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Even though the 2026 college softball season is over, it's never too early to look ahead to 2027.
So, before the transfer portal opens Monday, let's take a look at The Oklahoman's way-too-early college softball Super 16. Even though the movement of players could change a lot, the team at the top will likely have a strong case even after the portal closes.
Let's get to the way-too-early Super 16.
More: With Texas repeat following OU softball four-peat, it's clear sport runs through Red River
2026 record: 53-12, 16-8 in SEC
2026 finish: National champions
The Longhorns lose some senior leaders, including Reese Atwood, but they return Katie Stewart, Kayden Henry and yes, Teagan Kavan. It will be a roster capable of a three-peat.
2026 record: 56-9, 19-5 in SEC
2026 finish: National semifinals
The Crimson Tide bring back arguably the best one-two pitching punch in the country with Jocelyn Briski and Vic Moten. Add some offensive firepower? Watch out.
2026 record: 52-10, 20-4 in SEC
2026 finish: Super regional
The Sooners have tons of big bats on the roster, led by Kendall Wells and Ella Parker, and if Audrey Lowry continues to develop, the pitching staff should be improved.
More: What will OU softball's roster look like in 2027? Breaking down Sooners' potential lineup
2026 record: 49-12, 16-8 in SEC
2026 finish: National semifinals
Karlyn Pickens is no longer a Vol. (Weird, right?) But Tennessee still has as strong a returning pitching staff as any team in the country with Sage Mardjetko and Erin Nuwer.
2026 record: 52-12, 17-7 in SEC
2026 finish: Super regional
Keagan Rothrock was a workhorse in the circle, and with a little help, she’ll be even more effective. Even though the offense loses some pop, Taylor Shumaker is a good building block.
2026 record: 52-10, 21-3 in ACC
2026 finish: Regional
Bounced out of their own regional, the Seminoles will still be a force next season as they likely return some major pieces, including infielder Isa Torres and pitcher Jazzy Francik.
2026 record: 53-10, 20-4 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
The Bruins have lots of holes to fill, namely Megan Grant, Jordan Woolery and Taylor Tinsley. But the cupboard isn’t bare. It never is at UCLA.
2026 record: 61-10, 21-3 in Big 12
2026 finish: WCWS finals
NiJaree Canady is gone, but Kaitlyn Terry is not, and at times this past season, she was the Red Raiders’ best arm. And most of those big-name transfers? They’re expected back.
More: OU softball transfer portal primer: What are top roster needs for Patty Gasso, Sooners?
2026 record: 41-20, 12-12 in SEC
2026 finish: Super regional
The Bulldogs will lose four of their top five hitters to graduation but have three underclassemen who hit .327 or better. Plus, Addisen Fisher and Randi Roelling are nails in the circle.
2026 record: 47-13, 15-9 in SEC
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
After making their first WCWS appearance, the Razorbacks lose eight seniors. But they likely build back around infielder Ella McDowell and pitcher Payton Burnham.
2026 record: 52-8, 23-1 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
The Huskers lose a dozen (!) seniors, most notably Jordy Frahm. But the USA Softball Player of the Year helped rejuvenate the roster, and pitcher Alexis Jensen is a pillar piece moving forward.
2026 record: 41-14, 20-4 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Regional
The Ducks didn’t survive their own regional, and now, they must replace their top two pitchers and top two hitters. But Melyssa Lombardi has built a program that’s always in the mix.
2026 record: 48-12, 18-6 in ACC
2026 finish: Regional
The Hokies were up and down this past season, and that trend cost them in regionals. But they likely return one of the best arms in the country; Bree Carrico had a 1.88 ERA this year.
More: Oklahoma State softball offseason primer: What are five biggest questions for Cowgirls?
2026 record: 41-17, 16-8 in Big 12
2026 finish: Super regional
Who replaces Ruby Meylan? That remains to be seen, but the Cowgirls likely have some bats to build around, including Tia Warsop, Rosie Davis and Karli Godwin.
2026 record: 37-20, 16-8 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Regional
The Huskies had a disappointing end to their season, losing twice to USF in regionals, but pitcher Morgan Reimer and her 2.73 ERA likely return next season.
2026 record: 43-21, 9-15 in SEC
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
The only unseeded team to make the WCWS, the Bulldogs made their first trip to OKC. Pitcher Peja Goold is gone, but Alyssa Faircloth provides a solid foundation in the circle.
Voters: Jenni Carlson, columnist; Joe Mussatto, columnist; Jeff Patterson, sports editor; Colton Sulley, OU beat writer; Scott Wright, OSU beat writer
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Who's No. 1 in early 2027 college softball rankings after WCWS?
Continue reading...
So, before the transfer portal opens Monday, let's take a look at The Oklahoman's way-too-early college softball Super 16. Even though the movement of players could change a lot, the team at the top will likely have a strong case even after the portal closes.
