The Texas Longhorns are heading into the NCAA Tournament with serious momentum—and a shiny new trophy to prove it. After capturing their first SEC championship (and fifth conference title overall), Texas softball climbed to No. 6 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason run.

With a 42-10 record, the Longhorns delivered when it mattered most, defeating No. 3 Alabama on Saturday to claim the SEC crown. That victory not only boosted their national ranking but also earned them the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, which kicks off this weekend. Alabama, despite the loss, secured the top overall NCAA seed—a testament to the fierce competition in the SEC this season.

In Tuesday's poll, Texas racked up 603 votes, placing them among six SEC teams in the top 10. In fact, the conference flexed its muscle with 10 teams earning spots in the rankings. Elsewhere in the SEC, Texas A&M slipped two spots to No. 17 after a surprise upset by Auburn in the second round of the conference tournament.

The top of the poll saw some shake-ups too. Nebraska surged to No. 1 after winning the Big Ten tournament title, while Oklahoma—knocked off by Georgia in the SEC quarterfinals—dropped to No. 2. It's a reminder that in college softball, every game counts, and the postseason is anyone's game.

For the defending national champions, the road to another title begins Friday against Wagner in the first game of the Austin Regional. With the "Smash Sisters" duo of Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart powering the lineup, Texas has the firepower to make another deep run. Now, it's all about bringing that championship energy to the diamond—and maybe a little Longhorns swag to the stands.