In the most recent NFCA Coaches Poll, the Oklahoma Sooners are on the rise.

As college softball season continues to unfold, few teams are drawing more attention and admiration than the Oklahoma Sooners. With an exceptional record of dominance in the sport, the Sooners’ place atop the NCAA softball world is no surprise to most. However, in the most recent NFCA Coaches Poll, the Oklahoma Sooners have risen to new heights, solidifying their spot as one of the premier programs in college softball.

In this article, we will break down what makes this Oklahoma team so special, how they’ve climbed the rankings, the key players fueling their success, and what it means for their season moving forward. The rise of the Oklahoma Sooners in the NFCA Coaches Poll is just the latest chapter in a long history of excellence for the program, but it’s also a reflection of a new level of dominance that has begun to emerge.

Oklahoma Softball: A Legacy of Excellence

The Oklahoma Sooners’ softball program is one of the most successful and storied in NCAA history. Head coach Patty Gasso, who has been at the helm since 1995, has transformed the Sooners into a powerhouse, consistently competing for and winning national championships. Under Gasso’s leadership, Oklahoma has built a reputation for being a team that not only wins but dominates at every level.

From regular-season conference championships in the Big 12 to the national titles, the Sooners have created a culture of excellence. Their consistent success in the NFCA Coaches Poll is a testament to the caliber of talent that comes through the program year after year. With multiple NCAA titles under their belt and a steady stream of talent entering the program, Oklahoma is constantly poised to make a deep run in the postseason.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be no different. The Sooners have already made significant strides, and their performance has earned them a prominent spot in the NFCA Coaches Poll, confirming their place as one of the nation’s top softball programs. As we’ll explore, Oklahoma is not just riding the coattails of past success but is poised to make a new mark on the college softball world with their current lineup and performance.

The Rise of Oklahoma in the 2025 NFCA Coaches Poll

The most recent NFCA Coaches Poll places Oklahoma firmly in the top 5, and their rise can be attributed to a series of factors — from strong recruiting classes to standout individual performances. The team has been on a tear this season, improving with every game, and it’s clear that they are becoming a formidable force to be reckoned with.

In the last month, the Sooners have risen steadily in the rankings, thanks to a combination of impressive victories and dominant performances against high-caliber opponents. While their success has been built on a solid foundation, the improvement and cohesion of this year’s squad have allowed Oklahoma to continue competing at the highest level. The Sooners have defeated several ranked teams, bolstered by an offense that has been potent and a pitching staff that has shown impressive depth.

By climbing in the rankings, Oklahoma has not only secured their position as a top contender but also sent a message to the rest of the college softball world: they are here to stay, and they are ready to challenge for another national championship.

Key Players Leading the Charge

A major reason behind Oklahoma’s ascent in the NFCA Coaches Poll is the exceptional talent on the roster. From established stars to emerging young talent, the Sooners’ depth is undeniable. Let’s take a look at the key players who have been driving Oklahoma’s success.

1. Jocelyn Alo: A Legendary Bat in the Lineup

No conversation about Oklahoma softball would be complete without mentioning Jocelyn Alo, one of the most feared hitters in the game. Alo, a senior outfielder and power hitter, has been the heart and soul of the Sooners’ offense for the past several years. Already one of the most accomplished players in NCAA history, Alo’s presence in the lineup continues to be a game-changer.

In 2025, Alo has maintained her reputation as one of the top power hitters in college softball. Her ability to hit for both average and power makes her a constant threat to opposing pitchers, and she has been instrumental in fueling Oklahoma’s high-scoring offense. Whether it’s a clutch home run or a key base hit in the late innings, Alo has been there time and time again to help push the Sooners to victory.

Alo’s leadership, both on and off the field, has also been invaluable to Oklahoma. As one of the faces of the program, she has set the standard for hard work, determination, and excellence. Her contributions to the team’s success go far beyond just her stats, as her mentorship of younger players is also helping develop the next generation of Sooners.

