In a season marked by extraordinary performances, grit, and a refusal to be denied, the Oklahoma Sooners have ascended to a historic new height. For the first time in program history, the powerhouse softball team from Norman has claimed the No. 1 ranking in the prestigious Softball America Top 25. While Oklahoma is no stranger to success in the NCAA rankings and national polls, this marks a first in the specific poll’s history—and it’s a moment that encapsulates just how dominant the 2025 Sooners have become.
Head coach Patty Gasso’s team has long been the gold standard in college softball, but this latest milestone adds a new chapter to an already legendary program. The Softball America Top 25, often regarded as one of the sport’s most nuanced and analytically-driven rankings, finally crowned the Sooners after weeks of top-tier performances, signature wins, and statistical domination on both sides of the ball.
Let’s explore the journey, the key players, the numbers behind the rise, and what this ranking means for the Sooners’ postseason push.
The Climb to the Top
Oklahoma’s rise to No. 1 didn’t happen overnight. It was a steady, methodical ascent rooted in one of the most balanced teams Gasso has ever fielded. After starting the 2025 season ranked No. 3 in Softball America’s preseason poll, the Sooners made an early statement at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, knocking off multiple ranked teams, including then-No. 2 UCLA and No. 7 Florida State.
With each passing week, Oklahoma delivered dominant wins and showcased depth that few programs can match. Their undefeated record against Top 10 opponents and consistent double-digit run performances began to draw the attention of voters who previously favored other elite programs like Stanford and LSU.
Finally, following a three-game sweep of Texas on the road—featuring a 15-inning thriller capped by a walk-off homerun by senior outfielder Rylie Boone—the Sooners leapfrogged into the top spot. It was a moment of validation and vindication for a team that has already rewritten so many parts of college softball’s history.
A Legacy of Excellence — Evolved
It might seem surprising that Oklahoma is earning its first No. 1 in Softball America in 2025, given its dynastic dominance under Gasso. With seven national titles, including four straight from 2021 to 2024, the Sooners are a fixture at the Women’s College World Series and a perennial top-three team in the NFCA Coaches Poll.
But Softball America, with its emphasis on advanced metrics like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and Strength of Schedule (SOS), has often taken a different analytical approach. In past seasons, Oklahoma’s overpowering schedule sometimes hurt them in this poll, especially when other contenders played equally challenging opponents and stayed undefeated longer.
This year, however, the Sooners’ metrics were undeniable. They led the nation in team slugging percentage, team ERA, and defensive efficiency—essentially putting together a trifecta of dominance. For Softball America, the combination of eye test and analytics finally pointed to Oklahoma as the clear No. 1.
Patty Gasso’s Masterclass Continues
With over 1,500 wins and a Hall of Fame résumé, Patty Gasso continues to redefine the ceiling for a college softball coach. But even for a coach who’s done nearly everything, this new ranking represents a fresh feather in her cap.
“This group has faced every challenge with a champion’s mindset,” Gasso said after the Texas sweep. “They aren’t focused on polls, but I’m proud that the work they’re doing is being recognized in every corner of the sport.”
Known for her ability to develop elite talent and manage egos in a high-stakes environment, Gasso has crafted a roster that combines battle-tested veterans with electric young stars.
Stars That Shine Brightest
The Sooners’ 2025 roster might be one of the most talent-laden lineups in program history. Here are the standout contributors fueling the team’s success:
Rylie Boone – Senior OF
The emotional leader of the team and one of the most consistent hitters in the country, Boone is batting .421 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs. Her walk-off against Texas might go down as one of the season’s signature moments.
Kinzie Hansen – C/1B
A cornerstone of the lineup, Hansen has delivered both power and poise. She’s hitting .389 with 14 home runs and has thrown out 60% of attempted base stealers—a testament to her all-around excellence.
Nicole May – RHP
The ace of the staff and arguably the most dominant pitcher in the NCAA this season, May boasts a 0.81 ERA, 178 strikeouts, and four complete-game shutouts. She’s also stepped up in big games, going the distance against UCLA, Stanford, and Texas.
Jada Coleman – CF
Coleman, a human highlight reel, continues to dazzle defensively while serving as a dangerous leadoff hitter. Her .518 on-base percentage leads the Big 12, and she’s stolen 23 bases in 25 attempts.
Freshman Phenom: Kenzie Kilfoyl
The Alabama transfer turned freshman phenom, Kilfoyl has been a revelation in the circle and in the lineup. She holds a 1.32 ERA and has chipped in with five home runs and 20 RBIs at the plate.
Dominance by the Numbers
Oklahoma’s statistical profile is otherworldly in 2025:
- Team Batting Average: .361 (1st in NCAA)
- Team ERA: 1.23 (1st in NCAA)
- Home Runs: 88 (2nd nationally)
- Fielding Percentage: .987 (1st)
- Run Differential: +216 through 42 games
These numbers underscore the Sooners’ complete dominance across every phase of the game. Whether it’s overpowering opposing pitchers, shutting down elite hitters, or making circus catches in the outfield, the Sooners excel at it all.
The Road Ahead: Staying on Top
The top ranking brings with it an even bigger target. Oklahoma is heading into the final stretch of Big 12 play with series remaining against Baylor, Kansas, and in-state rival Oklahoma State. The Bedlam Series in Stillwater could be a high-stakes showdown between Top 10 teams, and the Sooners know the importance of peaking in May.
They’ll also have to maintain momentum through the Big 12 Tournament and into the NCAA postseason, where programs like LSU, UCLA, Stanford, and Florida State will be waiting with revenge on their minds.
But for Gasso’s team, the focus remains internal.
“We control our story,” Kinzie Hansen said after practice this week. “It’s not about the outside noise. It’s about us being the best version of this team every time we take the field.”
Legacy Beyond the Rankings
This No. 1 ranking is symbolic of much more than wins and losses. It’s a celebration of sustained excellence, elite player development, and the type of culture Patty Gasso has cultivated in Norman—a culture rooted in accountability, competitiveness, and joy.
For fans, alumni, and young athletes dreaming of donning the crimson and cream, this moment is a reminder of Oklahoma’s place atop the softball world. It’s not just a championship program—it’s a movement.
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma Sooners didn’t need a new ranking to validate their greatness. But their No. 1 spot in the Softball America Top 25 is a powerful reminder that their dominance is recognized on every front—from traditional polls to the most advanced analytical measures in the game.
As they march toward Oklahoma City with a roster brimming with talent and experience, one thing is clear: This team isn’t finished yet.
