For the past four years, Oklahoma softball has towered above the sport like a colossus. With four consecutive NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS) titles and a staggering win-loss record that defies belief, the Sooners under head coach Patty Gasso have cemented a dynasty rarely seen in collegiate athletics. But even dynasties must endure their most grueling tests. As the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament looms, there’s a whisper growing louder across dugouts and diamonds nationwide: Oklahoma might finally be beatable.
The numbers still paint a picture of dominance—an offense among the nation’s best, a pitching staff that blends experience with talent, and the swagger that only comes with hoisting the trophy year after year. But 2025 has revealed fissures. Whether it’s a drop in power hitting, some uncharacteristic losses late in the season, or the increasing depth of talent across the nation, the consensus among coaches, analysts, and fans is clear: the Sooners may still be favorites, but they are no longer untouchable.
Here’s a breakdown of why Oklahoma enters this year’s postseason looking over their shoulder—and a detailed preview of the top contenders ready to pounce.
Oklahoma’s 2025 Season: Cracks in the Armor
By most standards, Oklahoma’s season would still be classified as elite. A 48-7 record, a second-place finish in the Big 12, and top-five national rankings in several categories would be career-best years for almost any other program. But for the Sooners, there’s been noticeable regression in key areas.
1. Offensive Regression:
The 2024 Oklahoma team led the nation in home runs and slugging percentage, with a lineup stacked with power hitters. In 2025, the Sooners are still dangerous but have fallen to sixth nationally in home runs and seventh in team batting average. Long-time stalwarts like Tiare Jennings and Jayda Coleman graduated, and while new stars have emerged—such as sophomore sensation Bella Holt and Texas A&M transfer Kennedy Davis—the lineup lacks the same terror it once inspired.
2. Pitching Depth Questioned:
Pitching coach Jennifer Rocha has long orchestrated a formidable staff, but this year’s rotation has not been as dominant. Senior ace Nicole May has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Freshman right-hander Kailey Harmon has a bright future but endured growing pains in conference play. In high-leverage games, especially in potential elimination scenarios, OU may not enjoy the same security blanket it had during previous championship runs.
3. Late-Season Wobbles:
A shocking series loss to Texas and narrow escapes against Baylor and Oklahoma State exposed some late-season shakiness. Opposing teams seem less intimidated, and close games that used to always fall OU’s way have occasionally tipped the other direction.
That said, doubting Patty Gasso’s team has never ended well. The winning culture, the postseason pedigree, and the coaching acumen are still there. But 2025’s tournament feels like a legitimate toss-up for the first time in half a decade.
Top Contenders Ready to Topple the Sooners
1. Texas Longhorns (52-4, Big 12 Champions)
If there’s one team that has both the talent and psychological edge to dethrone Oklahoma, it’s Texas. Under head coach Mike White, the Longhorns have not only built a powerful lineup but also secured a season-series win against the Sooners this year. Pitcher Sophia Simpson leads a lights-out staff with a 1.28 ERA, while power-hitting infielder Viviana Martinez has slugged 22 home runs this season.
Perhaps most importantly, Texas believes it can beat Oklahoma. That confidence, paired with a top seed and favorable regional placement, positions the Longhorns as the most dangerous non-Sooner team in the field.
2. Tennessee Lady Vols (47-6, SEC Regular Season Champions)
Led by SEC Player of the Year Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee is peaking at the right time. Pickens, a dominant two-way threat, boasts a sub-1.00 ERA and 300 strikeouts, while also hitting over .340 with 15 homers. The Lady Vols have consistently defeated ranked opponents, and their resume includes series wins over LSU, Georgia, and Alabama.
Their mix of experienced seniors and explosive young talent makes them battle-tested. If they reach Oklahoma City, their aggressive baserunning and shutdown pitching could make them lethal in tight, low-scoring contests.
3. Florida State Seminoles (44-10)
Head coach Lonni Alameda has quietly put together another deep and dangerous Florida State squad. The Seminoles lack the eye-popping stats of some others but are fundamentally sound, aggressive on the bases, and resilient in extra innings—qualities that define WCWS winners.
Freshman pitcher Ellie Harding has become a breakout star with a 1.45 ERA, and returning slugger Kalea Johnson leads the offense with 19 home runs. Florida State’s path to the WCWS looks manageable, and they remain a team no one wants to see in a winner-take-all game.
4. Duke Blue Devils (45-8)
One of the fastest-rising programs in the country, Duke has made a name for itself with outstanding pitching and disciplined hitting. Senior ace Cassidy Curd has posted career-best numbers, and the addition of transfer catcher Tatum Kresley from Michigan has provided both defensive leadership and a power boost in the lineup.
Duke has reached the Super Regionals each of the past two seasons but fell just short of the WCWS. With momentum, veteran experience, and a hunger to break through, this could be the year the Blue Devils crash the big stage.
5. LSU Tigers (43-12)
Head coach Beth Torina has assembled a lineup full of power and speed. Sophomore outfielder Rylie Johnson is among the nation’s top run producers, and pitcher Raelin Chaffin has developed into a true ace with an ERA under 1.60.
The Tigers have also invested in aggressive defensive shifts and advanced scouting, making them tactically strong. While their inconsistency against top-tier teams is a concern, if they get hot, their ceiling is championship-caliber.
6. UCLA Bruins (42-11)
Never count out the Bruins. They started the season slowly but finished with 17 straight wins, including a sweep of rival Washington. Megan Faraimo’s successor in the circle, sophomore Sadie Holguin, has stepped up with a 22-2 record and a WHIP under 1.00. Offensively, Maya Brady continues to be a tone-setter, and the team has rediscovered its balance.
UCLA’s coaching staff and postseason pedigree are assets. If they survive their regional, don’t be surprised if they make noise in OKC.
Dark Horses to Watch
Stanford Cardinal – With NiJaree Canady back in full form and a defensive-minded squad, Stanford is capable of winning 2-1 games against anybody.
Missouri Tigers – Behind explosive leadoff hitter Jenna Laird and breakout pitcher Lauren Krings, Mizzou could pull some upsets in their regional.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls – A familiar foe for OU, the Cowgirls have been inconsistent but boast the talent to win big games, especially if Lexi Kilfoyl gets hot in the circle.
Tournament Outlook and Final Thoughts
This year’s NCAA Softball Tournament is shaping up to be the most wide-open in recent memory. While Oklahoma remains a favorite, they enter as vulnerable champions, not invincible ones. The psychological advantage they once held over every opponent has diminished, and other top teams now possess both the talent and belief needed to knock them off the throne.
For fans, that spells drama. The WCWS could deliver more parity, more walk-offs, and more classic battles than ever before. For players and coaches, it means the margin for error is razor-thin. Every pitch matters.
Key questions to watch:
- Can Oklahoma rediscover its killer instinct when the lights are brightest?
- Will Texas or Tennessee seize the moment to take down the titan?
- Could a surprise team like Duke or Stanford crash the party and win it all?
One thing is certain: If Oklahoma manages to run the gauntlet once again and capture a fifth straight national championship, it will be their most hard-fought and impressive feat yet.
