2025 College Softball Bracket Roundtable

The Softball America staff; Brady Vernon, Tara Henry, Gray Robertson, Nicole Mendes and Jason Rhea answer questions about the college softball bracket.

What is the college softball toughest regional? 

Jason Rhea: LSU. The committee did not do the Tigers any favors. Not only are they not a top-eight host, but they also have a potential matchup against Nebraska. Their first-round game against one of the strongest four seeds will not be automatic.

Brady Vernon: LSU. The Tigers getting Jordy Bahl and Nebraska makes it tough already. Then the committee put two teams into the Baton Rouge that are worthy of three seeds in UConn and SELA, but SELA was underseeded for driving reasons. 

Tara Henry: LSU. As the rest of the group has indicated, the Tigers face a tough path—starting with a legitimate No. 4 seed in SELA. And Nebraska, led by Jordy Bahl, will pose all kinds of problems. Pitching matchups will be crucial for LSU.

Nicole Mendes: LSU, But for variety sake I also think that Arizona will have a tough regional with GCU and Ole Miss in the mix. 

Gray Robertson: The easy answer is LSU, and I’ll have plenty to say about the Tigers’ draw this week on various shows. Since my compatriots have mentioned Baton Rouge, I’ll shout out the Los Angeles Regional. Having San Diego State as a three-seed is tough, and Kenzie Brown makes Arizona State extremely dangerous. UCLA needs to play well to get out of LA.

What is the easiest college softball regional? 

JR: Texas A&M. The College Station Regional is the only Regional in which the host team is the only Power Four included. Liberty has been inconsistent down the stretch and Marist is largely untested.

BV: Texas A&M. Honestly, if you’re the top overall seed, you should get the easiest regional. Liberty and Marist are fun but aren’t the strongest two and three seeds. 

TH: Texas A&M. Liberty will give the Aggies a good fight but this seems like an easy one as the No. 1 seed.

NM: Texas A&M, as the #1 seed should be. The way the Aggies have been playing this should be able to handle their regional without too many issues. 

GR: Clemson. USC Upstate isn’t the easiest four seed, but the Tigers get two bubble teams as their two- and three-seed. Kentucky has struggled all year against quality competition (5-23 vs. the RPI Top 25), and Northwestern has had some really puzzling performances all season long. I’d be surprised if the red-hot Tigers don’t cruise through this Regional.

Which non-Top-Eight seed has a reasonable path to Oklahoma City?

JR: Texas Tech. If the Red Raiders can get out of the Lubbock Regional, it’s tough to beat NiJaree Canady in a three-game series. The Big 12 Regular Season and Tournament Champions are 25-5 in their last 30 games. 

BV: Clemson. The Tigers have an easy regional in my opinion. Then they possibly match up with a struggling Texas team, while Clemson is red-hot. The youthful Tigers might have less pressure being so young, and the Longhorns feel like they must reach Oklahoma City.

NM: UCLA. I think the reason SC got the 8 seed is from what they did early on in-season and they have not been playing at that level. I can see UCLA getting on their postseason run that they always have and having the path paved for them

GR: I’m with my partner from THE DIRT. UCLA is the pick here. First off, I’m not even sure South Carolina is getting out of the Columbia Regional. Second, the Bruins have a deep, versatile pitching staff that’s tough to prepare for. Third, the two best bats in this quadrant are Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery. It just feels like a good matchup for UCLA.

TH: UCLA. The Bruins have postseason experience and will lean on a pitching staff that has thrown on the big stage. If they do travel to Columbia they will deal with a rowdy environment, but ultimately think they’ve 

What pitcher from a non-host can lead their team out of a regional? 

JR: Jordy Bahl. Nebraska is much more than just Jordy Bahl, but make no mistake that she is the ring leader in the circle and at the plate. With LSU only 6-9 in their last 15 games coming into the tournament, the opportunity for Bahl and the Huskers might be there for the upset.

BV: Can Kenzie Brown throw every pitch? She’s been incredible for the Sun Devils. However, she’ll likely have to put on her Taryn Mowatt impression and throw every pitch to get Arizona State out of the Los Angeles regional.

NM: Jordy. When she’s on the mound, anything can happen, and postseason Jordy is another level. She knows how to turn it on in the biggest moments and Nebraska responds so well to her energy. I see her making a run. 

GR: Jordy Bahl is the answer that jumps out, so I’ll cheat and mention a duo. Give me Lauren Derkowski and Erin Hoehn at Michigan. The way those two worked off each other in the Big Ten Tournament was really impressive. The Texas offense has shown a few cracks down the stretch, and this tandem has enough variety that can cause some problems. I’m not ready to pick the upset, but Michigan’s arms will give the Longhorns all they can handle.

TH: Kenzie Brown. If the Sun Devils can produce some runs on offense, Brown gives them a good shot to get through LA 

What Mid-Major player are you most excited to see on the big stage? 

JR: Maya Johnson. One of the stories of Sunday was that Virginia Tech did not get to host a Regional. Not only did they not host, but they have to face one of the top pitchers in the nation in Maya Johnson. Johnson leads the nation in strikeouts with 355 and a top-five ERA at 1.24. A Maya Johnson versus Cori McMillan matchup is must-see television.

BV: Rachel Roupe and Miah McDonald. Liberty and Marist face off in the Bryan-College Station Regional, spotlighting two of the best Mid-Major stars. Roupe is one of the best outfielders on both sides, being the Flames’ best bat and a Gold Glove defender. McDonald has hit 24 homers and been one of the shortstops this season. 

TH: Georgia Hood, Delaney Keith, Keirstin Roose. The trio of Coastal Carolina sluggers all have 50+ RBI and double digit home runs. The Chants will be a team to keep and eye on in Durham. 

GR: Allison Benning, North Florida. The two-way star hasn’t had many chances to shine against Power Four teams this year, but I’m excited to see her in the Columbia Regional. Shoutout as well to Mercer’s Tori Hedgecock, who’s an incredibly tough out with a great eye. The pitching staff in the Gainesville Regional must be careful.

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