2. Gabbie Plain: A Dominant Force in the Circle

Oklahoma’s success is not just rooted in its offensive firepower but also in its pitching staff. Leading the way in the circle is Gabbie Plain, a graduate transfer pitcher who has been exceptional since joining the Sooners. Plain, a former standout at Washington, brings both experience and a competitive edge that has made her one of the most dominant pitchers in college softball.

Plain has excelled in both starting and relieving roles for Oklahoma, providing them with stability and consistency on the mound. She has proven to be nearly unhittable at times, mixing her arsenal of pitches effectively and keeping opposing batters off balance. Plain’s poise under pressure and ability to rise to the occasion has helped Oklahoma remain a tough team to beat, particularly in high-stakes games.

Her contributions in the circle have been crucial in Oklahoma’s rise in the NFCA Coaches Poll. Her ability to dominate in big moments has made her one of the most valuable assets to the team, and her leadership on the mound has only added to the overall strength of the Sooners’ pitching staff.

3. Tiare Jennings: A Dynamic Playmaker

Another player who has helped drive Oklahoma’s success is sophomore Tiare Jennings. Since arriving on campus, Jennings has made an immediate impact with her athleticism, versatility, and batting prowess. As a power hitter and a slick fielder, Jennings provides the Sooners with another dynamic weapon on both sides of the ball.

Jennings has been a consistent contributor at the plate, helping to lengthen the Sooners’ lineup and provide protection for hitters like Jocelyn Alo. Her ability to hit for power and make clutch plays in critical situations has made her a key part of the team’s success. Additionally, Jennings’ defense at shortstop has been stellar, as she continues to make highlight-reel plays in the field, further solidifying her reputation as one of the best young players in the nation.

Jennings’ all-around contributions have been a major factor in Oklahoma’s recent success, and her potential to keep growing as a player makes the Sooners’ future even brighter.

4. Nicole May: Rising Star in the Circle

Rounding out the pitching staff is Nicole May, a sophomore who has taken on a larger role in 2025. May has been nothing short of spectacular in her outings, showing off a dominant pitching repertoire and the poise of an experienced veteran. Her ability to handle high-pressure situations and her ability to perform in tight games have been crucial to Oklahoma’s ability to rise through the rankings.

May’s performances this season have included a string of shutouts and key wins over top-ranked teams. As a powerful right-handed pitcher, May provides a complement to Gabbie Plain in the circle and gives Oklahoma the depth necessary to compete against the best teams in the country.

Oklahoma’s Offensive and Defensive Balance

While the players mentioned above have been central to Oklahoma’s success, the team’s overall balance is a big reason why they’re rising in the rankings. The Sooners boast an offense that is capable of explosive performances, as evidenced by their scoring ability, but they also have the defensive prowess to shut down opposing teams when necessary.

The Sooners’ defense has been solid this season, with key players like Kinzie Hansen behind the plate, Grace Green in the outfield, and Jocelyn Alo providing leadership in all aspects of the game. Whether it’s turning double plays in the infield or making diving catches in the outfield, Oklahoma’s defense has been reliable and effective.

On the offensive side, the Sooners’ ability to produce runs in different ways — whether it’s via power hitting, timely base hits, or smart baserunning — makes them a difficult team to face. This offensive versatility has made Oklahoma one of the most dangerous teams in the country, and their ability to score in bunches is what has fueled their rise in the rankings.

What’s Next for Oklahoma Softball?

Looking ahead, the Oklahoma Sooners will need to continue their strong performances to maintain their position in the NFCA Coaches Poll and cement their status as a top contender for the NCAA Tournament. With the Big 12 Conference schedule heating up, the Sooners will face their biggest tests of the season against rivals like Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.

The ultimate goal, of course, is to finish the season on top and secure another national championship. But for now, the Sooners will continue to ride their current momentum and build on the successes of the 2025 season. With their mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Oklahoma is a team to watch as they push toward postseason play.