Oklahoma Sooners Outside Top Spot in Softball America’s Preseason Top 25: A New Era for Sooner Softball?
The Oklahoma Sooners softball team has long been a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, consistently sitting at or near the top of the rankings year after year. From national championships to dominating performances, the Sooners have built a tradition of excellence under head coach Patty Gasso. However, as the 2024 season approaches, Softball America’s Preseason Top 25 rankings have placed Oklahoma outside the coveted top spot for the first time in recent memory, sparking curiosity, discussions, and predictions regarding the team’s path forward.
While the Sooners have established themselves as a perennial title contender, they find themselves facing new challenges in 2024 that may be influencing their preseason ranking. As the preseason rankings are set, it’s clear that other programs have emerged as serious contenders, and the landscape of college softball is shifting. This raises an important question: what does it mean for Oklahoma to be outside of the top spot, and how will the team respond to this challenge?
This article delves into the factors contributing to Oklahoma’s position outside of the No. 1 spot in Softball America’s Preseason Top 25 rankings, examines what the Sooners have to prove this season, and highlights how the program could still be in a strong position to challenge for another championship.
1. The Emergence of Other Programs
For the first time in recent history, Oklahoma is not occupying the top spot in Softball America’s Preseason Top 25 rankings, a reflection of the increasing parity and competitiveness in college softball. As softball continues to grow in popularity and prominence, more programs are investing in their programs, facilities, and talent acquisition, leading to a more competitive landscape. As a result, several teams have risen to the top, with some receiving more preseason attention than Oklahoma.
UCLA Bruins: A Rising Force
One team that has emerged as a favorite in the rankings is UCLA. The Bruins are widely regarded as one of the most storied programs in college softball history and have returned to form in recent seasons. UCLA’s combination of talented players, strong pitching, and a competitive mindset has positioned them as a potential title contender in 2024. With a mix of returning stars and promising newcomers, UCLA has caught the eye of many analysts, and Softball America has given them the No. 1 spot in the Preseason Top 25 rankings.
In 2024, UCLA is set to feature one of the best pitching staffs in the nation, a key factor in the team’s success. The Bruins also have a balanced offensive attack, with hitters capable of producing big plays in clutch moments. As a result, UCLA’s rise in the rankings isn’t just about Oklahoma’s potential decline but rather the success and resurgence of other top programs across the country.
Texas Longhorns: A Close Contender
Another program on the rise is Texas. The Longhorns are also a major threat to Oklahoma’s dominance in the Big 12 and on the national scene. Texas has had strong recruiting classes in recent years, and under head coach Mike White, they have taken significant strides forward, becoming more competitive year after year. Texas’ consistency and ability to compete in crucial postseason games have made them one of the programs to watch, and Softball America’s decision to place them near the top in the preseason rankings reflects their growing strength.
Texas is expected to field a well-rounded team in 2024, with a strong pitching rotation and several powerful hitters who can make an impact at any moment. With a potential run in the postseason on the horizon, the Longhorns are certainly one team that could pose a serious challenge to Oklahoma’s supremacy in the Big 12 and beyond.
2. Oklahoma’s Losses and Transition
While Oklahoma remains a perennial powerhouse in college softball, 2024 will see the Sooners undergo some changes that have impacted their preseason ranking. Over the past few seasons, Oklahoma has dominated college softball thanks to a lineup full of stars and strong leadership from Patty Gasso. However, as is common with programs that experience great success, key players have graduated or moved on, leaving a gap that will need to be filled by the next generation of talent.
Loss of Key Players
One of the most significant departures for Oklahoma was that of star pitcher and two-time National Player of the Year, Jordy Bahl, who made the decision to leave early for the professional ranks. Bahl was one of the top pitchers in the country, and her presence in the circle was a defining factor in Oklahoma’s dominance. Along with Bahl, the Sooners also lost other key players, such as shortstop Grace Lyons and outfielder Jayda Coleman, who were instrumental in the team’s success.
These losses are significant, and while the Sooners still have an incredibly talented roster, there’s no question that some rebuilding will be necessary. New faces will need to step up in key positions, and some players will need to take on larger roles than they have in the past. The uncertainty surrounding the team’s ability to fill those voids has undoubtedly affected their preseason ranking.
Adjusting to the Loss of Leadership
Beyond player departures, Oklahoma also has to account for the loss of veteran leadership on the field. Grace Lyons and Jayda Coleman were both team captains, providing guidance and mentorship to younger players on the roster. Replacing their leadership will be challenging, as it’s not just about the physical talent of the players but also their ability to lead and set the tone for the team. Patty Gasso will need to help transition her new players into these important leadership roles if the Sooners are to maintain their winning culture.
While the incoming players at Oklahoma are incredibly talented and have the potential to make an impact right away, it’s worth noting that Softball America’s ranking reflects a certain level of caution when it comes to projecting the Sooners’ success. The team’s success in 2024 will depend on how quickly they can adjust to their losses, develop new leaders, and ensure that their younger players are ready to contribute.
3. Oklahoma’s Strengths and Resilience
Despite not being in the top spot, Oklahoma remains one of the most talented teams in the country, and their overall potential for 2024 is high. Patty Gasso, a legendary figure in college softball, has built a program that thrives on resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Even with the changes and adjustments, the Sooners’ culture and foundation are strong, and their ability to bounce back from adversity is one of the hallmarks of the program.
Outstanding Recruiting and Talent Development
Oklahoma’s recruiting has been stellar, and the incoming class for 2024 is no exception. The Sooners have some of the most highly touted recruits in the nation, with players who have the ability to step in and contribute immediately. These new faces, combined with the return of some key players from last year’s squad, ensure that the Sooners remain a formidable force. Players like Tiare Jennings, who has been a dynamic presence in the lineup, and Rylie Boone, a top outfielder, are expected to lead the charge for Oklahoma.
Patty Gasso’s ability to develop players is also a significant advantage. She has consistently been able to take talented athletes and mold them into championship-caliber players. Gasso’s reputation as a top-tier coach is unquestioned, and her ability to maximize the potential of her team will be crucial in the 2024 season.
A Strong Pitching Staff
Although the departure of Jordy Bahl is a blow, Oklahoma still boasts an incredibly strong pitching staff, including talented arms like Alex Storako, a transfer from Michigan. Storako brings a wealth of experience and high-level pitching ability, and she will be counted on to anchor the Sooners’ pitching rotation. With Storako leading the charge, the Sooners’ pitching staff is still among the best in the nation, and their ability to shut down opposing offenses will be key to their success.
Additionally, Oklahoma’s defense remains one of the most reliable in college softball. Even with the loss of key players, the Sooners are known for their strong fundamentals and their ability to make plays when it matters most. Their pitching and defense will be pivotal as they look to reclaim the top spot.
4. The Path Forward for Oklahoma
While being placed outside of the top spot in Softball America’s Preseason Top 25 is a noticeable change for Oklahoma, it’s important to recognize that rankings at this stage of the season are based on projections, and much can change as the season progresses. The Sooners have the talent, leadership, and coaching to overcome their preseason ranking and prove that they are still one of the top teams in the nation.
Oklahoma’s response to this new challenge will be crucial. As a program accustomed to success, the Sooners are likely to use this slight as motivation to prove the doubters wrong. With Patty Gasso at the helm, there’s little doubt that Oklahoma will remain a force to be reckoned with. The key for the Sooners will be to gel as a team, develop chemistry, and find their rhythm as the season progresses.
While 2024 may be a year of transition, the Oklahoma Sooners have the foundation, talent, and coaching to bounce back and make another run at the national title.
