Texas Tech is the favorite to win the Big 12 softball tournament after a strong regular season. Other teams are looking to challenge their dominance as the tournament approaches.
Key points
Texas Tech is the defending champion in Big 12 softball.
The team won 50 games in the regular season.
Texas Tech had only three conference losses.
The Big 12 softball tournament is approaching.
Texas TechBig 12 softball tournament
Big 12 softball power rankings: Who can challenge Texas Tech for tournament title?
As the Big 12 softball tournament arrives, there is no question which team is expected to be handed the hardware after Saturday’s championship game.
Defending champ Texas Tech won 50 games and cruised to the regular-season title with only three conference losses — five fewer than anyone else.
But if you’re a fan of the underdog, here are a few reasons to consider other contenders.
Second-seeded Oklahoma State is as hot as just about anyone lately, with senior pitcher Ruby Meylan dialed in at a level of consistency that is hard to match. And the Cowgirl offense is producing behind her, which has been the recipe for 15 straight wins in games Meylan pitched.
Though Arizona State dipped to the No. 6 seed, pitcher Kenzie Brown is an equalizer, giving the Sun Devils a chance to win anytime she’s in the circle.
Third-seeded Arizona is limping in off a pair of losses at Utah, but the Wildcats have otherwise been incredibly consistent this season. Kansas has been on the rise lately and has a lineup anchored by the likes of Hailey Cripe, Anna Soles and Ella Boyer that should make opposing pitchers nervous.
Fourth-seeded UCF gets production from a variety of spots in its lineup, which powered the Knights to 14 conference wins. And even No. 7 Utah is coming off a series in which it took two of three from Arizona.
So yes, Texas Tech is clearly the conference’s best team. But in a single-elimination format, anything can happen. Here’s a look at the final power rankings of the season:
Q&A
What are the current Big 12 softball power rankings?
The current power rankings highlight Texas Tech as the top team, followed by other contenders aiming to challenge them.
How many games did Texas Tech win in the regular season?
Texas Tech won 50 games during the regular season, securing the title with only three conference losses.
Who are the potential challengers to Texas Tech in the Big 12 tournament?
Several teams are considered underdogs and potential challengers to Texas Tech for the tournament title, though specific names are not detailed.
When does the Big 12 softball tournament take place?
The Big 12 softball tournament is set to take place this Saturday, culminating in the championship game.
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After clinching the regular-season title two weekends ago, Texas Tech closed the regular season with its 50th win of the year and remains a strong favorite at the Big 12 Tournament, as well as a legitimate national title contender.
Carried by Ruby Meylan’s dominant pitching and an uptick in home runs of late, the Cowgirls earned the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament by winning 12 of their last 15 conference games.
3. Arizona
Record: 35-15, 16-8
Last week’s ranking: 3
The Wildcats closed the regular season out with back-to-back losses at Utah, the last of which via run rule, leaving a bad taste in their mouths ahead of the Big 12 Tournament.
4. UCF
Record: 38-15-1, 14-9-1
Last week’s ranking: 4
The Knights bounced back from a painful walk-off loss at Iowa State on Saturday to win the Sunday game and clinch a fourth-place finish in the league.
5. Kansas
Record: 34-18, 14-10
Last week’s ranking: 5
Despite losing 2 of 3 at Oklahoma State in the final weekend, Kansas closed the regular season strong with five wins in the last eight games.
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) runs the bases past Kansas Jayhawks pitcher Anna Soles (22) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates with coach Kenny Gajewski after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State players wait at. home for Aubrey Jones (7) after she hit a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma state fans spray water to celebrate a home run during of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) hits a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Claire Timm (18) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates during a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
1 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
2 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
3 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) runs the bases past Kansas Jayhawks pitcher Anna Soles (22) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
4 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates with coach Kenny Gajewski after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
5 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State players wait at. home for Aubrey Jones (7) after she hit a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
6 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
7 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
8 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma state fans spray water to celebrate a home run during of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
9 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) hits a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
10 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Claire Timm (18) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
11 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates during a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
6. Utah
Record: 35-19-1, 10-13-1
Last week’s ranking: 8
Half of Utah’s conference wins came against the Arizona schools, taking two from Arizona last week and sweeping Arizona State in March.
7. Arizona State
Record: 38-16, 11-13
Last week’s ranking: 6
The Sun Devils ended the regular season at No. 24 in the RPI, but struggled against the top half of the conference, with six of their Big 12 wins coming against teams that didn’t qualify for the tournament.
8. Baylor
Record: 28-25, 10-14
Last week’s ranking: 7
The Bears were left to sit and watch on Sunday as their spot in the Big 12 Tournament was in peril, but they hung on for the final seed and will open play against Texas Tech — a team the Bears beat once in three games last week.
9. Iowa State
Record: 32-23, 9-15
Last week’s ranking: 9
The Cyclones reached the 30-win mark and made a run at the No. 8 spot in the Big 12 Tournament, but came up short with a loss to UCF on the final day of the regular season.
10. BYU
Record: 18-33, 7-17
Last week’s ranking: 10
After a strong spurt in mid-April, BYU closed the season with five losses in its last six games.
11. Houston
Record: 20-31, 3-21
Last week’s ranking: 11
With the Cougars’ open week in Big 12 play coming on the final weekend, their season ended on April 26, having lost their final nine games.
