The 2026 college softball season is heating up, and conference tournaments are officially underway. With the NCAA Tournament selection show just days away, it's time to look at who the experts believe will be crowned champion at the Women's College World Series.

Last year, Texas made history by winning its first-ever WCWS title, taking down Texas Tech in a thrilling three-game series. Now, the SEC looks poised to dominate once again, with several powerhouse teams ready to make a deep postseason run.

At the top of the list is Oklahoma, the SEC regular season champion. The Sooners have been absolutely dominant this year, posting a 48-7 record in the nation's toughest conference. Their offense is one of the most explosive in the country, led by true freshman Kendall Wells, who is just one home run shy of tying the NCAA single-season record. After falling short of the national championship game in 2025, Oklahoma is hungry to reclaim its throne and add another trophy to its four-title streak from 2021-2024.

But the SEC's depth is staggering. Five teams are ranked in the top 10: No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Arkansas, No. 6 Tennessee, and No. 8 Texas. Any one of these squads has the firepower to challenge for the title.

Could we see another first-time champion in 2026? If so, all eyes are on No. 3 Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are 50-5 and boast the best pitcher in college softball: NiJaree Canady. She's allowed just 25 earned runs over 134.2 innings, good for a 1.30 ERA. Her teammate, Kaitlyn Terry, has been equally impressive with a 1.39 ERA. With that kind of pitching, Texas Tech is a serious threat.

Other top contenders include No. 2 Nebraska, No. 7 Florida State, No. 9 Oregon, and No. 10 UCLA. Each of these teams has the talent and grit to make a run in Oklahoma City.

So, who do the USA TODAY Sports experts predict will win it all? While Oklahoma is the chalky favorite, the road to the WCWS title is never easy. With conference tournaments underway and the selection show around the corner, get ready for some unforgettable softball action.