No. 1-ranked 2026 OU softball class is in the books

Three five-star players and three four-star recruits – yep, the OU softball train is not about to slow down anytime soon.

The No. 1-ranked OU softball class for 2026 is officially signed, representing four states, including some local flavor with Keegan Baker from Edmond (Okla.) Memorial.

“This is one of the best incoming freshman classes that we’ve had in a while,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso in a press release. “There’s a little bit of everything from pitching to great defense, but some big time hitters are going to make this offense powerful and elite. All of these athletes fit the Championship Mindset mentality and we are anxious and excited to welcome them into the program.”

Baker is joined by Ki’ele Ho-Ching, Jerrell “Ori” Mailo, Malaya Majam-Finch, Ella Kate “EK” Smith and Payton Westra. 

And as you get to know the 2026 OU class, well, OU also has the No. 1-ranked class for 2027 to this point.

Get to know the newest Sooners.

Keegan Baker, P, Edmond (Okla.) Memorial

Stat line: 0.70 ERA, 180 IP, 211 Ks as a senior

Gasso says…

It’s been a pleasure watching Keegan play in Oklahoma, specifically as she has represented her high school and developed into having a strong presence in the circle. She really helped bring her team deep into last summer’s national tournament and she has really worked hard to perfect her pitching. I think when she gets here she is only going to get stronger and expand her knowledge as she becomes a potent part of the pitching staff. Her work with Oklahoma Athletics National under Brian Madden will certainly help her here in Norman.”

Ki’ele Ho-Ching, UTL, Long Beach (Calif.) Polytechnic

Stat line: Hit over .500 every season, .537 career batting average, two-time defensive player of the year

Gasso says…

“Ki’ele comes from a very athletic family. Kiele will be very valuable to us because she can play so many positions. On the USA U-18 team she is playing third, she is playing second, she can play shortstop. She’s got a strong bat, she has speed. She is just the epitome of an athlete that can do everything really well. We think that she is going to be an elite athlete in this program. Ki’ele has played with a great travel ball program under David Mercado and Mark Smith with Athletics Mercado out in California.”

Jerrell “Ori” Mailo, INF/3B, Mililani (Hawaii) High

Stat line: Two-time state champion, No. 4 overall recruit for 2026 class

Gasso says…

“What attracted us to Jerrell is her roots and who she has trained with from Hawaii. We’ve had phenomenal luck with athletes like Jocy, Ailana and Nelly. Jerell follows that script in the way of just being an elite level player. She’s very athletic and very hard working at third base. I think she will be athletic enough to play other positions, but her bat is what makes her lethal and will find her in the lineup. She has played with one of the best travel programs in LK Black under Josh Danz in Hawaii, setting her up well for the next step.”

Malaya Majam-Finch, P, Fullerton (Calif.) Union

Stat line: Three-year captain, No. 1 overall by Extra Innings, No. 54 Softball America

Gasso says…

“It’s obvious by the last name that Malaya (niece of Jennie Finch) has an unbelievable bloodline of elite softball in her family, and she has worked extremely hard to continue that bloodline of her own. Malaya possesses a strong presence on the mound and I believe she is going to only get better and become elite when she gets here. Her personality is a fun one and it fits seamlessly into our program. She’s pitched for one of the best travel ball programs in the country in the Corona Angels and under Marty Tyson.”

Ella Kate “EK” Smith, RHP, Katy (Texas) High

Stat line: Hit .614 as a junior with 15 home runs, 0.58 ERA with 146 Ks

Gasso says…

“We are very excited about EK and the fact that she is a two-way player as an elite pitcher and hitter. Having that duality makes her extremely valuable and dangerous throughout our lineup and in our pitching staff. Keilani Ricketts was the most recent two-way player that did so consistently throughout her career and she ended up winning the Honda Cup Award among other honors. EK brings a quiet energy. She’s a fierce competitor and she fits this program perfectly from what she stands for and the way you perceive her on the field is as an elite competitor. We are very fortunate and pleased to have EK join us as a Sooner. EK’s training with Impact Gold run by program director Jaz Vesely and Casey Jackson has prepared her very well.”

Payton Westra, OF/1B, Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain

Stat line: No. 2 overall recruit by Softball America, slashed .755/.826/1.735 in high school

Gasso says…

“The first thing you’ll notice about Payton Westra is that she is a daunting presence in center field. Her height and size is intimidating. She has an extremely strong arm on defense from the outfield, but what you’ll remember about her most is how she swings the bat. She’s very powerful, very athletic and she has a very intimidating look. Everything about her fits this program. Her travel career with Arizona Rising Appel under the coaching of Steve Appel has prepared her well for her collegiate career.”