All four major preseason softball polls are out, and the Arizona Wildcats are once again in the mix in each one. The NFCA/GoRout Division I poll was released on Tuesday morning to round out the releases. Arizona landed at No. 17 in the poll that is used as the official poll on this website.
The ranking ties the highest ranking the Wildcats received in the 2026 preseason polls. Softball America, which released its poll on Jan. 15, also has the team ranked 17th. That is one place above ESPN.com/USA
Softball, which placed the Wildcats at No. 18 to start the year. That’s where the sport’s national body had the team at the end of 2025, as well. D1 Softball ranks UA at No. 21 leading into the 2026 season.
The four poll positions average out to 18.25, but the consensus has the Wildcats slightly higher than that. The outlier of D1 Softball brings the average down a bit.
The poll was released just in time for Big 12 softball to start promoting the season. The conference will hold virtual media days on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Thursday, Jan. 29 on ESPN+, BYUtv, Big 12 Studios, and the Big 12 YouTube channel.
Arizona will be the first team up at 10 a.m. MST on Wednesday. The show lasts until noon on day one. Day two runs on Thursday from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. MST.
The preseason specials will be hosted by Spencer Linton of BYUtv. He will be joined by Cat Osterman and Rachel Becker.
The Wildcats are one of just three Big 12 teams ranked by the NFCA. Texas Tech comes in at No. 2 while Oklahoma State stands at No. 24. Arizona State is receiving votes.
Softball America has the Lady Raiders as the top team in the country and the Cowgirls at No. 19.
USA Softball puts TTU second and OSU 20th. ASU, UCF, and BYU are also receiving votes in that poll.
D1 Softball has Tech at No. 2. That outlet ranks Oklahoma State higher than Arizona, placing the Cowgirls at No. 19. UCF and ASU are both receiving votes.
Arizona’s season starts on Thursday, Feb. 5 with a doubleheader against Southern Utah. The Wildcats play a three-game series against Oklahoma from Feb. 6-8.
