The Big 12 Conference has announced the 2026 Big 12 Softball preseason team and poll, which was released on Wednesday during the league’s Softball Media Days. The poll and team were voted on by Big 12 softball head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players.
Texas Tech was unanimously voted the league favorite with 100 points, claiming all 10 possible first-place votes. The Red Raiders sit atop the poll for the first time in program history after claiming both Big 12 titles last season.
Oklahoma State placed second with 87 points and one first-place vote, as Arizona and Arizona State tied for third with 77 points. UCF rounded out the first five of the projected poll at No. 5.
The poll’s top five programs earned bids to last season’s NCAA Tournament as TTU advanced to its first Super Regional and Women’s College World Series before finishing as the national runner-up.
In the NFCA/GoRout national preseason poll, Texas Tech was ranked No. 2, followed by No. 17 Arizona and No. 24 Oklahoma State.
Eighteen players were selected for the preseason team. The Red Raiders led all teams with seven selections, followed by two honorees each from Arizona, Arizona State, BYU and Oklahoma State and one selection apiece from Baylor, UCF and Iowa State.
Including transfers, 16 players on the preseason team earned conference honors last year.
The Big 12 Softball Media Days Show is live today until 1 p.m. CT and will continue tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CT. The live show can be viewed on ESPN+, BYUtv, Big 12 Studios and the Big 12 Conference YouTube channel. Additionally, the Big 12 Softball Preview Show will broadcast on ESPNU at 5 p.m. CT on Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 3.
2026 Big 12 Softball Preseason Poll
1. Texas Tech – 100 (10 first-place votes)
2. Oklahoma State – 87 (1 first-place vote)
3. Arizona – 77
Arizona State – 77
5. UCF – 63
6. BYU – 55
7. Iowa State – 44
8. Baylor – 42
9. Kansas – 28
10. Utah – 21
11. Houston – 11
Preseason Team
Regan Shockey, Arizona, CF*
Sydney Stewart, Arizona, C/UTL*
Kenzie Brown, Arizona State, P*
Tanya Windle, Arizona State, OF
Brooklyn Carter, Baylor, OF
Ilove’a Brittingham, BYU, C/OF*
Lily Owens, BYU, UTL
Isabella Vega, UCF, P
Jessie Clemons, Iowa State, UTL
Rosie Davis, Oklahoma State, IF
Ruby Meylan, Oklahoma State, P*
Lauren Allred, Texas Tech, 1B
Jasmyn Burns, Texas Tech, C
NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech, P*
Mihyia Davis, Texas Tech, OF*
Alana Johnson, Texas Tech, OF
Taylor Pannell, Texas Tech, 3B
Kaitlyn Terry, Texas Tech, P/UTL
*
denotes unanimous selection