The Lineup: SEC, ACC Titles Up for Grabs in High-Stakes Regular-Season Finales

The SEC-heavy slate this weekend highlights the race for the conference’s coveted crown. Top-15 college softball series in Knoxville, Gainesville and Fayetteville will cement the four teams earning a bye in the upcoming SEC Tournament. In the ACC, the regular-season champion will be awarded to either Virginia Tech or Florida State. Every team in this lineup, however, has something to fight for this weekend. Whether it be a hosting spot, a tournament bid or bragging rights, we’re set for a fantastic regular-season finale.

1. No. 6 Texas A&M @ No. 3 Tennessee

Where: Knoxville, Tennessee
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: Thu & Fri: SECN+, Sat: SECN

What do we want to see: The SEC regular-season title race is heating up as Texas A&M and Tennessee remain in contention for the coveted crown. The Aggies dropped two of three games against Arkansas, while the Lady Vols bounced back from their first consecutive losses of the season with a series win over Ole Miss. Ace pitchers Emiley Kennedy and Karlyn Pickens will be key players as both teams aim to secure a series win and a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament. In a top-10 showdown set for Knoxville, who will reclaim their lost momentum?

2. No. 1 Oklahoma @ No. 8 Florida

Where: Gainesville, Florida
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: Thu & Fri: SECN, Sat: ESPN2

What do we want to see: Oklahoma can clinch the SEC regular-season title with a series win in Gainesville. In a rematch of last year’s thrilling semifinal, the Sooners and Gators bring two of the most dangerous lineups in the country. Florida dropped its series at LSU last week, but solid outings from previously injured Keagan Rothrock are an encouraging sign. Meanwhile, Oklahoma solidified its status as the nation’s top team with timely hitting and ace Sam Landry. Can the Sooners capture the SEC crown in their inaugural season, or will Florida play spoiler while chasing a first-round bye in the conference tournament?

3. No. 5 Florida State @ No. 18 Virginia Tech

Where: Blacksburg, Virginia
When: May 2-4
What’s it on: Fri: ACCNX, Sat & Sun: ACCN

What do we want to see: Florida State needs just one win to secure the ACC regular-season title, while Virginia Tech must pull off a sweep to finish atop the conference standings. The Hokies are powered by AUSL Golden Ticket recipients Emma Lemley and Cori McMillan and need a series win to boost their hosting chances. Florida State, meanwhile, is in prime position for a national seed, and a series win would likely lock that up. With the ACC title on the line, can Virginia Tech’s explosive offense solve Florida State’s pitch-by-committee approach, or will the Garnet and Gold rule the ACC once again?

4. No. 12 LSU @ No. 2 Arkansas

Where: Fayetteville, Arkansas
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Arkansas is playing like one of the top teams in the nation, riding a streak of five straight SEC series wins. Robyn Herron has been clutch for the Razorbacks, while Bri Ellis strengthens her campaign for National Player of the Year. LSU enters the weekend with momentum after a major series win over Florida. Sydney Berzon was superb in two outings against the Gators, setting up a must-watch showdown with Ellis. Can the Tigers make a push toward a national seed, or will the Razorbacks notch a sixth consecutive series win?

5. No. 13 Alabama @ No. 14 South Carolina

Where: Columbia, South Carolina
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: Thu & Fri: SECN+, Sat: SECN

What do we want to see: Alabama is hitting its stride at the right time — a familiar feeling under head coach Patrick Murphy. Behind a walk-off win and stellar pitching, the Tide swept Missouri to stay in the mix for a host spot. South Carolina, once poised for a national seed, stumbled last week in a series loss to Auburn and now needs to regain lost ground. In a pivotal matchup between two teams fighting to improve their postseason positioning, only one can come away with the series win.

6. No. 20 Ole Miss @ No. 19 Mississippi State

Where: Starkville, Mississippi
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: Thu & Fri: SECN+, Sat: SECN

What do we want to see: The stakes couldn’t be higher in this year’s Egg Bowl. Both Mississippi State and Ole Miss sit in the top 25 of the RPI and are clinging to hopes of hosting a regional in two weeks. A series win this weekend would provide a major boost for either team. The Bulldogs lean on Raelin Chaffin, while the Rebels counter with a pitching staff featuring Aliyah Binford and Brianna Lopez. Mississippi State also enters the weekend with the best team batting average in the SEC. With more than bragging rights on the line, this year’s Egg Bowl on the diamond is a must-watch.

7. Texas State @ UL Monroe

Where: Monroe, Louisiana
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: For the first time in over a decade, Louisiana will not win the regular season title in the Sun Belt. However, the title can stay in state if the Warhawks have any say in it. Texas State is a usual contender in the conference, but ULM has taken the Sun Belt by storm. The Warhawks have not lost a game at home this season and will look to keep that streak going against its toughest test yet. As the top two teams in the conference, who will etch their name in history?

8. Indiana @ Purdue

Where: West Lafayette, Indiana
When: May 2-4
What’s it on: BIG+

What do we want to see: In a storied Big Ten rivalry, Indiana and Purdue will square off with bragging rights on the line. The Hoosiers need to handle business against their bitter arch rival. Meanwhile, the Boilermakers are looking to spoil Indiana’s season. Taylor Minnick leads an explosive Indiana offense, while Madi Elish has kept opposing hitters off balance for Purdue. It’s a monumental weekend in West Lafayette. Can the Hoosiers maintain their dominance in the series, or is Purdue here to switch things up?

9. No. 10 Texas Tech @ BYU

Where: Gainesville, Florida
When: May 1-3
What’s it on: Thu & Fri: ESPN+, Sat: ESPNU

What do we want to see: First-year head coach Gerry Glasco has guided Texas Tech to its first conference title in program history. NiJaree Canady has continued her pitching master class, and the Red Raiders’ offense has picked up steam. However, the metrics do not favor Texas Tech, and they could be sent on the road if they don’t keep winning. BYU, meanwhile, has a lot to gain in the series. The Cougars are looking to establish themselves as a tournament team, and a series win over Texas Tech would certainly help.

10. Omaha @ Wisconsin

Where: Madison, Wisconsin
When: May 2nd (DH)
What’s it on: BIG+

What do we want to see: A Friday doubleheader in Madison carries significant postseason implications. Wisconsin is fighting to keep its tournament hopes alive, while Omaha leads the Summit League. With both teams looking to strengthen their résumés, a sweep by either side could be enough to move off the bubble if they fall short in their conference tournaments.

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