The Lineup: Big Ten, Big 12 powers collide in Top-20 matchups
Easter weekend has shifted much of the college softball slate up to Thursday, but that won’t slow down the postseason implications. Oregon and UCLA clash in a high-stakes Big Ten showdown, while Texas Tech travels to Arizona for control of the Big 12 In the SEC, Florida and Alabama aim to build on recent momentum, and LSU and Texas will look to rebound from tough series losses. With hosting bids and tournament résumés on the line, this holiday weekend promises high drama from coast to coast.
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1. No. 7 UCLA @ No. 10 Oregon
Where: Eugene, Oregon
When: April 18-20
What’s it on: Fri: BTN, Sat & Sun: BIG+
What do we want to see: Two former Pac-12 college softball powers are set to square off with a potential Big Ten title on the line. Oregon, led by Lyndsey Grein’s dominance in the circle, is off to the best start in program history. The Ducks also feature a balanced mix of freshmen talent and senior leadership at the plate. For UCLA, the duo of Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery has powered the offense, combining for 40 homers this season. The pitching staff has been just as reliable, with three UCLA pitchers each tossing at least 80 innings to anchor a bullpen that’s helped the team ride a 12-game win streak. This series offers Oregon its best chance to improve its résumé, while UCLA looks to lock in a national seed.
2. No. 9 LSU @ No. 3 Texas
Where: Austin, Texas
When: April 17-19
What’s it on: Thu & Fri: SECN+, Sat: ESPN2
What do we want to see: Both LSU and Texas are looking to rebound after dropping weekend series. Texas struggled to generate offense against Tennessee, while LSU couldn’t contain a high-powered Texas A&M lineup in College Station. Now, one team will have a chance to bounce back. The Tigers’ bullpen faces questions after a tough showing, while Texas looks to respond following its first series loss of the season. A top-10 SEC showdown with major implications is set to shake up the conference standings this weekend. Can LSU’s Sydney Berzon step up and lead the Tiger bullpen to success against a formidable Texas lineup? Or will the Longhorns take advantage of a vulnerable LSU pitching staff?
3. No. 14 Texas Tech @ No. 12 Arizona
Where: Tucson, Arizona
When: April 17-19
What’s it on: Thu: ESPN+, Fri: FS1, Sat: ESPN2
What do we want to see: NiJaree Canady and Texas Tech have quietly surged through the first half of Big 12 play. Arizona, led by two-way standouts Miranda Stoddard and Devyn Netz, has matched that momentum, and now both teams sit atop the conference entering their biggest test yet. The Wildcats are firmly in the hosting conversation, and a series win could elevate them into national seed contention. For Texas Tech, a series win would significantly boost its hosting résumé. All eyes will be on how often the Red Raiders utilize Canady against Arizona’s potent lineup — and whether the Wildcats’ deep pitching staff can turn this into a surprise pitchers’ duel.
4. No. 18 Alabama @ No. 11 Florida
Where: Gainesville, Florida
When: April 17-19
What’s it on: Thu: SECN+, Fri: SECN, Sat: ESPN2
What do we want to see: One of the SEC’s most storied rivalries is set to renew as Alabama and Florida square off in Gainesville. Alabama enters the weekend fresh off a series win over Oklahoma, powered by a pair of complete-game performances in the circle. Florida, meanwhile, leaned on its explosive offense to take down Ole Miss on the road. Now, both programs look to strengthen their tournament résumés and improve their standing in the SEC. With postseason implications on the line, the latest chapter of this historic rivalry is sure to be a good one.
5. No. 16 Mississippi State @ No. 2 Oklahoma
Where: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Game 1); Norman, Oklahoma (Game 2 & 3)
When: April 18-20
What’s it on: Sat: SECN, Sun: SECN+,
What do we want to see: Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts returns to Norman for the first time as a conference opponent, adding a personal layer to a high-stakes series against Oklahoma. They will open the weekend in Oklahoma City before shifting the final two games to Love’s Field in Norman. Ricketts has Mississippi State poised to potentially host its first NCAA Regional in program history, and a series win over Oklahoma would provide a major boost toward that goal. Oklahoma finds itself in unfamiliar territory, having dropped back-to-back SEC series. The Sooners will look to bounce back, but will face a determined Bulldog squad led by Raelin Chaffin. As a former Sooner, can Ricketts hand her former coach a rare third consecutive series loss?
