According to Softball America’s preseason bracketology, where did the Oklahoma Sooners stand?

Over the years, Oklahoma has been one of the top teams in NCAA softball. Under the guidance of Patty Gasso, the Sooners have captured multiple national titles and consistently earned high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Their performance has made them a fixture in preseason bracketology, and it’s no surprise when the Sooners are projected to be one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.

Softball America’s Bracketology typically evaluates teams based on their performance from the previous season, returning players, recruiting classes, and their schedule for the upcoming season. With that said, here’s a general breakdown of where the Sooners might stand according to these factors in 2025, and what makes them so consistently dominant.

Oklahoma’s 2025 Roster and National Seed Projections

Oklahoma’s roster is one of the primary reasons the Sooners are often projected to be a top contender in any preseason bracketology. The program has an incredibly deep roster filled with star players across all positions, from pitching to hitting. This depth has made them the team to beat in NCAA softball.

Pitching: A Cornerstone for Oklahoma’s Success

A major reason Oklahoma has been so successful in recent years is its exceptional pitching staff. In 2025, the Sooners are expected to have one of the top pitching rotations in the country, featuring players like Jordy Bahl, Nicole May, and Alex Storako (a transfer from Michigan).

• Jordy Bahl was a breakout star in her freshman season, dominating batters with a powerful fastball and sharp rise ball. She is projected to be one of the top pitchers in the country and an anchor for the Sooners’ staff. Her ability to perform in high-pressure games, especially during postseason play, makes her a key reason why Oklahoma is frequently given a high seed in bracketology.
• Nicole May has been a steady and reliable pitcher for Oklahoma over the past seasons. With her experience and ability to limit runs, she’s crucial in giving the Sooners a strong 1-2 punch in the circle.
• Alex Storako, coming from Michigan, adds a wealth of experience. Her addition to the pitching staff gives Oklahoma an extra layer of depth, ensuring that the Sooners will have a strong presence in the circle throughout the season and into the postseason.

Given these pitchers’ combined talent and experience, it’s easy to see why Oklahoma is consistently projected to be a top contender for the No. 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, barring major injuries or other setbacks.

Offensive Firepower: A Threat Across the Lineup

The Sooners also have an explosive offense that makes them dangerous in any matchup. Players like Tiare Jennings, Jada Coleman, Kinzie Hansen, and Grace Lyons are key contributors to the Sooners’ offense. They’re capable of hitting for both average and power, giving Oklahoma a well-rounded attack.

• Tiare Jennings is a dynamic player known for her power and consistency. She’s one of the most feared hitters in college softball and a key piece of Oklahoma’s offensive strategy.
• Jada Coleman, a dynamic leadoff hitter, brings incredible speed and power to the plate. Her ability to get on base and create opportunities for the rest of the lineup makes her a key component of Oklahoma’s offense.
• Kinzie Hansen has been a reliable force for Oklahoma. Known for her ability to hit for power, she provides balance to the lineup and can change the game with a single swing.
• Grace Lyons, an experienced shortstop, also contributes offensively. Known for her strong bat and leadership on the field, she adds an extra level of stability to the Sooners’ lineup.

These players are just a few examples of the depth in Oklahoma’s lineup. With a powerful offense to back up their strong pitching, the Sooners have the complete package that makes them a top contender for the No. 1 overall seed.

Why Oklahoma is Projected as a High Seed in Softball America’s Preseason Bracketology

When Softball America releases its preseason bracketology, Oklahoma is often a top candidate for a national seed for several reasons.

1. Consistent Excellence: Oklahoma has been a top program in NCAA softball for years. Their dominance in both regular-season and postseason play makes them one of the most reliable teams to predict for a high seeding. Their consistent performance in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) and their recent back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023 solidify their status as a perennial power.
2. Depth and Talent: As mentioned earlier, Oklahoma’s roster is stacked with elite players at every position. This depth is critical in postseason play, where the best teams are expected to perform under pressure. Whether it’s the pitching staff or the offensive lineup, the Sooners have the talent to contend with any team in the country.
3. Strong Recruiting: Under Patty Gasso, Oklahoma has been able to recruit some of the best players in the country, and the 2025 class is no different. With key transfers like Alex Storako and highly ranked freshmen, the Sooners have bolstered their already loaded roster. Recruiting strong players ensures that Oklahoma will continue to compete at the highest level, contributing to their regular high preseason rankings.
4. Recent Championship Pedigree: Oklahoma’s back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023 are a major reason they’ll be highly ranked in preseason projections. Championship pedigree is a key factor when Softball America makes its bracketology predictions. Teams that have recently won titles or gone deep into the postseason are often given the benefit of the doubt, especially when they return a significant portion of their roster.
5. Schedule Strength: Oklahoma traditionally schedules tough opponents in both non-conference games and in their Big 12 conference play. They face high-profile teams from the Pac-12, SEC, and ACC in the regular season, which provides a strong test for their team before heading into postseason play. This strength of schedule plays a critical role in securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

What Can We Expect in 2025?

In 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners are expected to be one of the top teams in the country. Their blend of returning talent, experienced pitchers, and explosive hitters gives them the makings of a championship contender. Here’s what we can expect from the team:

• Dominant Pitching: With Bahl, May, and Storako, the Sooners are likely to dominate in the circle. These pitchers give Oklahoma the ability to win games with strong pitching, keeping opposing offenses at bay. This will be critical as they face tough competition in both their conference and non-conference schedules.
• Explosive Offense: With players like Jennings, Coleman, and Hansen, Oklahoma has the ability to outscore opponents and put pressure on opposing pitchers. Their ability to hit for both power and average makes them a difficult team to defend against.
• Depth Across the Roster: The Sooners have an incredibly deep roster, meaning that they can withstand injuries or off days from their stars. Whether it’s the pitchers or hitters, Oklahoma’s depth ensures they have multiple players capable of stepping up when needed.
• Leadership and Experience: With experienced players like Grace Lyons and Tiare Jennings leading the way, Oklahoma has the leadership necessary to succeed in high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason.

Softball America’s Preseason Bracketology and the Sooners’ Potential Seed

Based on all the factors above, Softball America’s preseason bracketology will likely place Oklahoma as one of the top two seeds in the NCAA Tournament. With a combination of elite pitching, a high-powered offense, and a tough schedule, the Sooners are positioned to earn a top national seed. They are often projected to be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, which gives them a significant advantage heading into the tournament and potentially an easier path to the WCWS.

Oklahoma is also a favorite to not only win the Big 12 but also to go deep into the postseason once again. Their combination of experience, talent, and championship pedigree makes them a dangerous team in the 2025 season.

 The Oklahoma Sooners Are Ready for Another Championship Run

While Softball America’s official bracketology will give a clearer picture closer to the start of the season, there is little doubt that the Oklahoma Sooners will be one of the top teams in the country entering the 2025 season. With a loaded roster, strong pitching, and explosive offensive players, they are poised to compete for another national title. Whether they are ranked as a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the preseason bracketology, the Sooners will enter the season as one of the favorites to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and continue their dominance in college softball.

As always, the Sooners will be a team to watch, and they will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the national landscape of college softball in 2025. Fans can expect another exciting season from one of the most successful programs in NCAA history.