The absence of the Oklahoma Sooners in Softball America’s preseason top 25 rankings for the 2025 season is a surprising development for fans and analysts alike, considering their dominant position in college softball over the past several years. Historically, the Sooners have been a powerhouse in NCAA Division I softball, boasting numerous conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, and national championships. Their consistent success, particularly in recent years under head coach Patty Gasso, has cemented their reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable programs.
To understand the significance of this ranking, it’s crucial to take a deeper look at Oklahoma’s program history, their performance in recent seasons, the factors contributing to their exclusion from the preseason rankings, and how their team could still be a contender despite not being ranked in the top 25.
Oklahoma’s Softball Legacy
The University of Oklahoma’s softball team has been a mainstay in the upper echelon of college softball for decades. Under the leadership of head coach Patty Gasso, who took over the program in 1995, the Sooners have built one of the most successful softball dynasties in NCAA history. Gasso has led the team to multiple Women’s College World Series (WCWS) appearances, including five national championships (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2021). Their ability to consistently develop elite talent and perform on the biggest stages has kept them at the forefront of the sport.
Oklahoma’s recent success has been particularly impressive. In 2021, they claimed their fifth national title in dominant fashion, finishing with a 56-4 record and a postseason run that culminated in a 5-1 win over Florida State in the WCWS final. They followed that up with a stellar 2022 season, which saw them post an undefeated record throughout the regular season and the postseason, eventually winning their sixth national championship.
The 2023 season was another strong one for the Sooners, as they reached the WCWS and fell just short of winning the national title, finishing as runners-up to the Texas Longhorns. Despite this, the Sooners continued to maintain their elite status, with an impressive 47-9 overall record and another deep postseason run.
Softball America’s Preseason Top 25 Rankings
Preseason rankings in college softball, as in other sports, are heavily influenced by various factors such as returning talent, transfers, recruiting classes, coaching stability, and overall program strength. Softball America’s top 25 preseason rankings serve as a way to forecast which teams are expected to perform at the highest level, but these rankings can be fluid and subject to change as the season progresses.
Oklahoma’s exclusion from this prestigious list is both unexpected and puzzling given their past performances and their reputation as one of the most successful programs in college softball. The Sooners have been consistently ranked in the top 10 over the last decade, and a ranking outside of the top 25 for a team of their stature is a rare occurrence.
Factors Behind the Omission
There are several possible reasons for Oklahoma’s absence from Softball America’s preseason top 25 rankings. While this does not diminish the program’s stature or their ability to perform on the field, it is important to analyze the factors that could have contributed to this situation.
1. Key Player Departures
One major reason for Oklahoma’s exclusion from the top 25 could be the loss of several key players who were instrumental in the team’s recent success. The 2024 season saw the departure of several standout athletes who had been crucial to the Sooners’ offensive and defensive dominance. For instance, the departure of star pitcher Jordy Bahl, who was a two-time WCWS Most Outstanding Player, could have a significant impact on the team’s pitching staff. Bahl’s leadership on the mound, as well as her ability to shut down opposing offenses, was a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s success.
Similarly, the loss of talented hitters, such as Tiare Jennings and Grace Lyons, who had been offensive powerhouses for the Sooners, could also contribute to the uncertainty surrounding their preseason ranking. These players had not only provided consistent offense but were also leaders in the locker room, guiding the Sooners through critical moments during their national title runs.
2. Roster Transition
The transition from one season to the next often comes with a period of adjustment, especially when a team loses a significant portion of its roster. Oklahoma’s ability to reload with top-tier recruits and transfers is well-known, but it can take time for new players to adapt to the competitive environment of Division I softball. The Sooners have always been able to attract elite recruits, but with so many changes to their lineup and pitching staff, the preseason rankings may reflect the uncertainty surrounding how quickly these new players will gel and step into key roles.
3. Strength of the National Landscape
The overall competitiveness of NCAA softball has increased significantly in recent years. More teams have invested in their programs, and new programs are emerging as serious contenders for the top spots in the country. Teams like UCLA, Texas, Florida State, and Washington have established themselves as elite programs, and their recruiting efforts have made them strong contenders for the top 25 rankings.
The 2024-2025 season promises to be another highly competitive year in the sport, with multiple teams boasting strong lineups and solid pitching staffs. In this competitive landscape, teams that were once considered perennial powerhouses, like Oklahoma, might face stiffer competition in terms of ranking, even if they remain a top program overall.
4. Preseason Uncertainty
Preseason rankings are based on projections, and while past performance is a key factor, coaches and analysts can only speculate about how teams will perform in a new season. Injuries, roster changes, and unforeseen developments can all affect the performance of a team. Oklahoma’s absence from the top 25 could be due to analysts’ uncertainty about how they will fare given their roster transitions and the competition in the upcoming season.
Oklahoma’s Potential Despite the Omission
While the Sooners’ omission from Softball America’s preseason top 25 is notable, it is important to remember that preseason rankings are just that—rankings at the start of the season. The real test of a team’s strength comes during the regular season and postseason. Oklahoma has historically proven that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Patty Gasso’s coaching pedigree is unmatched, and her ability to develop players and maximize their potential on the field is one of the main reasons Oklahoma has remained so successful over the years. Even with the departures of key players, Gasso’s reputation for reloading with talented recruits and transfers should not be underestimated.
Oklahoma also has a number of players returning who can provide leadership and experience. The team’s pitching staff, while losing Jordy Bahl, is still likely to feature strong talent, with other pitchers stepping into bigger roles. The Sooners are known for their depth and versatility, and even if they aren’t ranked in the top 25 initially, they could very well prove to be one of the top teams by the end of the season.
