Texas Tech claimed the No. 2 spot in the preseason update of NFCA/GoRout Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll, followed by No. 17 Arizona and No. 24 Oklahoma State. Arizona State received votes.

Texas Tech matches its highest ranking in the poll, finishing last season at No. 2. The Red Raiders’ 2025 campaign set multiple program milestones, which included winning both Big 12 titles, hosting its first NCAA Tournament Regional and advancing to the Women’s College World Series Final in its first-ever trip to Oklahoma City. TTU went 20-4 during Big 12 play to capture its first Big 12 regular season title, while winning all eight series.

Arizona will open the season ranked at No. 17, after wrapping up last season at No. 16. The Wildcats placed second in the league a season ago (17-7) before earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. A season ago, the team posted the league’s best .348 batting average to rank fourth nationally.

Oklahoma State rounded out the Big 12 in the poll at No. 24, jumping up a spot from last season’s final poll. The Cowgirls posted a 13-9 Big 12 record and finished the season with a 35-20 record. OSU made its ninth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, finishing the season in the Fayetteville regional championship match.

Select players and the head coaches from the three teams will join the Big 12 Softball Media Day show on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29. The show will air live on ESPN+, BYUtv, Big 12 Studios and the Big 12 Conference YouTube channel.

The 2026 season for Big 12 teams begins Feb. 5.