Gray Robertson's Way-Too-Early 2026 Softball America Top 25

Earlier this offseason, Brady Vernon gave his opinion on a way-too-early Top 25 for the 2026 season. Now, Gray Roberston takes his crack at the early Softball America Top 25.

1. Texas

The defending national champions are my top team at this point, despite losing some key players to graduation. I understand the importance of Mia Scott and Joley Mitchell, to be clear, but it’s hard to ignore the sheer amount of talent coming back. Reese Atwood is an absolute stud, and Teagan Kavan is a brilliant ace who showed at the WCWS that she’s ready for the moment. Names like Maloney, Stewart, Henry, Goode, Gutierrez, and more highlight a stacked lineup, and I love the addition of Kaiah Altmeyer from Arizona. Mike White knows how to win, and he’s injected this program with the intangible that we discuss so much on various podcasts. The missing piece was reaching the mountaintop in Oklahoma City, and the Longhorns finally reached that mark too. Hard to imagine Texas crashing down much at all in 2026.

2025 Softball America Transfer Class Rankings

2. Oklahoma

If 2025 was the year when everybody graduated, 2026 is the year when basically everybody comes back. Offensively, the return of Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering, and Nelly McEnroe-Marinas is as strong a core as any in America…and then you add in Gabbie Garcia, Ailiana Agbayani, Sydney Barker, and more. The transfer additions of Sydney Berzon and Miali Guachino bring experience to a pitching staff that would’ve probably leaned on a talented freshman class a good bit (plus a hopefully healthy Audrey Lowry). Add in the culture crafted by Patty Gasso and you have a recipe for another year where the Sooners are tried and true contenders for the national title.

3. Texas Tech

NiJaree Canady is the face of the sport. Full stop. On Out of the Box last season, Danielle Lawrie called her a top-three arm in the world, and you can see why every time she takes the circle. The difference in 2026 will be the supporting cast around Canady that is now loaded with All-Americans (shoutout to the Matador Club). Bringing in Taylor Pannell, Jazzy Burns, Mia Williams, Lagi Quiroga, Desirae Spearman, Jackie Lis, and Kaitlyn Terry instantly raises an already high ceiling. The only question I have is the chemistry within the program. This roster is filled with a lot of talent and, last time I checked, only nine can hit and only one pitcher can throw at once. Can Gerry Glasco bring a bunch of stars and personalities together into a true cohesive unit? Last year’s evidence suggests yes, but I still want to see it for myself.

4. Oregon

The top two arms return in Lyndsey Grein and Elise Sokolsky, which is a fantastic start. Grein showed great grittiness down the stretch last season, and Sokolsky was strong when the Oregon ace had a small blip of a struggle in May. What excites me most about Oregon is the offense and all the talent coming in. Rylee McCoy is fantastic, and Kaylynn Jones was super efficient as a freshman too. Throw in a portal class of Elon Butler, Addison Amaral, and Amari Harper, and you’ve got a steady, fiery lineup with two experienced arms. The Ducks will be the favorites to repeat as Big Ten champs, and I think by a considerable margin.

5. Tennessee

Karlyn Pickens is the straw that stirs the drink, and she’s back. That alone makes Tennessee formidable. The pieces around Pickens tell the story, though, and they’re why I’m high on the Lady Vols at this point. Behind Pickens, you’ve got Sage Mardjetko, who showed me a lot when she got the chance in 2025. Maddi Rutan is an interesting two-way pickup from Eastern Kentucky. Erin Nuwer displayed high potential last season. A couple of freshman arms seem primed to make a statement in 2026. Basically, Tennessee is set in the circle. The transfer additions of Makenzie Butt and Sophia Knight fill some needs, and the return of Ella Dodge, Amayah Doyle, Alannah Leach, and more give the offense some well-roundedness. The key question will be who replaces some of the RBIs lost with the departures of Sophia Nugent, McKenna Gibson, Taylor Pannell, and more. In year two of the Craig Snider era (and many know about my “hitting coach year two” theory), I have little doubt about the Tennessee bats.

