College softball is back; here are my preseason Power 10 rankings for the 2025 season.
1. Texas
I was torn between Texas and Florida for the No. 1 spot, but I have Texas at No. 1 coming off a trip to the WCWS finals, returning almost the entire roster left by Reese Atwood, Mia Scott and a deep pitching staff led by Teagan Kavan, with proven success.
2. Florida
The Gators are at No. 2 with an influx of talent plus the return of Jocelyn Erickson, Korbie Otis, Kendra Falby and Keagan Rothrock.
MORE RANKINGS: Preseason ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25 Poll
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma lost its legendary senior class that won four titles, but Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering are back to continue success. They have a strong transfer class and highly touted recruits that I’m sure coach Patty Gasso will have working together like a well-oiled machine in no time.
4. Oklahoma State
I have Oklahoma State at No. 4. It picked up arguably two of the best pitchers out of the portal in Ruby Meylan and RyLee Crandall. Then there's also the talented freshman duo of Karli Godwin and Rosie Davis, Tallen Edwards and then a big-time transfer class.
5. UCLA
UCLA rounds out my top five mostly because of the talented pitching staff of Taylor Tinsley, Kaitlyn Terry and Addisen Fisher, the Gatorade National Player of the Year.
6. Tennessee
Tennessee is at No. 6 with Karlyn Pickens leading the staff with a lot of offensive talent to replace but key returners.
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY: NCAA softball national title winners since 1982
7. Texas A&M
The Aggies almost made it to WCWS last season, with Emiley Kennedy back in the circle and key transfer pickups like Sidne Peters and Mac Barbara to provide power in the lineup.
8. Duke
Duke comes in at No. 8 with Aminah Vega, D’Auna Jennings and Cassidy Curd back.
9. Texas Tech
Texas Tech has a new look with NiJaree Canady, the best arm in softball. I'm excited to see the talented lineup Gerry Glasco put together.
10. Florida State
Finally, I went with Florida State at 10. The team should have some improvements in the circle from the transfer class, and the offense has Jaysoni Beachum, Michaela Edenfield and Isa Torres back.
