With the 2024 college softball season right around the corner, anticipation is building as fans eagerly await to see which teams will make the cut in the NCAA Top 25 poll. College softball rankings have always been a hot topic among fans, players, and coaches alike, as they provide a benchmark for teams to gauge their performance against the competition. The rankings are a reflection of a team’s on-field success, taking into account factors such as wins and losses, strength of schedule, and individual player performances.
The 2024 NCAA Top 25 poll is expected to feature some familiar faces as well as some up-and-coming teams looking to make a splash on the national stage. As always, the top spot is highly coveted, with defending national champions Oklahoma looking to defend their title and secure the number one ranking once again. The Sooners have been a dominant force in college softball in recent years, bolstered by a lineup of talented players and a strong coaching staff led by Patty Gasso.
Coming in at number two in the rankings is likely to be UCLA, a perennial powerhouse in the sport. The Bruins have a long history of success in softball, with numerous national championships to their name. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez has assembled a talented roster that includes top-tier pitchers and hitters, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
Rounding out the top three is expected to be Florida State, who had a breakout season in 2023 and made a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The Seminoles are known for their aggressive style of play and have a roster full of dynamic players who can change the game with a single swing of the bat or a well-timed pitch. Head coach Lonni Alameda has built a winning culture at Florida State, and they will be looking to continue their upward trajectory in the rankings.
Outside of the top three, there are a number of teams that are poised to make a run at the NCAA Top 25 poll in 2024. One team to keep an eye on is Washington, who had a strong showing in 2023 and narrowly missed out on a spot in the top five. The Huskies have a talented roster that includes some of the top players in the country, and they will be looking to break into the upper echelon of the rankings this season.
Another team to watch is Arizona, who had a down year in 2023 but are expected to rebound in a big way in 2024. The Wildcats have a rich history of success in college softball, with multiple national championships to their name. Head coach Mike Candrea is a legendary figure in the sport and will be looking to once again lead Arizona to the top of the rankings.
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2024 season is the rise of several up-and-coming programs that are looking to make a name for themselves on the national stage. Teams like Texas A&M, LSU, and Oregon State are all expected to be in the mix for a spot in the Top 25 poll, as they have all made significant strides in recent years and have the talent to compete with the best teams in the country.
While the rankings are certainly a point of pride for teams and fans, they also serve a practical purpose in determining postseason seeding and matchups. Teams that are ranked in the top 25 have a better chance of earning a high seed in the NCAA tournament, which can be crucial in advancing to the later rounds and ultimately competing for a national championship.
As the season gets underway, college softball fans will be eagerly watching the rankings to see how their favorite teams stack up against the competition. The NCAA Top 25 poll is a barometer of success in the sport, and teams will be looking to make their mark and climb the ranks as the season progresses. With so much talent and competition in college softball, the 2024 rankings are sure to be hotly debated and closely watched by fans and players alike.