6. Alabama

Let me be extremely frank—there’s a lot of genuine excitement around Tuscaloosa about Team 30. Alabama’s pitching staff is going to be the key to all of it. The freshman duo of Vic Moten and Kaitlyn Pallozzi are drawing tons of buzz, and the Tide will need Jocelyn Briski to take a step forward to formulate a true three-headed monster. Offensively, Audrey Vandagriff may be the most talented all-around player I’ve covered in Tuscaloosa. She has every tool, and she’s an instant firecracker at the top of the order. Progressions from Abby Duchscherer, Marlie Giles, Lex Pupillo, and Salen Hawkins will help shore up the lineup, and the rest of an extremely solid freshman class will give fans at Rhoads plenty to cheer about this season. I’m excited to see where Jena Young and Brooke Wells fit into a lineup that seems ready for the next step as well. On Out of the Box, I mentioned that I’ve had 2026 circled for Alabama for a few years now. There’s a reason.

7. Florida State

Jaysoni Beachum is still due. After a tough end to 2025, the 2024 Freshman of the Year seems primed to get back to swinging it for the Seminoles. Pair her with Isa Torres and you’ve got a dynamic offensive threat. Bella Ruggiero is ready to be the next great Florida State catcher, and Kennedy Harp will yet again be a batter you won’t want to face. In the circle, Jazzy Francik and Ashytn Danley (24-5 combined in 2025) return to lead the way. The “every other year” theory ended last season, so maybe it’s time for Lonni Alameda and company to start a new trend.

8. Arkansas

I will never, ever doubt the talent of Arkansas. The Razorbacks are always going to be good under Courtney Deifel. The biggest question is postseason performance, but we don’t have to talk about that in July. For now, my eyes are set on core returners like Kennedy Miller, Reagan Johnson, Ella McDowell, Kailey Wyckoff, and more offensively. The top two arms are back in Robyn Herron and Payton Burnham. The additions of Tianna Bell and Dakota Kennedy out of the portal bring power and speed to an already well-rounded lineup. Arkansas will be good again, no question about it. I will, however, reserve my thoughts on a run to the WCWS for once the 2026 season is well underway.

9. Clemson

I love the way John Rittman’s program bounced back in 2025. After watching the Tigers with a loaded senior class lose with a whimper in the Tuscaloosa Regional in 2024, I was curious to see the response. Clemson passed with flying colors. Getting as close as they did to OKC but falling short had to sting, but it also showed truly how a maiden trip to the WCWS is just barely out of reach. Now the Tigers bring back Kylee Johnson, Jamison Brockenbrough, Julia Knowler, Macey Cintron, Marian Collins, and other key contributors. The portal additions of Corri Hicks (tell me an OU transfer who hasn’t thrived at their new school), Kiley Channell, Sierra Maness, and Abby Dunning fill holes. Clemson isn’t going anywhere.

10. Florida

I understand some of the cautiousness around Florida. The Gators lost a lot. Graduation took Reagan Walsh, Kendra Falby, Korbe Otis, and more. The portal grabbed Mia Williams and a bevy of talented youngsters (many of whom I saw this summer in the FGCL). Still, the returning arms of Keagan Rothrock and Ava Brown provide a good foundation in the circle for pitching coach Stephanie VanBrakle-Prothro. Jocelyn Erickson and Taylor Shumaker are nasty and will drive in runs at will. Townsen Thomas is going to be the next great Florida outfielder, and Cassidy McLellan seems ready for the next step too. I loved the portal grabs of Ella Wesolowski and Giulia Desiderio to shore up a few spots, and Madison Walker’s power was a major threat last year at Missouri. Basically, I like the pieces Tim Walton has for 2026, and I think this group can come together to make another run to OKC. No matter what, Florida’s always going to be a threat.

