Breaking down NiJaree Canady and Jordy Bahl's hitting success so far in 2025

For years, college softball’s biggest pitching names were rarely the biggest hitting threats in the lineup. In 2025, that narrative is shifting, thanks to two of the sport’s brightest stars — Nebraska’s Jordy Bahl and Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady. Both entered the season known for their dominance in the circle. This year, their bats are starting to demand equal attention.

Through March 3, here are both of their two-way stats so far in the 2025 season:

Bahl’s power surge at the plate

Bahl’s hitting has been one of Nebraska’s biggest storylines so far. The preseason All-American delivered a signature moment on opening night, blasting her first career home run in a 7-1 upset win over then-No. 6 Tennessee, in her first game since tearing her ACL the year earlier in her Nebraska debut. It was a two-run shot that capped a five-run fifth inning, giving Bahl her first career homer in the same game she threw a complete game with seven strikeouts.

She hit it out of the park AND the frame!!@jordybahl adds two more to the board with a homer to LF 💥

M5 | Huskers lead 5-1 pic.twitter.com/SmcunYduQq

— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) February 7, 2025

She didn’t stop there. One week later, Bahl turned in a power display at the Troy Cox Classic, hitting three home runs across two games — part of Nebraska’s 10-homer day in a dominant doubleheader sweep. Bahl went 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs against New Mexico State in the Classic.

Bahl’s offensive numbers stand out for more than just the power through the first month of the season. Through the Huskers' first 21 games, she’s hitting .508 with a 1.066 slugging percentage — a mark that leads Nebraska’s regular starters and is ninth best in the nation, as of March 3. For a player who missed nearly all of last season with injury, her impact at the plate has made her one of the most dangerous all-around threats in the country.

Bahl already has more at bats in 2025 (61) than in her two seasons combined at Oklahoma — where she had just 40 at bats across 2022 and 2023. See her career splits below.

*Bahl appeared in one game for Nebraska in 2024 and had no official at bats, but drew a walk and a HBP.

^ Through March 3, 2025

Canady’s statement swings at Texas Tech

When Canady transferred to Texas Tech, much of the attention was focused on her pitching resume as the reigning USA Softball Player of the Year with a microscopic 0.73 ERA in 2024 and some big-time performances in the Women's College World Series. But Canady made it clear she came to Lubbock to do more than pitch. She came to hit.

So far, she’s lived up to that promise.

Canady launched a three-run homer off none other than Bahl herself in Texas Tech’s 6-5 comeback win over Nebraska on Feb. 8 at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. It was a game-changing swing that erased most of a five-run deficit and instantly backed up the hype that Canady’s bat could be just as valuable as her arm.

Things you love to see https://t.co/nni038wJwA pic.twitter.com/6sMijf1MQm

— Texas Tech Softball (@TexasTechSB) February 8, 2025

That homer was just the beginning. Through March 3, Canady already has four home runs, 20 RBIs and a .638 slugging percentage — second only to Lauren Allred on a Texas Tech team that's been consistently ranked in the top 15. In a Feb. 21 doubleheader against Detroit Mercy, Canady drove in six runs across the two games, including a towering home run to left-center.

Oh, and by the way, she's only given up five earned runs in 56.2 innings in the circle so far for a 0.62 ERA.

Like Bahl, Canady has already exceeded her small sample size at the plate at her previous school, Stanford, in 2023 and 2024. 

^ Through March 3, 2025

Balancing the plate and the circle

For both players, the balance between pitching dominance and offensive production has been a careful act. Bahl is Nebraska’s clear ace in the circle, already starting 10 of Nebraska's first 21 games and logging eight complete games. Canady’s pitching workload has been just as heavy — with a 0.62 ERA and 96 strikeouts through her first 56.2 innings, she remains one of the nation’s most untouchable arms. Canady has started nine of Texas Tech's first 24 games and has one relief appearance.

That level of dominance makes their offensive output even more impressive. Neither player is just taking occasional at-bats as a novelty. They’re regular pieces of the lineup. Bahl has hit second in all but two of Nebraska's first 21 games, appearing as a pitcher, first baseman and designated player. Canady's lineup spot has fluctuated, but the junior received opportunities in the middle of the order during her early-season hot stretch. Both have already collected multi-hit games, multi-homer games, and clutch, game-changing swings that directly altered the outcomes of top-25 matchups.

What’s next?

As conference play looms, the question isn’t whether Bahl and Canady can hit — that’s already been answered. The bigger story is whether they can sustain this level of offensive impact while carrying the bulk of their teams’ innings in the circle. 

For Bahl, her power adds an entirely new dimension to a Nebraska team already built on small ball and situational hitting. For Canady, who has gone hitless in her last 12 at bats since homering on Feb. 22, her bat still gives Texas Tech an anchor that complements her pitching presence.

Together, they aren’t just redefining what it means to be an ace in college softball. They’re showing that in 2025, the best arms can also swing the biggest bats — and they’re leaving no doubt about who the faces of this year’s game are.