The Lineup: Judi Garman, Top-25 Tests Highlight Week Four's Slate

Week four of the college softball season features a slate of exciting matchups, with the prestigious Judi Garman Classic at the forefront. The tournament brings together some of the nation’s top teams. Games in Durham, College Station and Wichita will be crucial tests for teams approaching conference play next week.

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1. No. 4 UCLA vs No. 6 LSU

Where: Fullerton, California (Judi Garman Classic)
When: Thursday, Feb. 26, at 3:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: N/A

What do we want to see: UCLA will face its sixth straight top-25 opponent, while LSU encounters its toughest test yet. Both teams boast deep bullpens, including two of the nation’s top freshman recruits. The pitching matchup takes center stage, but both teams have also shown strong offensive performances and hope to maintain that momentum. The Bruins are unbeaten against the SEC this season, holding a perfect 5-0 record against the powerhouse conference. Can LSU stay undefeated, or will UCLA secure another key resume win?

2. No. 14 Texas Tech @ No. 5 Texas A&M

Where: College Station, Texas
When: Saturday, March 1, at 8:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 2, at 3:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Texas Tech head coach Gerry Glasco has challenged his team early in the season. Nijaree Canady is undeniably one of the nation’s top pitchers, but the Red Raiders’ lack of offensive support has hindered their success. Texas Tech has failed to win a top-25 matchup with Canady in the circle, losing both games she’s appeared in.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M is coming off one of the best weekends of any team, sweeping a doubleheader against No. 9 Florida State. Will the Texas Tech offense break through against a versatile Aggie bullpen? Can Texas A&M continue to exceed expectations with another sweep of a top-15 team?

3. No. 4 UCLA vs No. 7 Arizona

Where: Fullerton, California (Judi Garman Classic)
When: Saturday, March 1, at 5:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: N/A

What do we want to see: A renewed rivalry in college softball features a timeless matchup between two perennial powerhouses with very different looks this season. Arizona has shown offensive prowess, belting 59 extra-base hits through its first 17 games. The Wildcats also have a different approach in the circle, relying on eight different arms. Arizona’s unpredictability in the circle has worked to its advantage so far. Miranda Stoddard has stood out as a two-way player, leading the team in homers and ERA. Meanwhile, UCLA’s challenging schedule continues, providing a clearer picture of how the Bruins’ bullpen will function heading into conference play. Both teams are coming off strong weekends, but which one can cap off its stretch with a win that just means more to these programs?

4. No. 17 South Carolina @ No. 8 Duke

Where: Durham, North Carolina
When: Friday, Feb. 28, at 6:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, March 1, at 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 2, at 12:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ACCN Extra

What do we want to see: You couldn’t ask for a better start to the season than Ashley Chastain’s tenure at South Carolina. The Gamecocks carry a perfect record into the weekend, but they have yet to face a true test. That test comes now. Duke could not have had a better weekend, knocking off two top-25 foes and shutting out its last three opponents at the Mary Nutter Classic. Cassidy Curd has been stellar, solidifying her role as the workhorse for the Blue Devils. Jori Heard and Nealy Lamb are expected to lead the Gamecock bullpen, but this weekend will offer a clearer picture of how South Carolina might fare once SEC play begins. Are the Gamecocks the real deal? Can Duke find an arm outside of Curd to rely on? It should be an exciting weekend in Durham.

5. No. 15 Oklahoma State vs No. 16 Nebraska

Where: Wichita, Kansas
When: Friday, Feb. 28, at 1:30 p.m. ET
What’s it on: N/A

What do we want to see: Nebraska dropped both of its games against ranked opponents at the Mary Nutter Classic, but the Cornhuskers will have another chance when they face the Cowgirls. Jordy Bahl continues to shine both at the plate and in the circle. Despite its struggle to consistently barrel up better competition, Nebraska’s potent offense has still blasted 36 home runs this season, which leads the nation. Oklahoma State has had a slow start, but with a talented roster and head coach Kenny Gajewski’s leadership, the Cowgirls remain a World Series contender. Still seeking consistency in the circle, will Oklahoma State look to junior Ruby Meylan or sophomore Katie Kutz to handle the innings this weekend? Will Bahl pitch against the Cowgirls? And how strong is this Cornhusker offense?

