6 Must-See Games at the 2026 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
The 2026 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic returns to Cathedral City next February 19-22. The lineup is stacked with premier teams, including Auburn, Duke, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UCLA, and more. What are the can’t-miss games? Here are five, in our opinion.
Oregon vs. Auburn, Thursday, February 20, 10 a.m. PT
Oregon vs. Texas A&M, Thursday, February 19, 12:30 pm. PT
Oregon kicks off the 2026 Mary Classic with a bang. The Ducks, who also play South Carolina and Duke, have two big tests against SEC foes. Auburn, which added a lot of new pieces this offseason, will look to build off the momentum from year two under the Malveauxs.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M has its own changes after a rough Regional exit as it missed a potential Super Regional matchup with the Ducks. Will the new-look offense be able to handle the pitching duo of Lyndsey Grein and Elise Sokolsky?
Nebraska vs. South Carolina, Friday, February, 10 a.m. PT
Nebraska was selective when it used Jordy Bahl at the Mary Nutter last season, and would expect the same in 2026. However, even if it’s not Bahl, Nebraska needs the rest of its bullpen to step up, and this could be a good litmus test for freshman Alexis Jensen.
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Oklahoma vs. Duke, Friday, February 20, 1 p.m. PT
This is the Sooners’ most challenging contest of their trip to California. Oklahoma returns nearly its whole lineup, which could be facing either Cassidy Curd or Duke’s transfer arms. As a softball enthusiast, I hope we also see a Sydney Berzon versus Jess Oakland at-bat in their new uniforms.
UCLA vs. South Carolina, Saturday, February 21, 5:30 p.m. PT
In this Super Regional rematch, we’ll see two programs that will look a little bit different in 2026. Nevertheless, both offenses were led by Jordan Woolery and Megan Grant on one side, and Arianna Rodi and Quincee Lilio on the other. There is a good chance that a lot of runs will be scored.
UCLA vs. Texas A&M, Sunday, February 22, 11:30 a.m. PT
The Bruins and Aggies have a lot of questions in the circle. With this game coming at the end of the weekend, both teams’ depth in the bullpen will certainly be tested. How much of Taylor Tinsley and Sidne Peters will we see?
More from Softball America:
2027 Top 150 Rankings
2027 Team Rankings
2028 Recruiting Watch List