11. Nebraska

Jordy Bahl, Jordy Bahl, Jordy Bahl. That’s the story. That’s the key. The other key is when Bahl throws, because that’ll determine whether Lincoln hosts a Regional in 2026 or not. We already know the Huskers go to Clearwater and the Mary Nutter this year. Will Rhonda Revelle throw her ace in the biggest non-conference matchups to shore up the RPI? If so, it’s hard to imagine Nebraska traveling the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Oh, and the Huskers also brought in Hannah Coor, who seems ready for the spotlight and has the game to back it up. Seniors litter the lineup around Coor (don’t worry, I know she’s also a senior), so experience won’t be an issue. If it all comes together, Nebraska should be back in Oklahoma City.

12. Texas A&M

Trisha Ford has mentioned on Out of the Box over the years that the Aggies love to be the underdog, and they’ve relished that role throughout most of her tenure. However, in 2025, Texas A&M was the top overall seed (decidedly not the underdog), and…well, it didn’t go great in Regionals. What’s the mindset of the program after such a disappointing finish to an excellent year? How will the Aggies respond in 2026? Losing Emiley Kennedy is huge, but the returning arms of Sydney Lessentine, Grace Sparks, and Sidne Peters mean that the cupboard isn’t bare. Missouri transfer Taylor Pannell brings an instant closer to the pitching staff too, assuming that’s her job this season. Offensively, KK Dement and Mya Perez are two of the names to watch, and the portal additions of Maya Bland, Micaela Wark, Tallen Edwards, and Paislie Allen suggest that the lineup will be as solid as ever. The establishment of the true go-to ace will be the key in 2026 for Texas A&M.

13. Georgia

Last year, the Bulldogs had a lineup filled with youngsters who seemed eager to make a statement. In 2026, the youngin’s are growing up, and that makes Georgia dangerous. Upperclassmen names like Jaydyn Goodwin, Tyler Ellison, Sarah Gordon, and Emily Digby should show out, but my eyes are on sophomores Tyah Charlton and Mua Williams as two of the x-factors in the lineup. Bringing in Bailey Lindemuth from Texas Tech doesn’t hurt either. In the circle, UCLA transfer Addison Fisher poses a nice contrast to Randi Roelling in the circle, and former Georgia Southern pitcher Maddie Johnson could sneak in some crucial innings in SEC play as well. It just feels like Tony Baldwin has balanced out this roster quite nicely. The next step is putting it all together on the field.

14. LSU

I’ll admit, I’ve struggled to write about LSU as I’ve worked on this project. I understand how hard the Baton Rouge Regional was last year, but still…the Tigers should’ve at least gotten to Sunday. Now, Beth Torina has to retool and find a way to finally get her program back to OKC. The duo of Tori Edwards and Maci Bergeron are a great place to start, but power needs to come from other places in the lineup too. Kentucky transfer Ally Hutchins and former Louisville stud Char Lorenz should help with that. Jalia Lassiter’s return brings the speed, and Avery Hodges is certainly capable of taking a step forward too. In the circle, Jayden Heavener and San Diego State transfer Cece Cellura are wildly different looks, which will be tough for opponents to simulate ahead of matchups. Late addition Payn Monticelli throws gas and is a fascinating chess piece for Torina to use in that staff. On paper, it all looks good in Baton Rouge. My biggest question is—can LSU actually take what looks strong in writing and turn it into a season that ends with true title contention in the SEC and a trip to the WCWS?

15. UCLA

UCLA, like LSU, is one of the toughest teams for me to place in this list. The offseason was not kind of a Bruins squad that was already losing Savannah Pola to graduation. The departures of Kaitlyn Terry and Addisen Fisher leave a major void in the circle that Taylor Tinsley and a few portal additions will have to fill. Offensively, though, there aren’t many concerns because of the stars that remain. My Alliance broadcast partner Jordan Woolery is back with Megan Grant as one of the top power tag teams in the country, and it’ll be important for players like Aleena Garcia (back from injury), Rylee Slimp, and Kaniya Bragg to take the next step. I also love the addition of Iowa’s Soo-Jin Berry, who flashed a lot in the infield last season. It’ll be a slightly different-looking UCLA team, but the DNA of the program remains intact, which means the Brions will always be in the mix.