6. No. 7 Arizona vs No. 18 San Diego State

Where: Fullerton, California (Judi Garman Classic)
When: Sunday, March 2, at 12:30 p.m. ET
What’s it on: N/A

What do we want to see: Arizona has had a strong start to its 2025 campaign, but the Wildcats must continue to capitalize on opportunities if they want to strengthen an already impressive resume. San Diego State lost some momentum last weekend with a 7-2 defeat to Oregon at the Mary Nutter Classic. The Aztecs need to take full advantage of their challenging non-conference schedule if they hope to have a shot at hosting come May. This matchup presents an incredible opportunity for one team to make a significant step toward postseason aspirations. Both teams feature strong arms in their bullpens, but the question remains: who will get the start for each team?

7. Ohio State @ No. 12 Georgia

Where: Athens, Georgia
When: Saturday, March 1, at 3:30 p.m. ET
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Behind first-year head coach Kirin Kumar, the Ohio State softball program looks rejuvenated and aims to knock off another SEC team. Georgia faced its first true test when it fell to Clemson on Wednesday, handing the Bulldogs their first loss of the season. Now, Georgia will have a quick turnaround, facing a powerful Buckeye offense eager to keep producing. Randi Roelling and Lilli Backes have been the two arms Georgia has relied on. The pair of lefty pitchers will need to be strong again in the circle this weekend. Can the Bulldogs bounce back, or will the Buckeyes secure a huge non-conference resume win, solidifying their place as a tournament team?

8. Michigan @ No. 8 Duke

Where: Durham, North Carolina
When: Thursday, Feb. 27, at 12:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ACCN Extra

What do we want to see: Duke head coach Marissa Young will host her alma mater on Thursday. Cassidy Curd and the Blue Devils have built one of the best non-conference resumes in college softball. Michigan, however, has not had the start it expected, with an 8-5 record and losses in every game against a Power Four opponent. Lauren Derkowski has been solid for the Wolverines, but they’ll need contributions from others to beat this top-10 Duke team. With South Carolina looming, will the Blue Devils pitch Curd? If not, who can they rely on to contain a Michigan lineup that is beginning to find its rhythm?

9. Missouri @ Wichita State

Where: Wichita, Kansas
When: Friday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. ET
What’s it on: N/A

What do we want to see: Both teams are looking to get back on track. Missouri is off to an 8-8 start. Wichita State, after beginning 5-0, has gone 4-5 in its last nine games. Both teams have faced tough schedules so far. As a result, Missouri boasts an SEC-low .259 batting average. Off to a rough start in the circle, Taylor Pannell has emerged as a potential candidate to step up for the Tigers. Chloe Barber has been a key arm for Wichita State, but the Shockers need someone to step up behind her. With conference games approaching, which team can regain some of its lost momentum?

10. Indiana @ Clemson

Where: Clemson, South Carolina
When: Saturday, March 1, at 3:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ACCN Extra

What do we want to see: Clemson has won seven straight games, including a midweek upset over No. 12 Georgia. With momentum on their side, the Tigers will look to keep it rolling. Indiana will need to find a way to stymie a dangerous Clemson lineup. For the Hoosiers to pull off the win, they’ll need to rely on their bats, as nearly half of their anticipated lineup is batting over .400. Clemson saw solid pitching performances from Reese Basinger and Brooke McCubbin on Wednesday. Depending on them could be key for the Tigers, as it will be all hands on deck against the hard-hitting Hoosiers. Indiana has had its chances but fell twice to No. 14 Texas Tech last weekend in consecutive games. Can the Hoosiers finally secure a non-conference resume win? Or can Clemson stay hot and carry its momentum into conference play?