The Lineup: An action packed weekend as Conference Play begins

The beginning of conference play for the SEC, ACC, Big 12 and other mid-majors launches a second half to the 2025 season. The SEC dominates the opening day slate, with top-10 battles in Oklahoma and Texas. The Big 12 and ACC grab a few spots in the lineup, with key matchups among top-25 teams. Additionally, a few of the top teams finish their non-conference slate, with Ohio State hosting Texas and Florida State traveling to Oregon for a top-15 test.

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1. No. 9 South Carolina @ No. 2 Oklahoma

Where: Norman, Oklahoma
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: Fri & Sat: SECN+, Sun: SECN

What do we want to see: The only remaining unbeaten teams in softball square off at Love’s Field, with both programs set for their biggest test of the season. South Carolina has exceeded all expectations, sweeping top-ten Duke on the road and powering to a remarkable 19-0 start.

Oklahoma; however, will have an opportunity to be the last unbeaten team, proving they are still the top dog. The matchup will question whether South Carolina can pull off another impressive win or if Oklahoma’s relatively weaker non-conference schedule will catch up with them in their first major challenge of the year. The stakes are high—someone’s undefeated streak will end, so whose will it be?

2. No. 3 Florida @ No. 5 Texas A&M

Where: College Station, Texas
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: This top-5 opening weekend contest could decide the top of the SEC this season. Florida brings one of the most powerful offenses in the country, while Texas A&M counters with one of the largest pitching staffs in the SEC. Perhaps the biggest question heading into the weekend is how Florida’s pitching staff will fare against the Aggie bats. The Gators’ ace, Keagan Rothrock, has not pitched since Feb. 22, so will we see her in the circle this weekend? Both teams have shown they are capable of reaching the World Series, but which team takes advantage of this pivotal conference clash

3. No. 8 Florida State @ No. 11 Oregon

Where: Eugene, Oregon
When: Friday, March 7 & Sunday, March 9
What’s it on: BIG+

What do we want to see: Oregon has been flawless since its loss to Arizona State. The Ducks rely on a strong pitching and a balanced mix of experience and youth in their lineup. Florida State, on the other hand, is powered by a veteran senior class eager to make a statement this season. The Seminoles have already secured several notable wins, but a date with the Ducks this weekend offers another opportunity to bolster their resume. Oregon’s freshmen are crucial in determining whether the Ducks can solidify themselves as World Series contenders. Meanwhile, Florida State’s seasoned leadership will look to steal the spotlight and show that experience still reigns supreme. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams’ postseason aspirations.

4. No. 13 Oklahoma State @ No. 16 Texas Tech

Where: Lubbock, Texas
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: Oklahoma State has bounced back recently after a rocky start to the season. Ruby Meylan’s emergence as the Cowgirls’ ace is a big part of that. This weekend, she is expected to square off against Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady in a anticipated pitching duel. Last week, the Red Raiders suffered back-to-back losses to North Texas and Idaho State before splitting a pair of games with Texas A&M. While their offense seems to have found more of a rhythm, they’ll face a formidable challenge against an Oklahoma State pitching staff that is starting to hit its stride. If this series goes as predicted, the question remains: will it be Canady or Meylan who comes out on top? Both aces will be key to their team’s success, making this showdown one to watch.

5. No. 12 Tennessee @ No. 15 Georgia

Where: Athens, Georgia
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Both Tennessee and Georgia are looking to turn the page on disappointing losses to ranked opponents this season. Hoping to capitalize on this opportunity, both teams are hungry to add a signature win to their resumes. Tennessee’s pitching staff has been stellar, repping an SEC-leading 0.77 ERA, with Karlyn Pickens anchoring the deep pitching staff. Georgia, after starting the season 14-0, has dropped 2 of its last 6 games, raising concerns about the Bulldogs’ recent form. In this crucial SEC clash, which team will rise to the occasion and seize this top-15 SEC series?

6. No. 23 Virginia @ No. 20 Virginia Tech

Where: Blacksburg, Virginia
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: ACCNX

What do we want to see: This weekend’s matchup between Virginia Tech and Virginia is a high-stakes battle for both teams. Both squads are looking to pad their resumes, contend for a hosting bid, and make their mark in the ACC. Virginia Tech has shown flashes of brilliance, including a run-rule victory over Liberty, but also suffered an unexpected loss to Villanova. That leaves the Hokies searching for consistency. Meanwhile, Virginia is riding a 12-game winning streak and comes into the series with plenty of momentum. With the rivalry between these two teams adding even more intensity, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in the Commonwealth Clash?

7. No. 17 Auburn @ No. 24 Mississippi State

Where: Starkville, Mississippi
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: Sat: SECN+, Sun, & Mon: SECN

What do we want to see: Two teams unexpectedly in the national seed conversation midway through the season will square off in Starkville, both aiming to defy preseason expectations. Mississippi State suffered a tough loss to Northwestern State but bounced back with a dominant run-rule win over Louisiana. Auburn, sitting at 20-1 and atop the initial RPI rankings, has also defied expectations. However, the Tigers’ victories have rarely been dominant—half of their wins have come by two runs or less. With Mississippi State’s midweek win potentially boosting their confidence, can the Bulldogs carry that momentum into SEC play? Will Auburn’s close calls finally catch up to them, or can they continue their trend of pulling off come-from-behind wins?

8. No. 14 Duke @ No. 25 Clemson

Where: Clemson, South Carolina
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: ACCNX

What do we want to see: The Tigers have seemingly turned a corner. After starting 3-6, Clemson has won 14 straight games and earned a spot in the top 25 for the first time this season. The Tigers, led by Maddie Moore, are riding high and looking to keep their momentum going. On the other side, Duke is nursing its wounds after being swept at home by South Carolina. After struggling last weekend, the Blue Devils will need Cassidy Curd to lead the way. Can a Tiger team led by Maddie Moore continue Clemson’s upward trend or will Cassidy Curd right the ship and put Duke back to where they want to be?

9. No. 1 Texas @ Ohio State

Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: Monday, March 10
What’s it on: BIG+

What do we want to see: Since claiming the top spot, Texas has shown some vulnerability, but a lone loss to Stanford seemed to have ignited this team. The Longhorns have since run-ruled six of its last 10 opponents, showcasing its dominant form. First-year head coach Kirin Kumar has revamped Ohio State’s program. The Buckeyes’ impressive win over Georgia on Sunday marked their second victory over an SEC team this season and they’ll look for their third on Monday. Now, the question is: how dominant will Texas look as they face a much-improved Ohio State team on the road? The Longhorns will be tested, and the Buckeyes are eager to prove they can compete with the nation’s best.

10. No. 10 Arkansas @ Ole Miss

Where: Oxford, Mississippi
When: March 7-9
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: This weekend’s matchup between Arkansas and Ole Miss will provide a clearer picture of where each team stands. Arkansas boasts a high-powered offense, led by Bri Ellis, who has had a dominant start to her senior season. Ole Miss features a deep pitching staff, anchored by a trio of talented pitchers, and carries a 13-game winning streak into the weekend. The series will also showcase a battle between Ole Miss’s offense, which seems to have found its rhythm, and Robyn Herron and Arkansas’ young bullpen. With both teams playing their best ball of the season, the stakes are high for this all-important opening weekend series.