In the grand tapestry of college athletics, few states compare to Texas when it comes to talent, tradition, and tenacity. This year, those traits were especially on display in the dugouts and diamonds across the Lone Star State. While critics were quick to label the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 baseball season a disappointment, a deeper dive suggests something far more nuanced. And when it comes to softball, the narrative flips entirely—Texas is not only relevant but poised to hoist a national championship trophy.
Let’s break it down: the baseball season wasn’t a bust, not by any measure of substance. And the softball team? They’re writing history in real time, powered by elite pitching, timely hitting, and a culture of relentless pursuit. As Austin American-Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls recently pointed out in his “Nine Things and One Crazy Prediction,” optimism for Texas sports is not misplaced—it’s earned.
A Baseball Season Measured by More Than Elimination
Texas baseball entered the 2025 season with high expectations under new head coach Jim Schlossnagle. Coming off a turbulent exit from Texas A&M and eager to rejuvenate a proud program, Schlossnagle embraced the pressure that came with the burnt orange cap.
The Longhorns finished with a 44–14 record, including a 22–8 performance in the gauntlet of the SEC—good enough to win the regular-season conference title. That alone should be proof this team is trending upward. But for those who scoff at regular-season accolades, here’s a little more context: last season’s Texas squad went 36–24 and missed hosting a regional. This year, they not only hosted in Austin but were a national seed.
So why the murmurs of “bust”? Because Texas failed to advance out of its own regional, going 2–2 and falling to a feisty Louisiana squad that wasn’t intimidated by Disch-Falk Field’s aura. Yes, the early exit stung. But suggesting the season was a failure ignores the rebuilding process Schlossnagle had to oversee after roster turnover, including the departure of ace Tanner Witt and slugger Dylan Campbell to the MLB.
Injuries to key bullpen arms, a mid-season slump at the plate, and inconsistency in situational hitting kept Texas from reaching Omaha. But the talent is there. The development is happening. And if anyone doubts Schlossnagle’s ability to build a juggernaut, they’ve clearly forgotten how quickly he turned around the Aggies program.
This was not a bust—it was a launchpad.
Meanwhile in Softball: Championship Chasing
Now flip the page. The Texas softball team under Mike White isn’t just making headlines—they’re making believers. Ranked No. 1 for much of the season, the Longhorns tore through the Big 12 with surgical precision before blazing a path through the NCAA Tournament straight to the Women’s College World Series.
And what a journey it has been.
Texas opened WCWS play with a decisive 6–1 win over Stanford before making history with a 10–0 run-rule demolition of Florida—the largest margin of victory in Texas WCWS history. Then came a signature moment: a 4–2 triumph over nemesis Oklahoma, snapping the Sooners’ 10-game postseason win streak over the Longhorns.
Bohls summed it up perfectly in his recent column: “Texas is not just knocking on the door—they’ve blown it off the hinges.”
Nine Things to Know About Texas Softball’s Rise:
- Dominant Pitching Duo
– Teagan Kavan and Mac Morgan have anchored the staff with poise and power. Kavan, a freshman phenom, struck out 18 batters in a nine-inning thriller earlier this season against Texas Tech. Her rise is reminiscent of Cat Osterman—high praise, but not misplaced. - Elite Defense
– Texas ranks among the top five nationally in fielding percentage. Errors are rare, and clutch plays are common. The infield, led by shortstop Viviana Martinez, is a fortress. - Lineup Depth
– From Joley Mitchell to Mia Scott to Alyssa Washington, the Longhorns are dangerous 1 through 9. Their lineup isn’t just powerful—it’s opportunistic, hitting over .310 with runners in scoring position this postseason. - Mental Toughness
– In multiple games this year, Texas has come from behind to win. Their extra-inning thriller against Oklahoma State in the Super Regionals showed a grit that separates contenders from pretenders. - National Recognition
– Multiple players earned All-American honors, and Mike White was named National Coach of the Year by multiple outlets. The program is no longer an underdog—it’s a standard-bearer. - Historic Rivalries
– Wins over Oklahoma and Florida aren’t just resume boosters—they’re emotional breakthroughs. Texas shed its “can’t beat the bluebloods” label this year. - Homegrown Stars
– Texas high school softball is elite, and the Longhorns are capitalizing. Their recruiting class includes the top-ranked player in the 2025 class: outfielder Rylie Johnson from Mansfield, Texas. - White’s Legacy Taking Shape
– When Mike White left Oregon for Texas in 2019, some questioned whether he could replicate his success. Today, he has taken Texas to two WCWS finals in three years. He’s not replicating—he’s elevating. - Fan Momentum
– McCombs Field saw record attendance this season. Interest is sky-high, and UT’s investment in softball—facilities, NIL support, visibility—reflects a program on the brink of dynasty status.
The All-Texas Championship Series: A Lone Star Showdown
For the first time in WCWS history, two Texas programs—UT and Texas Tech—will square off in the championship series. While Texas Tech is a surprise finalist, they’ve ridden a wave of momentum and pitching brilliance to reach this stage. Their Cinderella story is compelling, but make no mistake: Texas enters as the heavyweight.
What’s at stake? Everything.
A national championship. Redemption after last year’s WCWS finals loss. Validation for Mike White’s aggressive recruiting and in-game strategy. And for the fans, a chance to witness a program finally grasp what it has so long been chasing.
If the Longhorns seal the deal, it will mark their first-ever NCAA softball title—an achievement that would place them alongside Texas’ legendary football, swimming, track, and volleyball programs as national champions.
Bohls’ Crazy Prediction: A Sweep for the Ages?
In his “One Crazy Prediction,” Bohls boldly suggests that Texas will sweep Texas Tech in two games. Based on the numbers, it’s not far-fetched. The Longhorns hold a 3–0 record against the Red Raiders this season, outscoring them 17–5 in those contests.
Of course, anything can happen under the lights in Oklahoma City. But Texas seems laser-focused and unfazed by the pressure.
So, was the Texas baseball season a complete bust? No. It was a foundational year, not a final chapter. Jim Schlossnagle has instilled a winning culture, and with a loaded recruiting class arriving in the fall, the future is bright.
Can the Longhorns win a softball championship? All signs point to yes. They’ve got the arms. They’ve got the bats. And perhaps most importantly, they’ve got the belief.
As Bohls eloquently puts it, “The Longhorns are proving that excellence isn’t limited to the past—it’s happening right now, across diamonds, dugouts, and dug-in attitudes.
