
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Oklahoma has overtaken Alabama for the top spot in the SEC softball power rankings after winning two out of three games against Texas. The Sooners will face Arkansas in a crucial three-game series this weekend.
SEC softball power rankings: Oklahoma leaps Alabama for top spot
The SEC remains the best and deepest league in college softball.
For the second consecutive week, there’s a new No. 1 in our weekly rankings. Oklahoma made a statement this past weekend that it should still be considered the team to beat in the sport by taking two of three from Texas on the road.
The Sooners have another massive test this weekend as they host Arkansas for a three-game series. The Razorbacks won a road series against Mississippi State last weekend.
Like we predicted last week, this list could look entirely different a week from now.
Here are our latest SEC softball rankings:
Super 16 college softball rankings: OU, Alabama surge, so who's 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.
1 / 21
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.
1 / 21
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.
2 / 21
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.
3 / 21
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.
4 / 21
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.
5 / 21
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.
6 / 21
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.
7 / 21
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.
8 / 21
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.
9 / 21
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.
10 / 21
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.
11 / 21
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.
12 / 21
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.
13 / 21
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.
14 / 21
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.
15 / 21
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.
16 / 21
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.
17 / 21
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.
18 / 21
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.
19 / 21
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.
20 / 21
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.
21 / 21
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.
Record: 40-4, 13-2 SEC
Last week's ranking: 2
OU won its third road series against a ranked team this past weekend. The Sooners kept up their historic home run pace, moving into fifth all-time in the single-season ranks. With three conference series remaining, OU leads Alabama by one game in the standings.
Record: 39-3, 12-3
Last week's ranking: 1
Alabama has won 11 of its last 12 games, including taking 2 of 3 from Texas and sweeping rival Auburn on the road last weekend. The Crimson Tide will likely keep rolling this weekend as it hosts Kentucky, which has won only one conference game.
Record: 35-6, 10-5
Last week's ranking: 4
Arkansas has won four of its five SEC series this season. Ace Robyn Herron recorded her 50th career victory on Sunday. The Razorbacks’ ace owns a 1.44 ERA in 73 innings of work this season, but will be tested this weekend in Norman as she faces a dominant OU lineup.
Record: 40-5, 14-4
Last week's ranking: 5
Florida is fresh off a dominant sweep of lowly South Carolina. The Gators outscored the Gamecocks 26-3, hitting .371, while the pitching staff held South Carolina to a .190 batting average. Florida should stay hot this weekend as it hosts Auburn, which has lost nine in a row.
Record: 33-6, 10-5
Last week's ranking: 3
Texas drops two more spots after losing two games at home to OU. The Longhorns showed why they’re still a contender, however, with Sunday’s offensive explosion. Katie Stewart walked off the Sooners and moved one homer shy of Reese Atwood’s single-season program record.
Record: 37-6, 12-6
Last week's ranking: 6
After a couple of tough losses against Ole Miss last month, Tennessee has gotten back on track with a lighter schedule. The Vols are off this weekend before hosting Alabama next week.
Eight for OKC: Sydney Barker filling key role for OU softball, regardless of offensive numbers
Record: 30-12, 11-4
Last week's ranking: 7
Texas A&M remains at No. 7 after sweeping Ole Miss. The Aggies continue to trend upward with a manageable schedule ahead outside of their final regular season series against OU.
Record: 31-11, 9-6
Last week's ranking: 8
Georgia got back on track with a series win over Missouri. Randi Roelling tossed two complete-game shutouts against the Tigers over the weekend. The Bulldogs host Texas this weekend.
Record: 28-14, 6-9
Last week's ranking: 10
LSU recorded a series win over Arizona last weekend. Over four games last week, the Tigers’ pitchers dominated with a 1.30 ERA and 20 strikeouts while holding hitters to a .188 average.
Record: 34-11, 6-9
Last week's ranking: 9
Mississippi State dropped two to Arkansas this past weekend and has now lost consecutive series. The Bulldogs rank 14th in this week’s top 25, which signals just how strong the SEC is.
Record: 22-22, 6-9 SEC
Last week's ranking: 13
Missouri dropped its second consecutive SEC series. The Tigers host South Carolina this week.
Record: 23-20, 3-12 SEC
Last week's ranking: 14
South Carolina has yet to win an SEC series. The Gamecocks have an opportunity at Missouri.
Record: 26-18, 2-13 SEC
Last week's ranking: 11
After stunning Tennessee, Ole Miss was swept by Texas A&M. It heads to LSU this week.
Record: 23-19, 2-13 SEC
Last week's ranking: 12
Auburn has lost nine consecutive games. The Tigers’ slate doesn't let up with Florida next.
Record: 24-22, 1-17 SEC
Last week's ranking: 15
Kentucky remains 15th after being swept by the Vols. The Wildcats’ only SEC win came at Auburn.
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 a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: SEC softball power rankings: Oklahoma jumps Alabama for No. 1 spot
Oklahoma moved ahead of Alabama after winning two out of three games against Texas, showcasing their dominance in the league.
Oklahoma is set to host Arkansas for a three-game series this weekend, which will be a significant test for the team.
Arkansas won a road series against Mississippi State last weekend, demonstrating their competitive strength in the league.
The SEC softball rankings highlight the depth and competitiveness of the league, with teams like Oklahoma and Alabama vying for the top position.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Analyst Says Cowboys May Not Trade Up in NFL Draft Despite Expectations
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is in a dispute with FIFA over $100 travel prices for the 2026 World Cup. The disagreement centers on the financial burden placed on the state due to the event's logistics.
Boston Celtics to face Philadelphia 76ers in 2026 NBA Playoffs starting April 19.
WWE is reportedly targeting AEW's Persephone as her contract nears expiration.
Jets have second-best odds to draft QB Ty Simpson with 28 TDs
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.