Let's get to the way-too-early Super 16.
More: With Texas repeat following OU softball four-peat, it's clear sport runs through Red River
1. Texas
2026 record: 53-12, 16-8 in SEC
2026 finish: National champions
The Longhorns lose some senior leaders, including Reese Atwood, but they return Katie Stewart, Kayden Henry and yes, Teagan Kavan. It will be a roster capable of a three-peat.
2. Alabama
2026 record: 56-9, 19-5 in SEC
2026 finish: National semifinals
The Crimson Tide bring back arguably the best one-two pitching punch in the country with Jocelyn Briski and Vic Moten. Add some offensive firepower? Watch out.
3. Oklahoma
2026 record: 52-10, 20-4 in SEC
2026 finish: Super regional
The Sooners have tons of big bats on the roster, led by Kendall Wells and Ella Parker, and if Audrey Lowry continues to develop, the pitching staff should be improved.
More: What will OU softball's roster look like in 2027? Breaking down Sooners' potential lineup
4. Tennessee
2026 record: 49-12, 16-8 in SEC
2026 finish: National semifinals
Karlyn Pickens is no longer a Vol. (Weird, right?) But Tennessee still has as strong a returning pitching staff as any team in the country with Sage Mardjetko and Erin Nuwer.
5. Florida
2026 record: 52-12, 17-7 in SEC
2026 finish: Super regional
Keagan Rothrock was a workhorse in the circle, and with a little help, she’ll be even more effective. Even though the offense loses some pop, Taylor Shumaker is a good building block.
6. Florida State
2026 record: 52-10, 21-3 in ACC
2026 finish: Regional
Bounced out of their own regional, the Seminoles will still be a force next season as they likely return some major pieces, including infielder Isa Torres and pitcher Jazzy Francik.
7. UCLA
2026 record: 53-10, 20-4 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
The Bruins have lots of holes to fill, namely Megan Grant, Jordan Woolery and Taylor Tinsley. But the cupboard isn’t bare. It never is at UCLA.
8. Texas Tech
2026 record: 61-10, 21-3 in Big 12
2026 finish: WCWS finals
NiJaree Canady is gone, but Kaitlyn Terry is not, and at times this past season, she was the Red Raiders’ best arm. And most of those big-name transfers? They’re expected back.
More: OU softball transfer portal primer: What are top roster needs for Patty Gasso, Sooners?
9. Georgia
2026 record: 41-20, 12-12 in SEC
2026 finish: Super regional
The Bulldogs will lose four of their top five hitters to graduation but have three underclassemen who hit .327 or better. Plus, Addisen Fisher and Randi Roelling are nails in the circle.
10T. Arkansas
2026 record: 47-13, 15-9 in SEC
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
After making their first WCWS appearance, the Razorbacks lose eight seniors. But they likely build back around infielder Ella McDowell and pitcher Payton Burnham.
10T. Nebraska
2026 record: 52-8, 23-1 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
The Huskers lose a dozen (!) seniors, most notably Jordy Frahm. But the USA Softball Player of the Year helped rejuvenate the roster, and pitcher Alexis Jensen is a pillar piece moving forward.
12. Oregon
2026 record: 41-14, 20-4 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Regional
The Ducks didn’t survive their own regional, and now, they must replace their top two pitchers and top two hitters. But Melyssa Lombardi has built a program that’s always in the mix.
13. Virginia Tech
2026 record: 48-12, 18-6 in ACC
2026 finish: Regional
The Hokies were up and down this past season, and that trend cost them in regionals. But they likely return one of the best arms in the country; Bree Carrico had a 1.88 ERA this year.
More: Oklahoma State softball offseason primer: What are five biggest questions for Cowgirls?
14T. Oklahoma State
2026 record: 41-17, 16-8 in Big 12
2026 finish: Super regional
Who replaces Ruby Meylan? That remains to be seen, but the Cowgirls likely have some bats to build around, including Tia Warsop, Rosie Davis and Karli Godwin.
14T. Washington
2026 record: 37-20, 16-8 in Big Ten
2026 finish: Regional
The Huskies had a disappointing end to their season, losing twice to USF in regionals, but pitcher Morgan Reimer and her 2.73 ERA likely return next season.
16. Mississippi State
2026 record: 43-21, 9-15 in SEC
2026 finish: Women’s College World Series
The only unseeded team to make the WCWS, the Bulldogs made their first trip to OKC. Pitcher Peja Goold is gone, but Alyssa Faircloth provides a solid foundation in the circle.
Voters: Jenni Carlson, columnist; Joe Mussatto, columnist; Jeff Patterson, sports editor; Colton Sulley, OU beat writer; Scott Wright, OSU beat writer
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Who's No. 1 in early 2027 college softball rankings after WCWS?
Continue reading...
