SEC softball power rankings: Alabama takes over top spot after toppling Texas

SEC softball power rankings: Alabama takes over top spot after toppling Texas

Things are getting interesting in the SEC.

Alabama made a strong statement this past weekend. Tennessee and Texas might not be the superpowers we thought they were. And Oklahoma keeps rolling with its historically powerful offense.

The Longhorns and Sooners meet this week in Austin in what many have deemed the best rivalry in college softball and one of the most anticipated series of the season.

This list could look entirely different at this time next week. That’s life in the SEC.

Here are our SEC softball rankings:

Super 16 college softball rankings: NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech move take over at No. 1

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso high fives Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) after she hit her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

Oklahoma's Abby Dayton (16) celebrates after Kasidi Pickering (7) hit a grand slam during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma celebrates the grand slam of Kasidi Pickering (7) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma celebrates the grand slam of Kasidi Pickering (7) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Sydney Berzon (29) throws a pitch during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Sydney Berzon (29) throws a pitch during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma assistant coach JT Gasso talks to the team during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Ailana Agbayani (50) throws to first during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Ella Parker (5) watches her home run ball during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma celebrates the home run of Ella Parker (5) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma celebrates the home run of Ella Parker (5) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Ailana Agbayani (50) hits during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) slides into second for a double at Kentucky's Madyson Clark (7) takes the throw during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) slides into second for a double at Kentucky's Madyson Clark (7) takes the throw during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) celebrates a double next to Kentucky's Madyson Clark (7) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso high fives Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) after she hit her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Abby Dayton (16) celebrates after Kasidi Pickering (7) hit a grand slam during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma celebrates the grand slam of Kasidi Pickering (7) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma celebrates the grand slam of Kasidi Pickering (7) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Sydney Berzon (29) throws a pitch during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Sydney Berzon (29) throws a pitch during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma assistant coach JT Gasso talks to the team during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Ailana Agbayani (50) throws to first during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Ella Parker (5) watches her home run ball during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma celebrates the home run of Ella Parker (5) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma celebrates the home run of Ella Parker (5) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Ailana Agbayani (50) hits during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) slides into second for a double at Kentucky's Madyson Clark (7) takes the throw during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) slides into second for a double at Kentucky's Madyson Clark (7) takes the throw during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) celebrates a double next to Kentucky's Madyson Clark (7) during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Kendall Wells ties NCAA freshman HR record as OU softball beats Kentucky, see top photos

during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026.

1. Alabama

Record: 35-3, 9-3 SEC

Alabama was nearly the new No. 1 in our weekly Super 16 poll after back-to-back victories and a series win over Texas this past weekend. The series win marked the Crimson Tide’s first victory over a top-ranked team since 2020.

2. Oklahoma

Record: 38-3, 11-1

Oklahoma earned a first-place vote in Super 16 after completing a run-rule sweep of Kentucky. Kendall Wells tied the NCAA single season freshman home run record with her 30th of the season.

3. Texas

Record: 32-4, 9-3

Texas drops two spots after losing two games to Alabama on the road. The Longhorns host Oklahoma in what is perhaps the most anticipated series of the season.

4. Arkansas

Record: 33-5, 8-4

Arkansas swept Auburn this past weekend. The Razorbacks have now won six consecutive SEC home series dating back to last season.

5. Florida

Record: 36-5, 11-4

Florida took two of three from Mississippi State at home this past weekend. The Gators also defeated Stetson on the road last Wednesday when, during play, action was paused as players turned their attention skyward to witness the launch of Artemis II, NASA’s highly anticipated mission.

6. Tennessee

Record: 32-6, 9-6

Karlyn Pickens struck out five in 3 ⅔ innings last Saturday as Tennessee clinched a series victory over South Carolina. The Volunteers play five games this week.

7. Texas A&M

Record: 26-12, 8-4

Texas A&M is trending upward. The Aggies won a series against Georgia and were led by Sydney Lessentine, who tossed 11 2/3 frames while allowing only three runs.

8. Georgia

Record: 28-10, 7-5

Georgia came one run short of a series win over Texas A&M. The Bulldogs are close to being in the top half of the league and get an easier series at home against Missouri this weekend.

9. Mississippi State

Record: 33-9, 5-7

Mississippi State battled on the road against Florida last weekend, but fell in walk-off fashion in the rubber match. Alyssa Faircloth was impressive in relief Sunday, allowing just one hit with six strikeouts in 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

10. LSU

Record: 25-13, 6-9

LSU combined to score 25 runs during two wins over Missouri to open a three-game series, but its bats went cold in Game 3 as it failed to score a single run. The Tigers host a rare nonconference series against Arizona this weekend.

More: OU softball's pitching staff is peaking at right time entering Texas series

11. Ole Miss

Record: 25-15, 2-10

After a disappointing start to the season, Ole Miss has won five of its last six games. Two of those wins came on the road against Tennessee.

12. Auburn

Record: 23-16, 2-10

Auburn was swept by Arkansas last weekend. The Tigers’ schedule doesn’t get any easier with Alabama rolling into town this weekend.

13. Missouri

Record: 21-20, 5-7

It’s been a rough season for Missouri overall but starting pitcher Cierra Harrison threw seven shutout innings against LSU on Saturday.

14. South Carolina

Record: 17-10, 3-9

South Carolina was competitive at Tennessee this past weekend, taking one game and losing by a combined four runs in the other two. The Gamecocks’ schedule is brutal the rest of the way.

15. Kentucky

Record: 22-19, 1-14

Kentucky finds itself at the bottom of these rankings after losing seven of its last eight games. The Wildcats’ only SEC win came at Auburn on March 6.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: SEC softball power rankings: Alabama leaps over Texas into top spot