16. Duke

I’ll open with this—16 feels way too low for Duke. The ceiling is incredibly high with players like D’Auna Jennings, Aminah Vega, Amiah Burgess, and more returning. Jess Oakland is ready to rumble, and Marissa Young grabbed impressive players in the portal like FGCL Offensive Player of the Year Layla Lamar and two quality arms in Larissa Jacquez and Mallory Wheeler. The biggest thing holding me back is Cassidy Curd. 2025 was a major backslide after a tremendous start to her career. Can she get back to the level at which she’s capable of displaying? If so, the Blue Devils will shoot way up the rankings in 2026. If not, well…there’s no Dani Drogemuller to rely on anymore. That would put a lot of pressure on the rest of the staff. The offensive will be explosive, but the pitching questions are the only thing keeping me from leaning full all-in on Duke.

17. South Carolina

Last season was a historic run for Ashley Chastain-Woodard and her Gamecocks in year one. We said everywhere that picking them last in the SEC was insane, but nobody saw a Top Eight seed coming this time last year. Now, the question becomes about sustaining that success. The departures are numerous, especially Sam Gress in the circle and several key offensive pieces, so it wasn’t a shock to see South Carolina attack the portal again. I love the additions of Lexie Shaver (watch out for this kid), Jamie Mackay, Sage Scarmardo, Tori Ensley, and Alyssa Hovermale on offense, and strengthening the bullpen with Julie Kelley (Kentucky), Josey Marron (Mississippi State), and Emma Friedel (Kennesaw State) helps prop up the returning arms Jori Heard and Nealy Lamb. The biggest question will be how everything gels with so many new faces operating in Columbia. It’s hard to know how things will go before a game is played, but clearly Coach Chastain-Woodard and this staff deserve the benefit of the doubt after what they accomplished in 2025.

18. Stanford

Stanford’s offensive explosion was a major story last season, and a lot of those pieces are back. Emily Jones, Kyra Chan, River Mahler, Taryn Kern, Jade Berry, and plenty of other bats set the table for Stanford to be one of the most consistent teams at the plate in the ACC. Two of the top arms return too in Zoe Prystajko and Alyssa Houston. The biggest thing will be those pitchers taking the next step in 2026. The numbers were solid but not spectacular, and that ultimately hurt the Cardinal in Regionals when Oregon smashed them in the two Sunday games. If the pitching can pick up the pace and keep up with the offensive output, Stanford can certainly make some noise in 2026.

19. Washington

I’m not sure we’ve talked enough about the job that Heather Tarr did last year with the Huskies. Expectations were low going into 2025, but Washington morphed into a solid squad that made a Regional and stayed competitive down the stretch. Now, let’s see if Washington can keep building upwards with a lot of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Alexis DeBoer is a great start after an unbelievable Big Ten FOTY season, and Ava Carroll and Jadyn Glab provide other nice offensive options. The pitching staff was bolstered by the addition of Ryan Maddox from Arizona, and she pairs well with the returning arms like Morgan Reimer, Sophia Ramuno, and Rylee Rehbein. The opportunity is there for the Huskies to keep climbing and make a push in the Big Ten, but the work starts now to make that happen.

20. Oklahoma State

Last year in Stillwater was…unsuccessful. Despite a talented roster, the Cowgirls just never saw everything come together. Now, let’s see how Kenny Gajewski’s club bounces back. It starts with the circle, where Ruby Meylan, RyLee Crandall, and Katie Kutz all return. Inconsistencies plagued this staff in 2025, but the talent is clearly there when any of these pitchers are clicking on all cylinders. Offensively, the additions of Jayden Jones (Virginia Tech) and Melina Wilkison (Indiana) should mix into the lineup well with returning bats like Rose Davis, Amanda Hasler, Tia Warsop, Karli Godwin, and more. Honestly, when I break down Oklahoma State’s lineup, I see lots of talent yet again. As long as the Cowgirls shake whatever caused last season’s slippage, this squad should make a jump.

