When Does the 2026 NCAA Softball Season Begin? Key Details

To put it simply, the 2025 NCAA softball season was fantastic.

Fans tuned in to see Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady strike out opponents, Arkansas’ Bri Ellis bat like Barry Bonds, and Jordy Bahl — now Jordy Frahm following her recent marriage — play both ways like Nebraska’s Shohei Ohtani.

The Women’s College World Series broke viewership records, with Game 3 of the championship series between Texas and Texas Tech drawing an average audience of 2.4 million people, making it the most-watched NCAA softball game ever on ESPN platforms.

If you were one of the millions who saw the Longhorns defeat the Red Raiders, you might be wondering when the 2026 collegiate softball season begins.

The answer is Thursday, February 5.

Several teams that advanced to the College Softball World Series will compete that day. Ole Miss will meet Cal State Fullerton, Tennessee will face BYU, Texas Tech will play McNeese State, and Oklahoma will face Arizona State.

Texas, the reigning national champions, will begin their season on Friday against Nebraska at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio.

While Texas will be a team to watch, so will the club they defeated in the World Series, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have returned Canady, the sport’s best pitcher, and recruited several of the top players available through the transfer site. This group comprises UCLA star pitcher Kaitlyn Terry, Tennessee third baseman Taylor Pannell, Ohio State slugger Jasmyn Burns, and Florida second baseman Mia Williams.

Seeing if the Red Raiders and their rich roster can return to the World Series will be a storyline to follow throughout the season.