Alabama softball has been named the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, marking their first top seed in 16 years. They will host a regional featuring USC Upstate, Belmont, and SE Louisiana.
Key points
Alabama softball is the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament
This is Alabama's first No. 1 seed in 16 years
The regional includes USC Upstate, Belmont, and SE Louisiana
Alabama softball No. 1 overall seed in NCAA Tournament: Who does Tide play?
Alabama softball is the cream of the crop heading into the 2026 NCAA softball tournament, cemented as the No. 1 overall seed for the first time in 16 years.
The Crimson Tide's ranking means it will host a regional and, if it advances, a super regional. The regional field will consist of USC Upstate (36-21), Belmont (40-11) and SE Louisiana (46-14).
The Tuscaloosa Regional is double-elimination. Action will run through May 15-17, with a full schedule including game times expected to release soon.
It marks the 27th straight NCAA Tournament appearance for Alabama and the 21st-straight season it is hosting a regional at Rhoads Stadium, not including the canceled 2020 season. The Crimson Tide has advanced to the Women’s College World Series 15 times and is looking to do so for the first time in two years.
Alabama has one national championship, which came in 2012.
Alabama is coming off a championship game loss in the SEC Tournament. Seven unanswered runs led to a 7-1 fall to Texas, securing the Longhorns their first SEC Softball Tournament title during their second year in the conference on Saturday, May 9.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Members of the University of Alabama ROTC present the colors on an evening when members of the armed forces and veterans were honored at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
Q&A
What teams are in Alabama's NCAA softball regional?
Alabama's NCAA softball regional includes USC Upstate, Belmont, and SE Louisiana.
When does the Alabama softball regional tournament take place?
The Alabama softball regional tournament is scheduled to run from May 15-17, 2026.
How long has it been since Alabama softball was a No. 1 seed?
It has been 16 years since Alabama softball was last a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
What is the format of the Tuscaloosa Regional for the NCAA softball tournament?
The Tuscaloosa Regional is a double-elimination format.
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April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama left fielder Audrey Vandagriff snags a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama right fielder Ana Roman fields a double and throws to second at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina batter Tori Ensley celebrates after hitting a double at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina base runner Tori Ensley is tagged out as she dives back to second by Alabama second baseman Jena Young at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins fields a short fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama base runner Ana Roman slides safely into second as South Carolina second baseman Karley Shelton has a throw from the outfield get away from her at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A Bama fan holds up a sing asking for a home run at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A youth softball team cheers for the Crimson Tide at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White drifts back to grab a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A ball hit up the middle is just out of reach of Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama catcher Marlie Giles talks with pitcher Jocelyn Briski at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young can’t handle a hard-hit ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White makes a running catch near the warning track for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy gives a high five to Alabama batter Brooke Wells as she rounds third after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Brooke Wells reaches the plate after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young fields a grounder before throwing to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Audrey Vandagriff lays down a bunt at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Taco takes hot sauce in the traditional race at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama’s Jocelyn Briski pitches at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young makes a catch in foul territory for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy poses for a photo with several players at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Players huddle with head coach Patrick Murphy at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Assistant coach Kayla Braud talks to assistant coach Lance McMahon before the game at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
1 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Members of the University of Alabama ROTC present the colors on an evening when members of the armed forces and veterans were honored at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
1 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Members of the University of Alabama ROTC present the colors on an evening when members of the armed forces and veterans were honored at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
2 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
3 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
4 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama left fielder Audrey Vandagriff snags a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
5 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama right fielder Ana Roman fields a double and throws to second at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
6 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina batter Tori Ensley celebrates after hitting a double at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
7 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina base runner Tori Ensley is tagged out as she dives back to second by Alabama second baseman Jena Young at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
8 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
9 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins fields a short fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
10 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
11 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
12 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama base runner Ana Roman slides safely into second as South Carolina second baseman Karley Shelton has a throw from the outfield get away from her at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
13 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A Bama fan holds up a sing asking for a home run at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
14 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A youth softball team cheers for the Crimson Tide at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
15 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White drifts back to grab a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
16 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A ball hit up the middle is just out of reach of Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
17 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama catcher Marlie Giles talks with pitcher Jocelyn Briski at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
18 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young can’t handle a hard-hit ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
19 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White makes a running catch near the warning track for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
20 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy gives a high five to Alabama batter Brooke Wells as she rounds third after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
21 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Brooke Wells reaches the plate after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
22 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young fields a grounder before throwing to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
23 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Audrey Vandagriff lays down a bunt at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
24 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Taco takes hot sauce in the traditional race at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
25 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama’s Jocelyn Briski pitches at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
26 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young makes a catch in foul territory for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
27 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy poses for a photo with several players at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
28 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Players huddle with head coach Patrick Murphy at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
29 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Assistant coach Kayla Braud talks to assistant coach Lance McMahon before the game at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at ahurley@usatodayco.com.
