The 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament is approaching, with conference tournaments starting this week. The SEC is expected to dominate, particularly with Oklahoma aiming for another Women's College World Series title.
Key points
2026 NCAA Softball Tournament selection show is upcoming
SEC teams are expected to dominate the tournament
Oklahoma aims for another Women's College World Series title
Kendall Wells is close to tying the NCAA home run record
Precious little time remains in the 2026 college softball season, with conference tournaments getting underway this week — and with just a few days until the NCAA Softball Tournament selection show.
Once again, the SEC has several teams favored to make a deep run to the Women's College World Series, one season after Texas secured a three-game series win over NiJaree Canady and Texas Tech to win the Longhorns' first-ever WCWS championship.
SEC regular season champion Oklahoma looks to resume its utter dominance over the sport with another WCWS title after going 48-7 in the most stacked conference in the sport. The Sooners have among the most explosive offenses in college softball this year, headlined by true freshman Kendall Wells, who is one home run away from tying the NCAA single-season record for most homers.
Even if it's not the Longhorns or Sooners, the SEC has several teams that can challenge for the title heading into postseason play, boasting five top-10 teams in No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Arkansas, No. 6 Tennessee and No. 8 Texas.
Or will there be another first-time champion in 2026? If so, the best bet might be No. 3 Texas Tech (50-5), which boasts the best singular pitcher in college softball in Canady, who has given up 25 earned runs in 134 2/3 innings pitched this season and boasts a 1.30 ERA. Fellow Red Raider pitcher Kaitlyn Terry has been similarly dominant, allowing 22 earned runs and a 1.39 ERA.
Q&A
Which teams are favored to win the NCAA Softball Tournament in 2026?
The SEC teams, especially Oklahoma, are heavily favored to make a deep run in the tournament.
What is the significance of the 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament selection show?
The selection show will determine the teams competing in the NCAA Softball Tournament, impacting their chances for the Women's College World Series.
Who is Kendall Wells and why is she important in the 2026 NCAA Softball season?
Kendall Wells is a true freshman for Oklahoma, known for her explosive performance, being one home run away from tying the NCAA single-season record.
What was Oklahoma's record in the 2026 SEC regular season?
Oklahoma finished the 2026 SEC regular season with a record of 48-7.
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Other potential challengers for a WCWS title include No. 2 Nebraska; No. 7 Florida State; No. 9 Oregon; and No. 10 UCLA. With the NCAA softball selection show days away, here's a look at who USA TODAY Sports' experts think will win the 2026 Women's College World Series:
USA TODAY Sports Women's College World Series expert predictions
I know, it's a chalky pick. Oklahoma failed to reach the national championship game in 2025 after winning four consecutive titles from 2021-24, but the Sooners boast the best offense in college softball in 2026, having already broken the NCAA record for home runs in a season. Their pitching staff hasn't been as elite in recent years and is vulnerable, but I wouldn't be surprised if one of Audrey Lowry, Miali Guachino or LSU transfer Sydney Berzon steps up in postseason play.
The Red Raiders nearly won it all last season, falling in the championship series to Texas. Then Texas Tech made its roster better in the offseason, adding stars from the SEC and the Big Ten via the transfer portal. With the best pitcher in the sport leading the way, it's easy to imagine NiJaree Canady powering Texas Tech to its first national title in softball.
Alabama is one of the more complete teams in the country, and it has the pitching for deep run in Oklahoma City. The Tide have already exceeded expectations finishing second in the SEC, and they'll end the 14-year drought between national championships.
I think Texas Tech returns to the College World Series and wins it all. I believe it will be Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma. NiJaree Canady will lead the Red Raiders to the promised land. Oklahoma may have the home-field advantage and is the No. 1 offense in the country, led by the freshman phenom Kendall Wells. Canady vs. Wells is the perfect matchup for all softball fans glued to their seats. I think Canady, well-experienced and well accomplished, will pull through in the end. Tech in three.
I hate going with chalk, but at this point in the season, it’s hard to trust any other team besides the Sooners, especially with that explosive offense. Don’t count out Arkansas, Alabama and Florida, though, or even Nebraska and Texas Tech outside the SEC with star pitchers leading the way.
In a year with no defined heavy favorite, I’ll go with the team that has the best collection of talent top to bottom in the Red Raiders and the best pitcher in the world, which remains NiJaree Canady.
Two words: Kendall Wells. The freshman from Athens, Ga., has single-handedly become one of the most prolific hitters in NCAA history in her rookie season with the home run agenda. Also, Oklahoma has won all eight SEC series on their schedule this season, only dropping four games total in one of the toughest conferences.
Alabama has what matters most in the postseason: the ability to win tight games. Between the dominance in the circle from Jocelyn Briski and Vic Moten and the power in the lineup from Alexis Pupillo and Brooke Wells, Alabama has brought an energy to Rhoads Stadium that has not been felt since its 2012 national championship run.
The Sooners not only boast experience and the greatest coach in the sport, but also the country's most dangerous lineup. Pitching depth remains a concern, but OU bounces back from a disappointing (by its standards) semifinal finish last season.
