Could These Teams Take a Step Back in 2026?

Each year, there is inevitably a college softball team or set of teams that fail to meet preseason expectations. At major blue-blood type programs, it can become a difficult chore to produce at a high level year in and year out. Below are four teams that could take a step back not only from what they were last year, but also from typical expectations.

Texas A&M

2026 Texas A&M Preview

It was a historic season in Aggieland last year in more ways than one. Texas A&M was the co-champion of the SEC tournament and earned an overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, they became the first No. 1 seed to be bounced out of the tournament in the Regional round. That can be difficult to overcome on a psychological level.

Emiley Kennedy has graduated. Kennedy was the ace of the staff and was expected to produce a large number of innings. Sidne Peters is likely to slide into that spot in 2026, though she won’t be counted on to throw as many innings; her health could be a concern. Sydney Lessentine had some good moments last year, but is she ready for a bigger role? Taylor Pannell comes over from Missouri and was one of the best true relievers in the game.

Texas A&M has five key pieces of the offense that they will have to replace in Amari Harper, Koko Wooley, Mac Barbara, Allie Enright and Kramer Eschete. A pair of Oklahoma State transfers will be relied on heavily to contribute. Macaela Wark and Tallen Edwards should anchor the right side of the infield. Paislie Allen and Ariel Kowalewski will also step into run-producing roles.

Arizona

2026 Arizona Preview

The Wildcats are one of the hardest teams to diagnose in 2026. There’s a real path for Arizona to be a top-10 team and fight for a national seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, there’s an equally realistic path for Tucson, with all the changes, where they could also fight for a spot in the overall 64-team field. Even though they didn’t escape that Regional, they did host in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. However, how Caitlin Lowe integrates 10 new faces will be key to the team’s success this season.

Between the portal and graduation, the pitching staff has been gutted. The Wildcats only return 4.1 innings of experience in the circle. With that, Arizona brought in three new arms. Jalen Adams appears to be ready to take over the reins to be that ace. She was excellent last year at Iowa, winning 24 games with a 2.18 ERA. Also, Janae Berry comes over from Indiana. However, she was up and down, posting a 4.39 ERA. Rylie Holder is a true freshman and likely will be counted on for a lot of innings. Suffice it to say, there is a lot of uncertainty outside of Adams.

Like the pitching staff, there’s a lot of turnover at the plate. The Wildcats lose four key contributors from last year. Regan Shockey, Sydney Stewart, Tayler Biehl, and Jenna Sniffen will lead the charge in terms of returning talent. Replacing those four contributors will be a set of newcomers. Sina Talataina has the power and figures to settle in at first base. Iowa State transfer Serenti Trice was fantastic as a Cyclone and can lock down the second base position. Big East Player of the Year Grace Jenkins will move to the outfield.

Oklahoma State

2026 Oklahoma State Preview

The Cowgirls have set an expectation that not making the WCWS is considered a disappointing season. Even though that’s not a realistic feat, that’s what they were faced with when they lost in Region play to Arkansas. There’s reason to believe that could continue in 2026. Oklahoma State has an extremely challenging non-conference schedule. But, more importantly, they must find some consistency on both sides.

Ruby Meylan was excellent with a sub-2.00 ERA and 21 wins. Expect that to continue. However, can she receive the support that she needs? She threw nearly 59% of the innings for Oklahoma State last year out of necessity. No other pitcher had an ERA lower than 4.55. RyLee Crandall might be more important to a team’s staff than any other player. The Cowgirls need the 2024 version of Crandall. Freshman Preslee Downing will have a role in addition to redshirt freshman Madison Hofman.

After hitting 92 home runs and averaging 5.95 runs per game in 2024, that number dipped to 55 home runs and 5.16 runs per game last year. Now, Oklahoma State will have to replace 19 of those home runs. Amanda Hasler was excellent for most of the year, particularly in conference play, and should be another double-digit home run hitter. Indiana transfer Melina Wilkison should also help those power numbers. Oklahoma State must get the best version of Karli Godwin and Rosie Davis to ignite this offense.

Florida State

2026 Florida State Preview

It’s a rare feat for head coach Lonni Alameda’s club to take a step back from the nation’s elite. While this is not a prediction, the fact that the Seminoles lost nine players can’t be understated. Florida State did not bring in a single transfer in the portal and will rely on freshmen or depth pieces from a year ago to fill critical roles. Production at the plate could be the biggest question mark.

Florida State should have one of the deepest staffs in the country. And, if you follow Florida State softball, Alameda will not be shy about using them all. Jazzy Francik and Ashtyn Danley will return to be the co-aces of the staff. They combined to win 24 games last year and posted ERAs of 1.51 and 1.60, respectively. Makenna Reid appears to be healthy again and ready to help. And remember the name, Bella Dimitrijevic. She was a top 10 pitcher in the Softball America recruiting rankings this year and will help immediately.

Isa Torres and Jaysoni Beachum are mainstays in this lineup and will be called upon to stay that way. However, there will be some moving parts around them. Michaela Edenfield, Katie Dack, Hallie Wacaser, and Jahni Kerr will all have to be replaced. How Kennedy Harp comes back from her late-season injury will be something to watch. Makenna Sturgis and Hayley Griggs (No. 6 overall recruit) should see some early playing time in the outfield. However, how the Seminoles replace Edenfield’s production and leadership will be huge. Look for Anna Hinde and Bella Ruggiero to battle for that position.

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