Arizona will find out quickly whether it has the stuff to compete for the Big 12 softball championship in 2026.
The Big 12 released its conference schedule Thursday. Arizona opens at home against BYU March 5-7. The following weekend, March 13-15, the Wildcats visit Texas Tech — the defending league champion and Women’s College World Series runner-up.
Arizona catcher/utility player Emma Kavanagh throws the ball to third base during an early-morning practice at Hillenbrand Stadium, Oct. 15, 2025.
Texas Tech defeated Arizona in the Big 12 Championship Game last season and brings back star pitcher NiJaree Canady, among others.
After the three-game set in Lubbock, Arizona hosts back-to-back series against rival Arizona State (March 20-22) and Baylor (March 27-29). The Wildcats then hit the road for consecutive series at Iowa State (April 2-4) and Oklahoma State (April 17-19).
Arizona’s final home conference series is April 24-26 vs. Houston. The Wildcats wrap up league play May 1-3 at Utah.
The Big 12 Softball Championship is slated for May 7-9 in Oklahoma City.
Arizona is still finalizing its nonconference schedule. It is expected to include three home tournaments and one at former Pac-12 rival Stanford.
Season tickets for 2026 went on sale Wednesday.
Arizona has two more exhibition games after Friday’s doubleheader vs. Central Arizona and Phoenix College — at Grand Canyon on Nov. 1 and vs. Pima Community College on Nov. 7.
The Wildcats finished 48-13 last season, losing to Ole Miss in the finals of the NCAA’s Tucson Regional.
To see all of the 2026 Big 12 softball series pairings, click here.