6. Michigan @ No. 21 Ohio State
Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: April 18-20
What’s it on: BIG+
What do we want to see: The Big Game heads to the diamond with more than just bragging rights on the line. Ohio State is looking to bounce back after missing a key opportunity against UCLA, while Michigan is aiming to bolster a tournament resume after suffering from a tough non-conference stretch. The Buckeyes need to string together wins down the stretch to stay in the hosting conversation. Meanwhile, the Wolverines hope to play spoiler and strengthen their own tournament résumé. Lauren Derkowski leads a resilient Michigan bullpen into Columbus to face one of the nation’s top offenses, setting the stage for an emotional, high-stakes rivalry series.
7. California @ No. 17 Stanford
Where: Stanford, California
When: April 17-19
What’s it on: ACCNX
What do we want to see: A storied Pac-12 rivalry takes on a new identity in the ACC, with high stakes and plenty of offense expected. Stanford enters the weekend riding an offensive surge unlike any in program history. California, similarly, has leaned on its firepower at the plate to win series throughout the season. With both teams boasting explosive lineups, this matchup is primed for high-scoring affairs. Stanford looks to strengthen its hosting résumé, while Cal aims to climb the ACC standings and solidify its postseason positioning. Beyond the implications, this series marks a unique moment—two longtime West Coast rivals battling for conference supremacy on the East Coast. It’s a showdown for both seeding and pride in what has become an unprecedented chapter of college softball.
8. Oklahoma State @ UCF
Where: Orlando, Florida
When: April 17-19
What’s it on: Thu & Sat: ESPN+, Fri: ESPNU
What do we want to see: Oklahoma State opened the season as a top-10 team with a statement win over Florida State. But since then, the Cowgirls have struggled, slipping to a losing record in conference play and falling out of the top 25 for the first time this season. UCF, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations. Led by a mix of seasoned seniors and impact freshmen, the Knights are looking to keep their momentum rolling and take advantage of a reeling Oklahoma State squad. As the conference season reaches its midpoint, the Cowgirls are searching for answers. Meanwhile, UCF looks to continue its rise and deliver another statement series win.
9. Indiana @ No. 22 Nebraska
Where: Lincoln, Nebraska
When: April 18-19
What’s it on: BIG+
What do we want to see: The two teams will only play twice this weekend. Nebraska did exactly what it needed to last weekend, sweeping Northwestern to stay in the hunt for a host bid. The Hoosiers will lean on their potent offense, anchored by senior Taylor Minnick, in hopes of notching a signature series win. Indiana remains on the bubble, and a win or two could prove crucial to its Tournament hopes. Meanwhile, Nebraska will turn once again to ace Jordy Bahl, who continues to dominate in the circle. Can Bahl quiet Indiana’s bats and keep Nebraska’s hosting dreams alive? Or will the Hoosiers shake up the Big Ten standings and deal a blow to the Cornhuskers’ hosting chances?
10. Army West Point @ Boston University
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
When: April 19-20
What’s it on: ESPN+
What do we want to see: The top of the Patriot League is on the line this weekend as Boston and Army square off in a pivotal series. Under head coach Ashley Waters, the Terriers have dominated the conference over the past six seasons. Boston is once again in control, powered by ace Kasey Ricard and a consistent offense. But Army is looking to change the narrative. With a chance to take command of the Patriot League race, the Black Knights will rely on a pitch-by-committee approach to try and slow down Boston’s balanced attack. Can Army disrupt the reigning power and emerge as the league’s new frontrunner? Or will the Terriers continue their run toward another NCAA Tournament berth?
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