Previewing 2026 college softball regionals: Favorites, top aces, stats - ESPN

A couple of record-breaking home run hitters. An all-time ace making her last postseason run. Most of the sport's blue-blood schools boasting loaded lineups. The 2026 NCAA softball tournament will not lack for star power or storylines.

We're a couple of weeks away from the Women's College World Series, but the run-up is the best part. Who will trip up along the way, à la No. 1 seed Texas A&M falling to Liberty last season? Who will look like they're shifting into fifth gear just in time? How many home runs will Megan Grant and Kendall Wells be able to hit in a single weekend?

Friday's the best, most chaotic softball day of the season, and the action continues all weekend. Here's what you need to know about the NCAA softball regionals.

Jump to: Title favorites | Toughest regionals
Great aces | Best hitters
Games to watch

There aren't many surprises atop the tournament's seedings list — the top three seeds went to Southeastern Conference teams that have combined for nine of the past 13 national titles and 13 WCWS berths in the past six tournaments. But while the SEC certainly dominates with its depth, each of the four power conferences has at least one team that could go all the way. Here are the top 10 title favorites.

Record vs. top 16 seeds: 12-6
Record over last month: 8-4 (+23 run differential)

OU's four-year national title run finally came to an end last June as the Sooners fell at the hands of eventual finalists Texas and Texas Tech in the WCWS. But the dynasty isn't dead just yet. The Sooners have still made every WCWS since 2015 and every super regional since 2009, and while they don't have the absolute best pitching in this tournament — and they're coming off of a one-and-done stay in the SEC tournament — they're