Alabama Softball’s Jocelyn Briski Continues Historic Season as USA Softball Player of the Year Top 10 Finalist

(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

There are great seasons, and then there are seasons that cement a player among the elite in college softball. Alabama junior pitcher Jocelyn Briski is having exactly that kind of year.

On Wednesday, Briski was officially named one of the Top 10 finalists for the 2026 USA Softball Player of the Year award, another major honor in what has already been a historic season for the Crimson Tide ace. For Alabama softball, it’s another reminder that one of the best players in the entire country is wearing crimson and white right now.

And honestly, if you’ve watched Alabama this season, this shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Briski has been absolutely dominant in the circle from start to finish. The junior from Phoenix has been the steady force behind Alabama’s incredible season, delivering in the biggest moments against some of the toughest competition in the nation. Whether it was shutting down SEC lineups or stepping up against ranked opponents, she’s consistently looked like one of the most complete pitchers in college softball.

Her numbers speak for themselves.

Briski currently owns a 21-3 record with a dazzling 1.45 ERA across 30 appearances this season. In 139.2 innings pitched, she’s struck out 175 batters while walking just 19. That 9.21 strikeout-to-walk ratio ranks second nationally and leads the SEC, which is saying something considering the level of competition this conference brings every single weekend.

She’s also been battle-tested all year long.

Briski has picked up ranked wins over teams like Florida State Seminoles softball, Arkansas Razorbacks softball three different times, Texas Longhorns softball and Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball. In other words, this isn’t a pitcher padding stats against weak competition. She’s doing it against some of the best teams in America.

That’s what makes this season feel so special.

Briski isn’t just winning games.

She’s controlling them.

Every great Alabama softball team has had that pitcher you trust completely when the lights are brightest. From legends of the past to stars who carried Alabama to Oklahoma City, Briski is proving she belongs in that conversation. She’s become the kind of player Alabama fans believe can carry this team deep into postseason play.

The honors continue to pile up because she’s earned every bit of them.

Along with being named a USA Softball Top 10 finalist, Briski was also named SEC Pitcher of the Year, earned First Team All-SEC honors and made the SEC All-Tournament Team. She’s also been named SEC Pitcher of the Week three different times this season.