What Melina Wilkison adds to Oklahoma State lineup

21. Mississippi State

Last season, Mississippi State pulled off lots that hadn’t been done before in program history, and Samantha Ricketts has truly built a steadily consistent team in Starkville. The biggest task in 2026 will be replacing some truly crucial pieces, specifically Raelin Chaffin and Sierra Sacco. Chaffin’s run in Starkville was impressive, and the Bulldogs were extremely aggressive in the portal when looking to fill that void. Now, the pitching staff is literally full of arms for Taryne Mowatt-McKinney to work with. No, seriously, I count seven pitchers at the ready, including portal additions Peja Goold (Chattanooga), Alyssa Faircloth (Troy), and Leila Ammon (Middle Tennessee). It’ll be interesting to see how Delainey Everett develops as well. Offensively, Nadia Barbary and Morgan Bernardini will be integral for success, and one would assume either player (or rising sophomore Morgan Stiles) will be tasked with the role of being the lineup’s centerpiece. The options are certainly there, so we’ll see if Coach Ricketts and this program can keep sustaining the level they’ve reached the last few years. At the very least, the Bulldogs have earned the benefit of the doubt.

22. Arizona

Not many teams were as pained by the portal as Arizona. Losing Dakota Kennedy, Kaiah Altmeyer, Aissa Silva, Emily Schepp, Ryan Maddox, Brooke Mannon, and Sydney Somerndike hurt, no doubt about it, and now we’ll see where the Wildcats go next. Step one was holding on to a bunch of crucial players, like Tayer Biehl, Sydney Stewart, and Regan Shockey. Next was using the portal to fill the various areas of need (especially the pitching staff), and that was a largely successful endeavor. Jalen Adams comes from Iowa and will surely be the ace of the staff, with help from Indiana transfer Janae Berry, returner Sarah Wright, and freshman Rylie Holder. Offensively, bringing in Grace Jenkins from UConn helps tremendously, and Sereniti Trice is an exciting speedster for the Wildcats to utilize. How it all gels together is a massive question, and a bunch of players will need to make significant jumps if Arizona is to contend in the Big 12.

23. Ole Miss

What a season for the Rebels! A surprise run to Oklahoma City showcased what was possible with a roster that had coalesced well down the stretch, and now we’ll see if a portal-heavy approach from Jamie Trachsel can work again after multiple departures from graduation and the portal (16, by my count). Pitching will be interesting with the core three arms—Aliyah Binford, Miali Guachino, and Brianna Lopez—gone, so more will be put on additions Emilee Boyer, Kyra Aycock, Hope Jenkins, and freshman Addisyn Linton. The offensive should be pretty strong again, especially with an anchor like Persy Llamas and nice pieces like Mackenzie Pickens and Taylor Malvin. The addition of Makenna Bellaire could be key as well. It’ll be a fascinating season in Oxford, and we’ll see if Coach Trachsel can once again find some of the magic that the Rebels showcased at the end of 2025.

24. Virginia

Joanna Hardin has done an awesome job with this program the last few seasons, and 2026 feels like a chance for the Hoos to take the next step. Few portal moves this offseason suggests a lot of confidence in the current roster, and it’s easy to see why. Eden Bigham returns as the big pitching name to know, but she really shines when deployed well with Courtney Layne and Julia Cuozzo. How three freshmen arms add to Coach Hardin’s usual “by committee” approach remains to be seen, but you know they’ll get opportunities. Jade Hylton and Bella Cabral are back as the key bats, and Macee Eaton flashed with 63 RBIs last year. Virginia is capable of filling a void in the top five of the ACC, and it’ll all depending on how some younger players have developed in the offseason.

25. FAU

The final spot was one that I toiled over for weeks, and I settled on Florida Atlantic. The Owls had a fantastic season 2025, and returning Autumn Courtney is massive in making sure 2026 follows a similar script. Madison Inscoe provides an interesting wrinkle to the staff as well after multiple seasons at NC State where her potential flashed multiple times. At the plate, Bella Foran, Kylie Hammonds, Jesiana Mora, and Chloe Yeatts return as the core pieces of the lineup. Keep an eye on transfer additions Lily Holtje and Hannah Rivers as well. FAU will be the favorites in The American and could be the mid-major team to watch in 2026. Jordan Clark has done an incredible job in a short amount of time building up this program, and it feels like more success is ahead.