Arkansas softball has been ranked No. 8 in the USA Softball/ESPN Preseason Top 25 Poll, which was released on Tuesday. This marks the Razorbacks’ fifth consecutive year earning a top 15 spot in this poll, with previous preseason rankings of 13th in 2025, 12th in 2024, sixth in 2023, and ninth in 2022. The program has now appeared in the Top 25 for eight straight seasons.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) had the highest representation with 12 teams listed in the poll. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) followed with five teams, and the Big Ten had four.
Arkansas will begin its 30th season and its 11th under head coach Courtney Deifel at the Kickin’ Chicken Classic held from February 6 to February 8 in Conway, South Carolina. Their opening games are scheduled against Virginia and Akron on February 6. Last season, Arkansas finished with a record of 44-14 and reached their eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance as well as their fourth NCAA Super Regional appearance—all during Deifel’s tenure.
Returning players account for most of last season’s starts and innings pitched. Key returners include sophomore infielder Ella McDowell, senior pitcher Robyn Herron, sophomore pitcher Payton Burnham, and senior center fielder Reagan Johnson. The team also added two transfers: Dakota Kennedy, a two-time third-team NFCA All-America selection for left field, and Tianna Bell, a two-time all-conference first baseman.
The USA Softball/ESPN Poll is one of four major national polls that rank Division I college softball teams. Arkansas was previously ranked No. 7 by Softball America last week and No. 8 by D1Softball earlier today. The NFCA/GoRout D1 Coaches preseason poll will be announced on January 27.
For further updates or information about Arkansas softball’s schedule or news releases, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com or follow @RazorbackSB on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook.
