in 2024. The Flames were picked first in the Conference USA preseason poll, while outfielder Rachel Roupe was named the league’s preseason player of the year and Elena Escobar the preseason pitcher of the year.24. Michigan (NR)The Wolverines return all but one starter from their 2024 squad that won the Big Ten tournament and went 43-18 overall, the program’s highest-win total in the last five seasons. Right-hander Lauren Derkowski was the Big Ten tournament MVP and led the Wolverines’ efforts in the circle with a 2.29 ERA. The addition of South Carolina transfer Reganne Bennett will add pitching depth. These Wolverines are experienced and clutch. In 2024, they had six walk-off wins, including three over a four-game stretch of Big Ten play.25. Stanford (No. 4)Head coach Jessica Allister has the unenviable task of replacing NiJaree Canady on the mound. And while it may take time for the pitching rotation to take form, the Cardinal return several important players to their lineup. Infielders River Mahler and Taryn Kern and outfielder Emily Jones all played key roles in Stanford making it to last season’s WCWS semifinals. Of note: The Cardinal will play their games at the football team’s home, Stanford Stadium, this season as the softball facility is upgraded.Just missed: Mississippi State, Virginia, Penn State(Photo of Reese Atwood: Aaron E. Martinez / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Her Change Up is MONEY, opponents are hitting just .108 off it The NCAA softball season begins this weekend. The Longhorns are a veteran squad, returning 16 players from their top-seeded 2024 WCWS team while welcoming three newcomers (two freshmen and one transfer). Junior catcher Reese Atwood was one of three finalists for the 2024 […]

Her Change Up is MONEY, opponents are hitting just .108 off it The NCAA softball season begins this weekend.

The Longhorns are a veteran squad, returning 16 players from their top-seeded 2024 WCWS team while welcoming three newcomers (two freshmen and one transfer). Junior catcher Reese Atwood was one of three finalists for the 2024 USA Softball Player of the Year award and set single-season program records in home runs (23), RBIs (90), total bases (163) and slugging percentage (.862). Another player to watch is sophomore Teagan Kavan, who pitched two complete game shutouts against Stanford in last season’s WCWS.

3. Oklahoma (No. 1)

8. Duke (No. 8)

15. Georgia (No. 13)

22. Oregon (No. 20)

The Wolverines return all but one starter from their 2024 squad that won the Big Ten tournament and went 43-18 overall, the program’s highest-win total in the last five seasons. Right-hander Lauren Derkowski was the Big Ten tournament MVP and led the Wolverines’ efforts in the circle with a 2.29 ERA. The addition of South Carolina transfer Reganne Bennett will add pitching depth. These Wolverines are experienced and clutch. In 2024, they had six walk-off wins, including three over a four-game stretch of Big Ten play.

23. Liberty (NR)

With seven freshmen and six sophomores, Oregon may be an underrated contender in its first Big Ten season. “What I like about this group is that I think the outside world sees them a little young and that gives them the opportunity to fly under the radar a little bit,” head coach Melyssa Lombardi told reporters this month. A player not under the radar is outfielder Kai Luschar, who is on the national player of the year watchlist after leading the Ducks with a .410 batting average in 2024.

25. Stanford (No. 4)

The Tigers have plenty of production to replace offensively, with four of their top five batters from last season no longer with the program. Head coach Larissa Anderson added assistant Bella Norton to the staff in the summer to help with the Tigers offense. In the circle, Missouri returns right-hander Cierra Harrison (2.05 ERA over 106 innings with 87 strikeouts last season) along with Marissa McCann and Taylor Pannell, who led the nation with 15 saves in 2024.Two-time All-America pitcher Sydney Berzon leads the Tigers in the circle. “She’s been on everybody’s list and she deserves to be there,” head coach Beth Torina said this week. “She can do some things with a softball that I’ve never seen before.” LSU also welcomes back infielder Danieca Coffey, who suffered a season-ending injury 16 games into the 2024 season. Nine newcomers join the Tigers, including Oklahoma transfer Avery Hodge, a two-time national champion in Norman. More than anything, the Tigers will be battle-tested. They play 39 games against teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year and have faced a top-10 schedule in each of Torina’s 14 seasons in charge.Advertisement