The Lineup: Top-25 SEC Showdowns Highlight Weekend Slate

An SEC-heavy slate dominates the television schedule this weekend, with five top-25 college softball matchups across the conference that are sure to shake up the standings. Beyond the SEC, several pivotal series feature teams on the tournament bubble looking to strengthen their résumés — including a pair of key showdowns in the state of Utah.

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1. No. 4 LSU @ No. 3 Texas A&M

Where: College Station, Texas
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: Fri & Sun: SECN+, Sat: SECN

What do we want to see: Halfway through conference play, the SEC title is up for grabs. Two of the nation’s top teams, Texas A&M and LSU, are set for a marquee series that is bound to shake up the standings. LSU leans on a deep pitching staff and an improved offense, while Texas A&M boasts the most support in the circle it has had during head coach Trisha Ford’s tenure. The teams are strikingly similar on paper, but their biggest commonality might be the dominance of their ace pitchers. LSU’s Sydney Berzon and Texas A&M’s Emiley Kennedy are set for an exciting duel this weekend.

2. No. 10 Tennessee @ No. 1 Texas

Where: Austin, Texas
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: Fri: ESPNU, Sat: ESPN, Sun: SECN+

What do we want to see: Tennessee has hit its stride in recent weekends, run-ruling Mississippi State twice and taking a series win over Oklahoma. Now, the Lady Vols head to Austin to face the top-ranked team in the country. Junior Karlyn Pickens has been the standout for Tennessee, continuing a sensational season and impressing week after week. Texas counters with its own star in the circle, Teagan Kavan. However, the depth of the Longhorns’ pitching staff has provided far more support than Tennessee’s — a factor that could prove decisive in this weekend’s series.

3. No. 6 South Carolina @ No. 7 Arkansas

Where: Fayetteville, Arkansas
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: Fri & Sun: SECN+, Sat: SECN

What do we want to see: Head coach Ashley Chastain has South Carolina, a team picked to finish last in the SEC preseason poll, in a position to host as a national seed. A consistent offense and a bullpen led by Jori Heard have kept the Gamecocks rolling. On the other hand, Arkansas is finding its rhythm, having won its last three conference series. Bri Ellis and Robyn Herron are leading the Razorbacks, who are now firmly in the mix for a national seed. How will this Gamecock pitching staff fare against this deadly Razorback offense? With so much at stake, which team’s momentum will carry through and secure a pivotal conference series win?

Conference Power Rankings: SEC | ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten

4. No. 2 Oklahoma @ No. 23 Alabama

Where: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
When: April 12-14
What’s it on: Sat: ESPN2, Sun & Mon: SECN

What do we want to see: Alabama is looking to salvage the second half of SEC play and keep its regional hosting streak alive. Oklahoma, meanwhile, is aiming to bounce back after dropping its first conference series of the season to Tennessee. Rhoads Stadium, one of the premier venues in college softball, will be a thrilling backdrop for this high-stakes matchup between two storied programs. Can Alabama build on its win over LSU and regain its footing against one of the nation’s top teams? Or will Oklahoma reassert its dominance and roll through Tuscaloosa?

5. No. 11 Florida @ No. 17 Ole Miss

Where: Oxford, Mississippi
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: A deep pitching staff and a young, but productive lineup have pushed Ole Miss into hosting contention midway through conference play. They’ll face a Florida team looking to get back on track after falling out of the top 10 for the first time this season, having lost three of its last four games. Gators ace Keagan Rothrock has allowed eight earned runs over her last 10 innings—matching the total she gave up in her previous 52 innings pitched. Can Florida snap out of its slump against a scrappy Ole Miss squad with plenty to prove in the circle? And if Rothrock takes the field, how often and for how long?

6. Washington @ No. 9 UCLA

Where: Los Angeles, California
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: Fri & Sun: BIG+, Sat: FS1

What do we want to see: UCLA picked up a pair of key wins over Ohio State last weekend and will look to keep that momentum going. Washington, with almost an entirely new roster, has continuously gotten better.. Two of the most storied programs in Pac-12 history, UCLA and Washington, will meet for the first time as Big Ten opponents. In its most crucial series of the season, can Washington’s offense break through a tough UCLA bullpen? And can the Bruins keep their bats hot after an offensive clinic against the Buckeyes?

7. No. 5 Florida State @ California

Where: Berkeley, California
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: ACCNX

What do we want to see: Florida State’s revamped bullpen has helped turn the Seminoles into a complete team this year. Fresh off another ACC series win, they now prepare for their longest conference road trip ever. Florida State features a balanced lineup with a mix of power and speed at the plate, paired with a pitch-by-committee approach in the circle. As the Seminoles push to reclaim the ACC crown, their pitching staff will be tested by California’s high-powered offense. Can Cal steal a series from the conference frontrunner? Will Florida State continue its strong run? And how will the long travel impact the Seminoles?

8. No. 25 Nebraska @ Northwestern

Where: Evanston, Illinois
When: April 12-14
What’s it on: Sat & Mon: BIG+, Sun: Big Ten Network

What do we want to see: Jordy Bahl remains one of the frontrunners for National Player of the Year, making an impact on both sides of the ball. She’ll lead Nebraska into a series against a surging Northwestern team that has opened conference play with a 9-1 record. A series win over the Cornhuskers would significantly boost the Wildcats’ NCAA tournament chances. Meanwhile, Nebraska must capitalize on this opportunity to keep its regional hosting hopes alive. In a Big Ten landscape dominated by Oregon and UCLA, don’t overlook these two teams.

9. Fresno State @ Utah State

Where: Logan, Utah
When: April 11-13
What’s it on: Mountain West Network

What do we want to see: Two of the top teams in the Mountain West Conference are battling for a regular-season title. Both ranked among the top four in the conference, Utah State and Fresno State are looking to capitalize on a marquee series with major conference implications. On paper, the teams couldn’t be more different. Utah State features an explosive offense capable of lighting up the scoreboard, while Fresno State leans on a strong pitching staff anchored by ace Serayah Neiss. Which comes away with the series and takes a step closer to the top as the regular season winds down?

10. UCF @ BYU

Where: Provo, Utah
When: April 10-12
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: Both UCF and BYU are looking for a key series win to strengthen their résumés heading into the second half of conference play. The Knights feature a deep pitching staff, with three arms surpassing 70 innings pitched this season. BYU, meanwhile, leans heavily on its offense, led by Ilove’a Brittingham. She enters the weekend with a .439 batting average, 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. Can UCF’s pitching staff shut down Brittingham and the BYU bats? Or will the Knights take another Big 12 series and move closer to solidifying an at-large bid?