A large portion of the Oklahoma softball team lost their historic four-peat. Can the redesigned Sooners retool?

The Oklahoma Sooners softball team has long been a symbol of excellence in collegiate softball, and their four-peat bid for national championships was one of the most remarkable runs in NCAA history. However, following the loss of several key players from the roster, the Sooners are faced with a significant challenge: can they retool and maintain their dominance moving forward?

In this article, we will analyze the loss of players from the historic four-peat team and discuss how the Sooners, under the leadership of head coach Patty Gasso, can bounce back. We’ll also evaluate the team’s chances of reclaiming supremacy in the NCAA softball world while focusing on the potential strengths of the redesigned Oklahoma roster.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ Four-Peat and Its Historic Impact

Before delving into the potential for a retooling, it’s important to revisit the incredible achievement that was the Sooners’ four-peat. For four consecutive years, Oklahoma captured NCAA Women’s Softball Championships, an unparalleled streak in modern college softball. Under the guidance of Patty Gasso, who has been the backbone of the program since 1995, Oklahoma established itself as the premier team in the sport.

The Sooners’ dominance was driven by their superior pitching, explosive offense, and overall team chemistry. The combination of nationally recognized players like Jordy Bahl, Tiare Jennings, and Grace Lyons created an almost untouchable roster. Each player contributed to the team’s record-breaking performances, making it clear that Oklahoma was not just the best team in the nation, but also one of the most dominant dynasties in collegiate athletics.

However, as with all great runs, change is inevitable. As the four-peat was secured, several key players moved on, either due to graduation or entering professional leagues. This has left a void in the roster that must now be filled, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the Oklahoma softball program.

Key Losses: The Heart of Oklahoma’s Four-Peat

The most significant losses to the Oklahoma team come from players who played central roles in the team’s success during their four-peat championship run:

• Jordy Bahl (P): As the ace pitcher for the Sooners, Bahl was instrumental in the team’s success. Her dominance on the mound was unmatched, and she consistently shut down top hitters with ease. Her two-way play made her one of the most dangerous players in college softball. With her departure, Oklahoma loses one of the most potent pitchers in the game.
• Tiare Jennings (2B): As one of the most talented and reliable hitters in the NCAA, Jennings was a key piece of the offense. Her leadership on and off the field helped to propel Oklahoma to victory time and time again. Her ability to hit for both power and contact was a huge asset to the team.
• Grace Lyons (SS): Known for her smooth fielding and leadership in the infield, Grace Lyons was a steady presence at shortstop. Her versatility and ability to make clutch plays in pressure moments were critical to the Sooners’ defense.
• Jada Coleman (OF): As a dynamic outfielder and a crucial piece of the Sooners’ offense, Coleman was known for her speed, strong arm, and ability to come through in key moments. Losing a player like Coleman leaves a big hole in both the outfield and at the top of the batting lineup.

The loss of these players may seem insurmountable, but with a team like Oklahoma’s, where talent is always nurtured, the Sooners have a deep recruiting class and an ever-strong farm system that can step up to the plate.

The Redesign: Rebuilding the Oklahoma Softball Program

While the Sooners face the challenge of replacing some of the best players in the game, their success in building a culture of excellence under Patty Gasso is one of the main reasons they will not falter. Here’s how the Sooners could retool and maintain their dominance:

1. Relying on Underclassmen and New Additions

The loss of star players like Bahl, Jennings, Lyons, and Coleman presents a huge challenge, but it also creates an opportunity for underclassmen and new additions to emerge. Oklahoma is known for developing young talent, and this offseason is no exception.

The team has a highly-rated recruiting class that has already been integrated into the program, with top-tier high school players ready to step into key roles. Freshman pitchers, outfielders, and infielders have been recruited to replace the likes of Bahl, and while it may take time for them to reach the level of the former stars, the potential is there.

Some players to watch for the 2026 season include Ally Shipman, a dynamic freshman from Tennessee, who has been heralded as one of the best recruits in the nation. Shipman brings a powerful bat and solid defensive skills, making her a prime candidate to step into one of the spots left by Jennings. On the mound, Devyn Houston, an incoming pitcher with a strong high school career, could emerge as a key contributor to the Sooners’ pitching staff.

2. Building Around Veteran Leadership

Despite the loss of star players, Oklahoma still retains several key veterans who have played crucial roles in past championships. Nicole May, a senior pitcher, is expected to step into the ace role following Bahl’s departure. May has demonstrated flashes of brilliance and could provide the stability needed on the mound. With another year of experience and a larger role in the rotation, she could become one of the nation’s top pitchers in 2026.

In addition to May, Kendyl Lindaman (C) and Taylor Edwards (IF) remain on the roster and will be expected to step up as leaders both on the field and in the clubhouse. Their experience will help the new recruits transition and build chemistry as the team navigates the challenges of a retooled roster.

3. Focusing on Team Chemistry and Coaching

The biggest asset the Sooners have is the culture of success that Patty Gasso has cultivated over her tenure. Gasso is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in college softball and has shown time and time again that she can get the best out of her players, regardless of whether they are freshmen or seasoned veterans. Her ability to adapt to new circumstances and make strategic decisions will be crucial in keeping the Sooners competitive.

In addition, Gasso’s philosophy of building strong team chemistry and fostering a family atmosphere will be vital as Oklahoma’s new-look roster finds its footing. The Sooners have proven that their system works, and with Gasso at the helm, they will continue to thrive even in the face of turnover.

4. Scheduling and Adjusting to the Pressure

The Sooners’ schedule in 2026 will present its own challenges. As a perennially top-ranked team, Oklahoma faces stiff competition throughout the season, including games against powerhouse programs like UCLA, Alabama, and Florida State. In order to succeed, the Sooners will need to adapt quickly and prove they can perform under pressure, even without their former stars.

However, their nonconference schedule can also serve as a chance to test new lineups and build confidence. Early-season matchups against high-ranked teams could help prepare the squad for the grueling NCAA tournament.

Can Oklahoma Reclaim Its Spot as the Top Team in Softball?

While the loss of key players from the four-peat team may seem like a setback, Oklahoma’s retooling process will not take long. With strong recruiting, capable veterans, and a culture of winning under Patty Gasso, the Sooners are positioned to remain a top contender in college softball.

In terms of their immediate chances in 2026, while they may not achieve the same level of dominance they once enjoyed, they will certainly remain in the national conversation. The retooled Oklahoma team will need to work through early growing pains, but by midseason, they will likely find their stride and be poised to make another deep run into the NCAA tournament.

While the four-peat was historic, the Oklahoma Sooners will show that their legacy is not defined by one set of players, but rather by their institutional strength in developing talent and maintaining excellence year after year. Whether they win a national title or simply return to their elite form, the future of Oklahoma softball is in good hands.