Tennessee softball’s 2026 season is off to a very strong start. After the initial slate of games, the Lady Vols stand at 5-0 with a pair of ranked wins, including one over an Oregon team that was in the top five.
Now, Softball America has updated its top-25 rankings. After slotting Tennessee at No. 4 to begin the year, the Lady Vols have moved up to the No. 2 spot in the country. This jumps both Texas and Oklahoma, but keeps UT behind Texas Tech.
On top of the great play from Tennessee, both the Longhorns and Sooners dropped games this week. Texas lost to Nebraska, while Oklahoma lost to Arizona. The schools dropped to No. 3 and 4 in the country, respectively, as a result.
The latest rankings after Opening Week feature reshuffling at the top.
Full Top 25 here: https://t.co/6JQKfLVmet pic.twitter.com/zimwpef4MK
— Softball America (@SoftbalAmerica) February 9, 2026
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Tennessee’s finest win of the past week came against No. 5 Oregon. In the win over the Ducks, star pitcher Karlyn Pickens went the entire game and gave up just three hits and no runs while walking four and striking out nine. At the plate, Gabby Leach went 1-for-3 and scored both runs.
Erin Nuwer also had a great weekend in the circle. In 10 innings pitched, she didn’t allow a hit or an earned run.
Next, the Lady Vols will compete in the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational in Clearwater, Florida. That is the same location as the tournament they played in this past week. On Feb. 13, Tennessee will play Nebraska and James Madison. The following day, it is scheduled to play Florida Atlantic and UCLA. Then, it’ll be a game against Florida State to round out the trip.
The Cornhuskers are ranked No. 13, and the Seminoles have moved up to No. 5, as well.
