Arizona softball has landed a spot on Softball America's top 25 preseason rankings for 2026.Β
The Cats secured No. 17 on the list, which is topped by Texas Tech, the national runner-up from last season's championship series, and defending national champ Texas at No. 2.Β
UA, which finished the 2025 season at 48-13 and a No. 18 ranking, kicks off the new year with the Candrea Classic Feb. 5-8 at home with Oklahoma, Southern Utah and Utah State.Β
Arizona infielder Jenna Sniffen (33) and her teammates warm up before an early-morning practice at Hillenbrand Stadium, Oct. 15, 2025.
The series is part of 29 home games that will be played at Hillenbrand Stadium. The Cats will face Texas (Feb. 20 and 22) and Texas Tech (March 13-15) on the road.Β Β
Aside from the Wildcats and the Red Raiders, the only other Big 12 school to make the Softball America preseason cut was Oklahoma State, which went 35-20 last season, at No. 19.Β
Filling out Softball America's preseason top 10 are Oklahoma at No. 3, followed by Tennessee, Oregon, Florida State, Arkansas, UCLA, Clemson and Florida.
Newcomers to Arizona's 2026 roster will include four freshmen and six transfers. Among the returning players are All-American Sydney Stewart and All-Big 12 players Regan Shockey and Jenna Sniffen.
UA had the No. 1 signing class in the Big 12, and the class was ranked No. 24 in the nation by D1 Softball, the program said.
"This class brings a lot of versatility and will add depth to our lineup,"Β head coach Caitlin Lowe said. "They are all tough competitors and proven winners that will wear the Block A with pride."
For a full look at the schedule for the season ahead, head to arizonawildcats.com/softball.
