Softball season is upon us, with familiar faces headlining the Nation’s top squads

The GIST: There might still be snow outside your window and a chill in the air, but get your glove ready because softball season is almost here. Let’s check in on the top storylines and get ready for the season before it swings into action tomorrow.

How it works: Division I programs begin play tomorrow, kicking off a three and a half month season that ends with 64 teams earning spots in the national tournament. Half of those teams get the nod for winning their conference, while the other half are selected by a committee. Batter up.

Can anyone dethrone Oklahoma?: The Sooners have ruled the diamond for the last decade, claiming six NCAA championships since 2016 and the last four in a row. Could a five-peat be incoming? Not if preseason No. 1 Texas has anything to say about it. The Longhorns finished second to Oklahoma in 2022 and 2024, meaning they’re extra hungry for a title and a side of revenge.

• Leading the way for the Longhorns? Reigning Softball America Player of the Year, junior Reese Atwood, a power hitter who homered 23 times last season.

How will conference realignment change things?: Some of the country’s top programs will be experiencing change due to the dismantling of the Pac-12, including preseason No. 6 UCLA, the school with the most Women’s College World Series titles. The Bruins will now play in the Big Ten alongside Oregon, while other conference standouts Stanford and California have joined the ACC.

• Meanwhile, last season’s USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, NiJaree Canady, transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech. Can the star pitcher and her jaw-dropping 0.57 ERA transform the Red Raiders? Can’t wait to find out.