Oklahoma State Softball Opens Season Against Stanford

Cowgirls face Cardinal in first game of Stanford Invitational

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:07pm

The Oklahoma State softball team, ranked 25th nationally, opens its 2026 season on Thursday night with a matchup against 20th-ranked Stanford in Palo Alto, California. The game is the first of five the Cowgirls will play at the Stanford Invitational over the next two days.

Why it matters

This early-season showdown between two top-25 programs provides an important early test for the Cowgirls as they look to build momentum heading into conference play. The outcome could impact both teams' postseason positioning later in the year.

The details

Oklahoma State and Stanford will face off at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday night to kick off the Stanford Invitational. The game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra. The Cowgirls, led by coach Kenny Gajewski, are looking to build on a 2025 season that saw them reach the NCAA Tournament. The Cardinal, ranked 20th, will provide a tough opening challenge for Oklahoma State.

  • The Oklahoma State vs Stanford game starts at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Cowgirls will play a total of five games at the Stanford Invitational, with two games each on Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7.

The players

Kenny Gajewski

The head coach of the Oklahoma State softball team.

Oklahoma State Cowgirls

The Oklahoma State softball team, ranked 25th nationally heading into the 2026 season.

Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford softball team, ranked 20th nationally, will host the Stanford Invitational tournament.

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What’s next

The outcome of the Oklahoma State-Stanford game will set the tone for both teams as they continue play at the Stanford Invitational over the next two days.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between two top-25 programs provides an important early test for the Oklahoma State Cowgirls as they look to build momentum heading into the heart of their schedule. A strong performance against Stanford could be a springboard for the Cowgirls' 2026 campaign.