The wait is finally over: Alabama softball has officially arrived at the 2026 NCAA Tournament, and the energy in Tuscaloosa is electric. As the No. 1 overall seed, the Crimson Tide (49-7) is set to host the Tuscaloosa Regional at Rhoads Stadium, bringing together a formidable field that includes USC Upstate (36-21), Belmont (40-11), and Southeastern Louisiana (46-14).
First up for Alabama is a showdown with the USC Upstate Spartans, and you won't want to miss a moment of the action. First pitch is scheduled for noon CT on Friday, May 15, kicking off what promises to be an unforgettable regional. The second game of the day features Southeastern Louisiana against Belmont at 2:30 p.m. CT, setting the stage for a full day of top-tier softball.
For fans looking to catch every swing and strike, the opening game will air live on SEC Network, with streaming options available on Fubo. The second matchup between Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont can be found on ESPN+, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. If you prefer the radio, tune into Catfish 100.1 FM for all the play-by-play action from Rhoads Stadium.
As the Crimson Tide takes the field, there are some incredible storylines to follow. From Brooke Wells' inspiring rise that brought her family back to Rhoads, to Jocelyn Briski's battle through her mother's cancer diagnosis and her own injury to become Alabama's ace, these athletes are the heart of the team. And don't miss the powerful story of Salen Hawkins, who found salvation on the dirt—a testament to how softball can truly change lives.
Looking ahead to the full regional schedule:
- Game 1: Alabama vs. USC Upstate, Noon CT
- Game 2: Belmont vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 2:30 p.m. CT
- Game 3: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, Saturday
- Game 4: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser, 3:30 p.m. CT
- Game 7: Game 6 Winner vs. Game 6 Loser (if necessary), 2:30 p.m. CT
Whether you're cheering from the stands or following from home, this is the kind of postseason drama that makes softball unforgettable. So grab your gear, get ready to roar, and let's see if the Crimson Tide can live up to that No. 1 seed.