Texas Softball Starts Season Ranked Among Nation's Best

Defending national champion Longhorns face tough schedule as they aim for repeat title

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Texas Longhorns softball team, the reigning national champions, enter the 2026 season ranked among the top teams in the country according to multiple preseason polls. Texas will face a challenging schedule that includes 12 teams currently ranked in the top 25, as they look to defend their NCAA title.

Why it matters

Texas softball's national championship last year was a major accomplishment, and the Longhorns are now viewed as one of the premier programs in the sport. Their ability to maintain that elite status and compete for another title will be closely watched, especially as the powerhouse Southeastern Conference continues to dominate the college softball landscape.

The details

Texas opens its season today in the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio, where they will face several top-25 opponents. The Longhorns are ranked either first or second in the preseason polls from On3's Softball America, ESPN's USA Softball, and D1Softball. Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Oregon are also ranked among the nation's elite teams. In total, Texas will play 12 currently ranked opponents during the regular season, including conference foes Oklahoma, South Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas.

  • Texas opens its season today, February 6, 2026, in the UTSA Invitational.
  • The Longhorns will face Washington later this weekend as part of their non-conference schedule.

The players

Texas Longhorns

The defending national champion softball team from the University of Texas.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech University's softball team, ranked as the preseason No. 1 team in some polls.

Oklahoma Sooners

The University of Oklahoma's softball team, ranked among the top 5 teams in the country.

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What’s next

The Longhorns will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face a challenging non-conference and conference schedule in their quest to defend their national championship.

The takeaway

Texas softball's national title last year has cemented the program's status as one of the elite teams in the country. The Longhorns will be tested throughout the season, but their combination of talent, experience, and the drive to repeat as champions makes them a favorite to contend for another NCAA crown.