8 college softball teams that could win their new conferences after realignment

The 2025 college softball season will look a little different in the conference standings due to some notable conference realignments. Powerhouses like Oklahoma, Texas and UCLA are shifting landscapes, while other teams are also making moves that could redefine their competitive status.

Here are the teams best positioned to win their new leagues in 2025.

Big Ten contenders

UCLA

• 2024 record: 43-12 (Women’s College World Series appearance)
• Key returners: Taylor Tinsley (P), Addisen Fisher (P, freshman)

UCLA joins the Big Ten as the most decorated program in college softball history with 12 national championships. The Bruins offense, which hit 65 home runs last season, should dominate Big Ten pitching. The biggest advantage? Their pitching staff is led by Taylor Tinsley (1.90 ERA, 166 K in 2024) and incoming freshman ace Addisen Fisher. UCLA should be the instant favorite to take the Big Ten crown.

Oregon

• 2024 record: 30-21 (lost to Oklahoma in the regional finals)
• Key returners: Paige Sinicki (INF), Kai Luschar (OF)

The Ducks bring a history of Pac-12 success, making the WCWS six times, most recently in 2018. Along with stepping into a new conference, Oregon will be taking its longtime rivalry with Washington with it. Before starting Big Ten play, Oregon will compete in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic and other events.

ACC contenders

Stanford

• 2024 record: 50-17 (Women’s College World Series appearance)
• Key returners: River Mahler (INF), Taryn Kern (INF)

Stanford moves to the ACC as an immediate contender, even after losing star pitcher NiJaree Canady to Texas Tech via the transfer portal. The Cardinal finished second nationally in ERA (1.62) last year and still have enough pitching depth to compete with Florida State and other ACC contenders. Their biggest challenge will be replacing Canady’s 337 strikeouts and 0.73 ERA, but the Cardinal have the talent to compete right away.

California

• 2024 record: 37-19 (lost in the regional round)
• Key returners: Acacia Anders (INF), Elon Butler (INF)

Cal’s offensive firepower — ranked top 25 nationally in home runs per game (1.19)—should translate well to the ACC. The Golden Bears will need to sharpen their defense after committing 54 errors last season, but if their pitching holds up, they could surprise.

Big 12 contenders

Arizona

• 2024 record: 37-18-1 (lost to Oklahoma State in the super regionals)
• Key returners: Dakota Kennedy (OF), Aissa Silva (P)

The Wildcats enter the Big 12 looking to challenge Oklahoma State for the throne. Arizona’s offense is stacked, with Dakota Kennedy hitting .400 with 13 home runs last season. If their pitching can step up (team ERA: 3.93 in 2024), they could be legitimate Big 12 title contenders. 

Utah

• 2024 record: 35-22 (lost in the regional round)
• Key returners: Kaylah Nelsen (IF), Reese Lee (OF)

Utah is built around speed and contact hitting, leading the Pac-12 in stolen bases (69) last season. The Utes will need to improve their power game (only 22 HRs in 2024), but the program's 50th season will be a mix of returning stars and a lot of new faces.

SEC contenders

Oklahoma

• 2024 record: 59-7 (four-time defending national champs)
• Key returners: Ella Parker (OF), Ailana Agbayani (IF)

The Sooners’ dominance may continue despite the loss of their legendary senior class. Their pitching depth took a hit, but their lineup, which led the nation with 133 home runs and a .330 team batting average in 2024, still makes them a major, major threat. If their new talent steps up, Oklahoma could win the SEC in year one.

Texas

• 2024 record: 55-10 (WCWS runner-up)
• Key returners: Reese Atwood (C), Citlaly Gutierrez (P)

Texas join the SEC as the No. 1-ranked team in the country. The Longhorns led the nation in team ERA (1.41) last season and return most of their core, including slugger Reese Atwood (.423 BA, 23 HR, 90 RBI). The SEC is loaded, but Texas is built for the challenge.

Conference realignment overview