Tara Henry's Way-Too-Early 2026 Softball America Top 25

Earlier this offseason, Brady Vernon gave his opinion on a way-too-early Top 25 for the 2026 season. and Gray Roberston took his crack at the early Softball America Top 25. Now, Tara Henry takes her crack at the early Softball America Top 25.

No. 1 Texas Tech

There’s been plenty of offseason buzz about the Red Raiders landing multiple All-Americans ahead of the 2026 season. If what Gerry Glasco accomplished in just his first year in Lubbock is any indication, it’s no surprise they’re being pegged as early favorites. Can Glasco turn a collection of elite individuals into a lineup that shares the load? In my opinion, yes. He has a proven track record, now with more resources to spend, turning Texas Tech into a big market team.

NiJaree Canady helped lead Texas Tech to its first WCWS appearance, and what separates the 2026 Red Raiders is the supporting cast around her. Taylor Pannell, Jazzy Burns, Mia Williams, Lagi Quiroga, Desirae Spearman, Jackie Lis, and Kaitlyn Terry bring serious value, raising the ceiling even higher.

Canady signing a reported $1M+ deal at the start of the WCWS finals, with Patrick Mahomes in the stands, signals where the sport is headed. With that kind of trajectory, the Red Raiders have firepower across the board. The only lingering question: will they be able to schedule tough competition outside of conference play? Only time and schedule announcements will tell.

No. 2 Texas

Honestly, the reigning WCWS champions earned the No. 1 spot in 2025, so it’s really more of a 1A–1B situation at the top. After finally getting over the hump and winning their first national title, the Longhorns are primed for another deep postseason run. The return of their title-winning battery, Teagan Kavan and Reese Atwood, is the best place to start.

While Mia Scott’s graduation leaves a noticeable gap, it’s nearly an even exchange as All-American Viviana Martinez returns to shortstop after suffering a season-ending injury a year ago. Nearly the entire starting lineup including Ashton Maloney, Kayden Henry, Katie Stewart, Leighann Goode, and Kaydee Bennett returns as well. Kaiah Altmeyer (Arizona) adds another clutch bat to the lineup, and the freshman class has already shown poise and maturity this fall. It could be the perfect blend of veteran leadership and young energy.

The only reason Texas isn’t locked into the top spot is the departure of hitting coach Steve Singleton. Ehren Earleywine is a proven winner, but the offense may take some time to adjust — or maybe not. Recruiting elite hitters tends to prevent any slump from lasting long.

No. 3 Oklahoma

Even when expectations dipped slightly heading into last season, the Sooners still finished in Oklahoma City — extending their dynasty when many believed the road would be tougher. Four-time defending champions entering 2025, Oklahoma proved once again that depth, youth, and belief travel together.
Replacing Sam Landry in the circle was the biggest question mark, and the arrival of Sydney Berzon and Miali Guachanio seems to be the answer. The pair only strengthens the pitching staff, which includes Audrey Lowery, Kiersten Deal, and Alyssa Parker. The starting nine remains virtually intact, bolstered by the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and a healthy Ella Parker, who returns to anchor the offense alongside Gabbie Garcia, Ailana Agbayani, and Nelly McEnroe-Marinas.

Checking Oklahoma’s roster this fall, it’s remarkable what this program achieved with such a young core a year ago. Keep an eye on Kendall Wells, who’s already logged a three-home-run game this fall, pushing for innings behind the plate alongside veteran Isabela Emerling. The machine keeps reloading in Norman, never rebuilding.

No. 4 Oregon

Melyssa Lombardi has Oregon trending upward again. The Ducks are coming off their first trip to Oklahoma City since 2019, a milestone moment for a program that’s clearly building.

Dual aces Lyndsey Grein and Elise Sokolsky headline the circle, providing the stability needed for another postseason push. But the bigger story is the culture: Lombardi has surrounded herself with a championship-caliber staff featuring Sam Marder, Sydney Romero, Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza, and now Paige Parker as Director of Player Development. It’s a blend of modern approach and proven success.

The lineup returns serious power from the right side in Rylee McCoy and Stefini Ma’ake, who combined for 113 RBIs as freshmen. The biggest adjustment comes on the base paths with the graduation of the Luschar sisters and Paige Sinicki, who together stole 121 bags. Transfers Elon Butler (Cal) and Addison Amaral (Notre Dame) will help stabilize the infield and fill that gap. After tasting the WCWS spotlight, Oregon has both the experience and infrastructure to make it back-to-back appearances.

No. 5 Tennessee

Karlyn Pickens returns for her senior season with one goal: to bring home the first WCWS title in program history. The Lady Vols are built for another deep run, anchored by an elite pitching staff featuring Erin Nuwer, Sage Mardjetko, Kailey Plumlee, and Payton Hardenburger.

Offensively, Emma Clarke looks ready to absorb the run-production void left by Taylor Pannell and Boo Gibson, while transfers Madi Rutan (EKU), Sophia Knight (Boise State), and Mackenzie Butt (Boise State) add instant impact and versatility.

