Jumbo Package: Softball kicks off NCAA action with title dreams

Feb 13, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama pitcher Vic Moten smiles a she talks with first baseman Brooke Wells as they start an inning against Purdue at Rhoads Stadium in the East Bama Bash, the home opening weekend tournament. | Gary Cosby Jr. -Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Happy Friday, everyone.

Alabama softball kicks off their WCWS pursuit at noon today against USC Upstate. It has been noted that their regional draw is tougher than it appears. Alabama (49-7) is joined by Southeastern Louisiana (46-14), Belmont (40-11) and USC Upstate (36-21) in the Tuscaloosa Regional.

All three teams have played a postseason weekend at Rhoads Stadium at least once since 2024. Upstate and Belmont won their respective conference tournaments in the Big South and Missouri Valley. Southeastern Louisiana put together such a strong regular season, that it was able to earn an at-large spot in the NCAA tournament despite not winning the Southland tournament.

SELA played Alabama in the regional final two years ago and beat LSU twice in the Baton Rouge Regional last season to eliminate the Tigers at home before succumbing to Nebraska. Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont all rank in the top-five nationally in team ERA. Alabama is No.