With the college softball regular season winding down, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves in familiar territory: leading the conference standings and eyeing yet another championship trophy. But unlike years past, when the Sooners ran away with the Big 12 title in dominant fashion, 2025 has presented a stiffer challenge. Entering the final stretch, Oklahoma holds just a 1.5-game lead over Texas A&M and a 2-game cushion over Tennessee in the expanded and restructured Big 12 Conference.
The margin is slim, the stakes are massive, and the path to glory is filled with potential pitfalls. Still, as the team’s fanbase rallies behind its championship-caliber squad, one thing is clear — the Sooners are locked in with one goal in mind: win a trophy.
The Race at the Top
The Big 12 softball standings have been a dogfight all season long. Oklahoma (43–5 overall, 19–3 Big 12) entered the year as the team to beat, boasting a retooled roster still loaded with elite talent following last year’s College World Series triumph. But the transition to the new-look Big 12, which welcomed powerhouse programs like Texas A&M and Tennessee, introduced a level of competition that even Oklahoma hadn’t experienced in years.
Texas A&M (41–7, 17–4 Big 12) has made it clear it came to play in its return to the conference, turning in a gritty and balanced campaign led by its dynamic pitching rotation. Meanwhile, Tennessee (40–9, 17–5 Big 12) has proven equally formidable, featuring one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
With just a handful of games remaining, the Sooners know that every pitch, every swing, and every defensive play could ultimately determine whether a championship banner is raised or a season ends in disappointment.
Inside the Sooners’ Success
Even amidst heightened competition, the Sooners have looked every bit the part of a national contender. Led by head coach Patty Gasso, who has turned Oklahoma into the gold standard of college softball, the program has embraced the pressure and delivered in key moments throughout the season.
Offensively, the Sooners are firing on all cylinders. Senior slugger Jayda Coleman is putting together a career year, batting .398 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs. Her on-base skills and leadership have been pivotal in Oklahoma’s ability to manufacture runs in close games. Coleman’s consistency at the top of the order has allowed emerging stars like Tiare Jennings and Kinzie Hansen to shine in the heart of the lineup.
Jennings, a junior All-American, has driven in 58 runs on the year and continues to be one of the most feared hitters in college softball. Her ability to change a game with one swing has saved Oklahoma more than once in tight conference battles. Hansen, meanwhile, has been lethal with runners in scoring position, posting a .385 average and showcasing her clutch gene in late innings.
Defensively, Oklahoma remains as stout as ever. Anchored by catcher Hansen and shortstop Alyssa Brito, the Sooners lead the conference in fielding percentage and have turned some dazzling double plays to keep momentum in their favor.
But perhaps the biggest storyline has been the pitching.
Pitching Depth: Oklahoma’s Ace in the Hole
The Sooners’ pitching staff has been masterfully managed this season. Junior right-hander Nicole May has emerged as the undisputed ace, compiling a 1.58 ERA with 157 strikeouts in 122 innings. Her ability to command the zone and limit walks has made her the go-to option in must-win games.
Behind her, the Sooners boast depth that few teams can rival. Sophomore Kierston Deal has built on her promising freshman campaign, delivering solid outings and developing into a reliable second starter. Lefty Paytn Monticelli has also impressed in relief appearances, often bridging the gap to closer Jordy Bahl, who has transitioned into a lights-out finisher for the Sooners.
This depth allows Coach Gasso to play matchups and keep arms fresh — a critical advantage as the postseason looms.
The Road Ahead: Crunch-Time Schedule
With a razor-thin lead in the Big 12, Oklahoma can’t afford to falter. The Sooners will close the regular season with a tough three-game road series against the surging Baylor Bears (36–15), followed by a potential conference-deciding showdown with Texas A&M in the Big 12 Championship tournament.
Baylor has played spoiler in the past and is hunting for an NCAA tournament bid. The Bears’ pitching staff has shown flashes of brilliance, and Oklahoma must avoid looking ahead to the Aggies and focus on taking care of business in Waco.
Should the Sooners split or lose the Baylor series, the door could swing wide open for Texas A&M or Tennessee to leapfrog into first place. But if Oklahoma sweeps Baylor, they’ll likely enter the conference tournament needing just one or two wins to clinch the regular-season title outright — a major psychological edge heading into the postseason.
The X-Factor: Championship Culture
What separates Oklahoma from the rest of the Big 12 — and arguably the nation — is its championship DNA. Over the past decade, no team has sustained excellence like the Sooners. With four NCAA titles in the past five years, the program has created a culture where winning isn’t just expected — it’s the standard.
That culture is evident in how the Sooners respond to adversity. Whether it’s erasing a late deficit, battling through extra innings, or surviving a slump, Oklahoma’s veterans bring poise and composure that other teams struggle to match.
Coach Gasso has instilled a mentality of accountability and resilience, and it shows on the field. After a rare mid-season loss to UCF, the team held a players-only meeting. Since then, they’ve rattled off 10 straight conference wins, outscoring opponents 67–15 during that span.
“We know what’s at stake,” Gasso said recently. “We’ve been here before, and this group understands that to win trophies, you have to embrace the grind every single day.”
Texas A&M and Tennessee: Worthy Challengers
If the Sooners are to win the Big 12 and make another run to the Women’s College World Series, they’ll likely have to go through one — or both — of their top challengers: Texas A&M and Tennessee.
The Aggies have been a revelation this season. Under head coach Trisha Ford, A&M has leaned heavily on ace Emiley Kennedy, whose 1.76 ERA has kept them competitive in every outing. Offensively, Katie Dack and Rylen Wiggins have provided punch, and the team’s balance has made them dangerous.
Meanwhile, Tennessee continues to climb under head coach Karen Weekly. Kiki Milloy remains one of the nation’s most exciting players, and the Lady Vols’ mix of power and speed has made them a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
Both teams are hungry and would love nothing more than to dethrone Oklahoma in their first season in the Big 12. That looming threat should only heighten the Sooners’ focus.
Fan Support: A Force of Its Own
It’s impossible to talk about Oklahoma softball without mentioning the passionate fanbase that fills Love’s Field and follows the team around the country. With record-breaking attendance and national broadcasts, Sooner Nation has played a crucial role in the team’s sustained success.
As the postseason nears, fans are already making travel plans to Oklahoma City — home of the WCWS — with hopes of witnessing another historic run. But first, there’s unfinished business in the conference.
Let’s Win a Trophy: Final Push Begins
For the Oklahoma Sooners, the mission is simple: finish strong and bring home another Big 12 trophy.
There’s no doubt the road is tougher than ever. Texas A&M and Tennessee are legitimate threats, and the margin for error is razor-thin. But if history is any guide, the Sooners are built for this moment.
From Coleman’s veteran leadership, to May’s dominant pitching, to Gasso’s masterful guidance, Oklahoma has all the tools to close the deal. The next few weeks will test their resolve — but with a title on the line, the Sooners wouldn’t want it any other way.