Deep rooted rivalries are what make college athletics so great. With conference play kicking off this weekend in college softball, we'll see sworn enemies meet once again.
Before the action starts, checkout some of the most historic conference rivalries to watch out for this season.
SEC
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma
It's no secret, the Red River Rivalry runs deep — in any sport. But it might mean even more in softball.
To put things into a little bit more perspective, No. 2 Texas and No. 4 Oklahoma have squared off seven times at the Women's College World Series. Their most recent matchup in 2025 saw the Longhorns earn a 4-2 victory on the way to their national title.
all heart from 🤘 |
— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball)
Between the two rivals, they have captured each of the last five NCAA softball national championships. From the Big 12 to the SEC, this hatred across state lines has survived conference shifts and is considered as one of the greatest in college softball.
Catch the Red River Rivalry take the diamond from Friday, April 10 - Sunday, April 12.
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Big Ten
2. UCLA vs. Oregon
A storied and longstanding rivalry has brewed between these two foes across multiple conference lines.
As once Pac 12 rivals to now Big Ten foes, the history between No. 7 UCLA and Oregon dates back to 1985 and continues to heat up. Their feud reignited again last year when No. 18 Oregon returned to the WCWS in 2025 after a seven-year drought to meet the 11-time national champions in UCLA.
The Bruins extended their all-time record to 58-25 against Oregon with a 4-2 victory on opening day in their second-ever meeting in Oklahoma City.
Ducks are in business!
— Oregon Softball (@OregonSB)
Leadoff double for to kick off T7.
📺 ESPN2 |
UCLA hosts the Ducks from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 in a projected joust for the Big Ten title.
📊 BRUINS BUMP UP: This week's Power 10
ACC
3. Florida State vs. Clemson
The rivalry between No. 10 Florida State and Clemson has recently sprouted as one of the fiercest in college softball after the Tigers' program installation in 2020.
The Seminoles have stacked a lop-sided 7-1 advantage over Clemson since their first meeting. Yet, what the record doesn't show is the highly-contested conference title games between the foes.
The two have squared off twice in the last five ACC Championship finals. While FSU holds the most titles (19) in the league, the Tigers slayed the giant in 2025 with a 2-1 victory to earn their first-ever championship.
Clemson will face the Seminoles on Friday March, 27 through Sunday, March 29.
🎲 THE CRAZY CONTINUES: 7 must-see moments from last weekend in college softball
Big 12
4. Arizona vs. Arizona State
The Duel in the Desert is home to one of the most deeply-rooted feuds across the sport. The matchup between in-state rivals has often determined which school hoists the "Territorial Cup" at the end of the year.
While Arizona boasts a 104-54-1 all-time record over the Sun Devils, ASU earned the most recent 3-2 win in the last game of the 2025 series matchup.
The two saw seven straight years of ranked "Duels" from 2017-2023, with their highest matchup happening in 1999 when No. 2 Arizona landed two-shutout wins over No. 5 Arizona State.
With both teams back in the top-25 rankings this season, the heated series from Friday, March 20 to Sunday March 22 is one you won't want to miss.
Honorable mentions
Oklahoma vs. Alabama
Two of the biggest names in the sport in Oklahoma and No. 6 Alabama hold one of the tightest all-time records. The 12-11 history in favor of the Tide comes from nine matchups at the WCWS across five different seasons.
Oregon vs. Washington
Another rivalry that has stood the test of conference realignment comes from Oregon and No. 22 Washington. The pacific northwest clash has split the last ten matchups 5-5 in addition to facing off twice in OKC in 2017 and 2018.
