Rivalries fuel the fire in college softball, and 2025 is no exception. With conference realignments, powerhouse programs colliding and national title implications on the line, this season’s biggest matchups are must-watch. From Texas and Oklahoma’s battle for SEC supremacy to the renewed intensity of UCLA-Arizona, here’s a deep dive into the rivalries that will define the year.
Oklahoma vs. Texas
- Next matchup: April 25-27
The Oklahoma-Texas rivalry is one of the fiercest in college softball, and in 2025, it’s bigger than ever. Every matchup carries even more weight in the national title race with both teams now in the SEC. The Sooners have long held the upper hand, leading the series 45-13 all-time, including a 23-game win streak from 2014-22. Last year’s WCWS championship finals saw Oklahoma sweep Texas in two games to secure a historic fourth-consecutive national title.
This season, Texas entered as the No. 1 team in the nation with Teagan Kavan returning to the pitching circle for her second season and Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart anchoring a potent lineup. Oklahoma is reloading after key departures but remains a powerhouse, ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll.
The two teams will clash April 25-27 in Norman, Oklahoma — marking the penultimate regular season series for each team before SEC tournament play. For Texas, it’s about finally toppling Oklahoma. For the Sooners, it’s about proving their dynasty isn’t done yet.
Florida vs. Florida State
- Next matchup: April 2
The battle for the Sunshine State has been one of college softball’s most exciting rivalries, with Florida holding a 29-23 head-to-head edge since 1997. The Gators and Seminoles have consistently been among the nation’s elite. Their last showdown in May 2024 was a slugfest, setting the all-time series record for most combined runs in a game as Florida outlasted Florida State 15-13 in nine innings. Kendra Falby was the difference maker, delivering a career-high five-hit performance and the game-winning homer in the ninth. That extra-inning win ended a six-game head-to-head winning streak by the Seminoles, stretching back to 2021.
Both teams entered 2025 as national contenders. Florida has been dominant early, led by a deep lineup and Keagan Rothrock in the circle, while Florida State is on a run-rule win tear so far in February. When they meet in Tallahassee on April 2, expect another battle with bragging rights on the line.
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Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State
- Next matchup: April 9
The Bedlam Series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State is amongst the most heated rivalries. Historically, the Sooners have dominated the matchup, holding a 104-74 series lead since 1975. Yet the Cowgirls have proven they can challenge OU, winning two of their three head-to-head games last May.
Oklahoma is once again a national contender, despite major roster turnover from its four-year championship run. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has been to five straight Women's College World Series (not including the canceled 2020 tournament).
While no longer an in-conference showdown after Oklahoma's move to the SEC, the Sooners and Cowgirls will still meet once in 2025 on Wednesday night, April 9.
UCLA vs. Arizona
- Next matchup: March 1
Few rivalries in college softball carry the history and prestige of UCLA vs. Arizona. These two powerhouses have combined for 20 national championships and have been contenders for decades. The Bruins hold the edge in the head-to-head series at 89-60 since 1984, but every matchup seems to deliver drama. Their final Pac-12 battle in 2024 was no different. UCLA scored 11 unanswered runs to win 11-7 on Senior Day. That marked the biggest comeback in Bruins program history.
Both teams now enter a new era after conference realignment, with UCLA joining the Big Ten and Arizona moving to the Big 12. The Bruins remain a title threat, powered by Jordan Woolery and a dominant rotation featuring Kaitlyn Terry, Taylor Tinsley and freshman Addisen Fisher. Meanwhile, Arizona has adjusted quickly to its new home, led by Dakota Kennedy and Miranda Stoddard.
This season they'll meet for one game on a neutral field in Fullerton, California as part of the Judi Garman Classic. If history is any indication, expect a show.
Texas vs. Florida
- Next matchup: March 15-17
Texas and Florida collide in a top-tier SEC matchup, with the Gators seeking revenge after last year’s 10-0 run-rule loss to the Longhorns in the WCWS. Texas dominated that game with three home runs and a one-hit shutout from Mac Morgan. But Florida has entered 2025 headfirst, outscoring opponents 100-16 through its first 13 games. Freshman Taylor Shumaker has been a force at the plate, while ace Keagan Rothrock hasn't allowed an earned run in her first 31.2 innings as of Feb. 15.
Texas counters with an elite lineup, led by Kayden Henry and Katie Stewart, plus dominant pitching from Kavan. With both teams rolling, this showdown in the early part of SEC play could set the tone for a deep postseason run.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma
- Next matchup: April 12-14
When Alabama and Oklahoma meet, history is always on the line. These two powerhouses have clashed 18 times since 1997, with Alabama holding a slim 10-8 edge. Their last four battles have all come at the biggest stage in the Women’s College World Series, most recently including a walk-off 1-0 win in eight innings for Alabama in the 2019 WCWS semifinals. Go back three years earlier, and you'll remember "Big Play" Shay Knighten's walk-off 3-run homer in the opening round of the 2016 WCWS.
In 2025, they'll meet for a three-game regular-season series in Tuscaloosa as part of SEC play.
Louisiana vs. LSU
- Next matchups: March 11 & March 25
The LSU-Louisiana softball rivalry is as intense as it is competitive, with the two in-state programs separated by just 83 miles. The head-to-head series sits at 13-13 since 2008. This span has included four NCAA tournament matchups (2008, 2010, 2013, 2017). In their most recent meeting on April 23, 2024, Louisiana upset LSU, 9-4, using a six-run first inning and dominant pitching from Chloe Riassetto to secure the win. That snapped a three-game home losing streak to LSU and handed the Tigers their first non-conference loss of last season.
With two matchups scheduled for 2025 — March 11 in Baton Rouge and March 25 in Lafayette — this rivalry remains a must-watch battle for Louisiana softball supremacy.
