Texas Tech softball has reached the pinnacle of the sport, claiming the No. 1 ranking in the NFCA/GoRout Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll for the first time in program history.
The Red Raiders ascended to the top spot on February 10, 2026, after a flawless 6-0 start to the season, earning 25 first-place votes and 767 total points in the poll released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Defending national champion Texas fell to No. 2 (with 5 first-place votes and 720 points), while Tennessee (5-0) rounded out the top three (with 1 first-place vote and 716 points).
This marks a historic moment for Texas Tech, which has now achieved consensus No. 1 status across all major polls following their dominant opening weekend. Head coach Gerry Glasco’s squad has built on last year’s run to the Women’s College World Series finals, showing no signs of slowing down in 2026.
The Red Raiders opened the year with an impressive display of power and pitching, scoring runs in bunches and securing five run-rule victories among their six wins. Highlights included a gritty 3-2 road triumph over then-No. 11 Texas A&M in College Station, a statement win in front of a record crowd at Davis Diamond. They also crushed opponents like McNeese (with four home runs in one game alone) and Bryant, finishing the weekend with a barrage of 12 home runs and 64 total runs scored.
Standout performances fueled the surge. Second baseman Mia Williams exploded at the plate, hitting .688 with a 1.625 slugging percentage, collecting 11 hits (including six doubles and three homers), 13 RBI, and 12 runs while playing flawless defense (21-for-21 in the field). Her efforts earned her Big 12 Player of the Week and Softball America Player of the Week honors.
The pitching staff complemented the offense with strong outings, limiting opponents and closing out games efficiently in run-rule fashion.
The team entered the season ranked highly in preseason polls (No. 2 in NFCA, tied or No. 1 in others), but turning that potential into early dominance has vaulted them to the summit.
With the college softball season just underway and events like the NFCA Leadoff Classic producing upsets elsewhere, Texas Tech’s perfect start sets a high bar. The Red Raiders now sit atop a competitive landscape, ready to defend their ranking as conference play and tougher non-conference matchups loom.
Fans in Lubbock and beyond are buzzing—could this be the year Texas Tech brings home the national title? The Red Raiders have sent a clear message: they’re not just contenders; they’re the team to beat. 🥎
