Key Takeaways
- Texas Softball earns its highest preseason ranking in program history, ranking No. 1 in both the D1Softball and ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason polls
- The Longhorns return a plethora of talent, including 2025 NFCA All-American selections Reese Atwood and Teagan Kavan
- Texas adds new players via the transfer portal, including Kaiah Altmeyer, Taylor Anderson, and Brenlee Gonzales
- The Longhorns open the 2026 season at the UTSA Invitational against No. 9 Nebraska on February 6
- Texas looks to build on its successful 2025 season, which included a Women’s College World Series National Championship and a 56-12 overall record
Introduction to the Preseason Rankings
The Texas Softball team has made history by earning its highest preseason ranking in program history, ranking No. 1 in both the D1Softball and ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason polls. This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and it sets the stage for a exciting 2026 season. The Longhorns were the outright No. 1 team in D1Softball’s poll, while they tied for No. 1 with Texas Tech in ESPN.com/USA Softball’s poll.
The D1Softball Poll
In the D1Softball poll, No. 1 Texas is followed by No. 2 Texas Tech, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Tennessee, No. 5 Florida, No. 6 Oregon, No. 7 Florida State, No. 8 Arkansas, No. 9 Nebraska, and No. 10 UCLA. This ranking is a significant achievement for the Longhorns, as it marks the third-consecutive season they have debuted inside the D1Softball Top 5. The team’s success in the 2025 season, which included a Women’s College World Series National Championship and a 56-12 overall record, has clearly earned them a top spot in the preseason rankings.
The ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll
In the ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason poll, Texas and Texas Tech each received 611 points to tie for first place. No. 3 Oklahoma garnered 564 points, followed by No. 4 Tennessee (552 points), No. 5 Oregon (463 points), No. 6 Florida (457 points), No. 7 Florida State (450 points), No. 8 Arkansas (413 points), No. 9 Nebraska (411 points), and No. 10 UCLA (407 points). This ranking is also a significant achievement for the Longhorns, as it marks the seventh-straight year they have been ranked inside ESPN.com/USA Softball’s preseason Top 10.
Returning Talent and New Additions
The Longhorns return a plethora of talent to the diamond, highlighted by 2025 NFCA All-American selections Reese Atwood (Catcher/Utility) and Teagan Kavan (RHP). Atwood became the first Longhorn to win the Diamond/Sports/NFCA Catcher of the Year Award in addition to the Johnny Bench Award after doing so in 2025. The team also returns All-SEC selections in Kayden Henry (Outfield), Ashton Maloney (Outfield), and Katie Stewart (Infield), who were each named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2025. Shortstop Viviana Martinez is slated to return to action after missing the 2025 season due to injury. Additionally, the Longhorns have added new players via the transfer portal, including Kaiah Altmeyer (Outfield) from Arizona, Taylor Anderson (Outfield) from Oklahoma State, and Brenlee Gonzales (LHP) from Texas Tech.
The 2026 Season Outlook
The Longhorns open the 2026 season at the UTSA Invitational against No. 9 Nebraska at 6:05 p.m. CT on Friday, February 6, at Roadrunner Field in San Antonio, Texas. With their talented roster and strong preseason rankings, the team is poised for another successful season. The Longhorns will look to build on their 2025 season, which included a Women’s College World Series National Championship and a 56-12 overall record. With their experienced players and new additions, the team has the potential to make another deep run in the postseason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Texas Softball team has earned its highest preseason ranking in program history, ranking No. 1 in both the D1Softball and ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason polls. With their talented roster and strong preseason rankings, the team is poised for another successful season. The Longhorns will look to build on their 2025 season, which included a Women’s College World Series National Championship and a 56-12 overall record. As the team opens the 2026 season at the UTSA Invitational, they will be looking to make a strong statement and set the tone for the rest of the season.