Arkansas Softball Heads to Texas for States Up Invitational

Razorbacks look to continue hot start after historic opening weekend

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The ninth-ranked Arkansas softball team will travel to San Marcos, Texas this week to compete in the States Up Invitational. After opening the season with a program-record 60 runs scored over the opening weekend, the Razorbacks will face off against host Texas State, BYU, Wichita State, and No. 17 Clemson, led by veteran head coach John Rittman.

Why it matters

This early-season tournament will provide a strong test for the Razorbacks as they look to build on their historic opening weekend and continue their momentum heading into conference play. Matchups against ranked opponents like Clemson will give Arkansas a chance to prove their national title aspirations.

The details

Arkansas will play five games over the three-day tournament, including two matchups against Clemson. The Tigers are led by veteran head coach John Rittman, who is approaching 1,000 career wins and has taken Clemson to five consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel has known Rittman for a long time, dating back to his tenure at Stanford. The Razorbacks will also face off against Texas State, BYU, and Wichita State during the event.

  • The States Up Invitational takes place from February 17-19, 2026.

The players

Courtney Deifel

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks softball team, who is a native of California and has known Clemson head coach John Rittman for a long time.

John Rittman

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers softball team, who is approaching 1,000 career wins and has taken the Tigers to five consecutive NCAA Tournaments.

Reagan Johnson

The senior centerfielder for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who was the team's leadoff batter for 176 straight games before being moved down in the order.

Dakota Kennedy

An Arizona transfer who has also had experience as a leadoff hitter, and was moved up in the order for Arkansas.

Tianna Bell

A Cal transfer who had a dominant opening weekend for the Razorbacks, slashing .833/.833/1.500 with 11 hits, 2 doubles, and 7 RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“Everything John Rittman touches in the softball world is great and I know him very well from my time at Cal. He just has a great mind for the game, a great developer, everything he does in the this game is great.”

— Courtney Deifel, Arkansas Head Coach (on3.com)

“Being a transfer and feeling everything out I already felt like I have been playing with them all three years. I was just looking for another push. I felt like I was getting too comfortable at my old school and I knew I could excel at a new level so I just broke out of my comfort zone.”

— Tianna Bell, Arkansas Softball Player (on3.com)

What’s next

The Razorbacks will look to continue their strong start and build momentum heading into SEC play, with key matchups against ranked opponents like Clemson providing an early test.

The takeaway

Arkansas softball is poised for a big season, with a talented roster led by veteran coach Courtney Deifel. The Razorbacks' historic opening weekend has set the stage for an exciting campaign, and this early-season tournament will be an important step in their quest for a national championship.