Under hitting coach Craig Snider, now entering year two, the Vols’ lineup is becoming a contender as one of the most physical and balanced in the nation. With extra-base power spread 1 through 9 and defensive flexibility across the board, Tennessee has the ingredients to stay near the top and perhaps finally finish the job.

6. Arkansas

My gut says this might finally be the Razorbacks’ year. Courtney Deifel continues to build one of the most consistent and culture-driven programs in the country, and it’s no surprise Arkansas welcomes the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation. That group includes No. 8-ranked Saylor Timmerman, fresh off winning gold at the U18 World Cup with Team USA — and she could become another weapon in the circle alongside returning arms Robyn Herron and Payton Burnham.

The departures of Bri Ellis and Courtney Day will certainly affect run production, but they also open the door for new leaders to emerge for the Bogle Bombers. Transfer Dakota Kennedy brings proven power and should make an immediate impact in the middle of the lineup. Another name to circle is Brinli Bain, a standout dual-sport athlete in high school who recently finished runner-up to Kennedy in Arkansas’ “Razorbacks Unlimited” series.

7. Nebraska

There’s plenty to be excited about in Lincoln and it’s not all about Jordy Bahl. Another former Sooner, Hannah Coor, joins a Husker lineup that already returns serious firepower. Nebraska posted a .346 team average and launched 107 home runs last season, with its top three run producers — Bahl, Ava Kuszak, and Olivia DiNardo — all back in the lineup. Add Hannah Camenzind, who also hit double-digit home runs, and this offense has the tools to compete with anyone in the country.

Veteran head coach Rhonda Revelle continues to blend decades of experience with her trademark lifelong learning approach. The Huskers will be tested early, spending much of February on the road with marquee matchups in Texas against Washington and Texas, followed by the Clearwater Invitational and Mary Nutter Classic in Palm Springs. As noted by Gray, one of the biggest storylines to watch is how Nebraska’s staff manages innings in the circle early in the season — a crucial factor given the challenging schedule ahead.

8. Florida State

Experience meets new energy in Tallahassee. Isa Torres and Jaysoni Beachum return for their third season together on the left side of the infield, providing stability and leadership on defense. The Seminoles also get back Kennedy Harp, who was in the midst of a breakout 2025 campaign — hitting .412 with 10 triples and nine home runs — before a season-ending injury cut things short.

In the circle, Jazzy Francik and Ashtyn Danley give Florida State one of the most reliable one-two punches in the country. Both posted sub-2.00 ERAs last season and combined for more than half of the team’s total strikeouts across a six-pitcher staff. The pair’s return offers flexibility and confidence for a group that’s accustomed to championship expectations.

Replacing super seniors Jahni Kerr, Katie Dack, and Michaela Edenfield will be no small task, but the No. 3 recruiting class in the nation brings an injection of star power. Five-star Hayley Griggs headlines the newcomers, joined by four-stars Anna Hinde, Harlie Chism, Bella Dimitrijevic, and Markenna Sturgis. With proven veterans and top-tier talent on the rise, the Seminoles remain one of the most complete and balanced programs in the country.

9. Clemson

John Rittman’s young squad made huge strides from the start of the 2025 season to the final out in the Austin Super Regional. The Tigers return several key pieces and have reloaded through the transfer portal, positioning themselves for another deep postseason push.

Julia Knowler, Macey Cintron, and Marian Collins all return after hitting double-digit home runs last season, forming the foundation of a power-driven offense. Clemson also made major moves in the portal, adding Corri Hicks (Oklahoma), Kiley Channell (FAU), Sierra Maness (USC Upstate), and Abby Dunning (Boston College) — a group that brings both experience and depth.

In the circle, Dunning and Maness will take on innings alongside Cintron, who logged the most work a season ago. If there’s one constant in Rittman’s programs, it’s that his teams peak when it matters most. Expect this roster to do the same when May rolls around.

10. Texas A&M

Both Brady and Gray have the Aggies slotted just outside the top 10 — and their reasoning makes sense. But a hungry Trisha Ford team is a dangerous one. When you look at who returns from last year’s squad and who joins through the transfer portal, it’s hard to leave Texas A&M out of that elite conversation.

The Aggies bring back a deep and seasoned pitching staff featuring Sydney Lessentine, Grace Sparks, and Sidne Peters, while adding Taylor Pannell from Missouri. That kind of depth gives Ford flexibility in the circle, something that will matter down the stretch.

Offensively, Mya Perez remains the heartbeat of the lineup after driving in 73 RBIs last season with 16 home runs (tied with KK Dement for the team lead). Dement, who also led the team with 18 doubles, continues to be one of the SEC’s most underrated hitters. Transfers Tallen Edwards and Micaela Wark (Oklahoma State) bring WCWS experience and Paislie Allen (Georgia) brings another elite infielder into the mix.

The pieces are there — power, pitching, and experience — and if Ford’s group gels early, the Aggies could easily push their way to the WCWS

11. UCLA
12. South Carolina
13. Florida
14. LSU
15. Alabama
16. Stanford
17. Georgia
18. Washington
19. Oklahoma State
20. Duke
21. Liberty
22. Mississippi State
23. Ohio State
24. Auburn
25. FAU