For the first time in 2026, the No. 5/6 Oklahoma Sooners will take the field in Norman.
After 15 straight road and neutral-site games to open the season, Oklahoma finally comes home for a six-game homestand at Love’s Field from February 26 through March 1. It is not a tournament. It is not a showcase event. It is, instead, a layered evaluation weekend — one that will reveal where this roster stands defensively, how the pitching staff is sorting itself out, and whether the Sooners can transition their explosive offense into sustainable dominance at home.
The weekend slate includes matchups against the Alabama State Hornets, the Sam Houston Bearkats, and the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions — three programs from the SWAC, Conference USA, and Southland, respectively.
On paper, Oklahoma holds the edge in every game. But February softball is not played on paper. It is played on rhythm, on discipline, and on the small defensive details that separate run-rule wins from uncomfortable late innings.
This weekend will test all of that.
Weekend Schedule (All Times CT)
All six games will be played at Love’s Field in Norman and streamed live on SEC Network+.
Thursday, Feb. 26
6:00 PM – vs. Alabama State (SEC Network+)
Friday, Feb. 27
2:00 PM – vs. Sam Houston (SEC Network+)
5:30 PM – vs. Alabama State (SEC Network+)
Saturday, Feb. 28
2:00 PM – vs. Sam Houston (SEC Network+)
5:30 PM – vs. Alabama State (SEC Network+)
Sunday, March 1
12:30 PM – vs. Southeastern Louisiana (SEC Network+)
Radio coverage will rotate between KRXO 104.5 AM (Thursday and Sunday) and KEBC 1560 AM (Friday and Saturday).
It is a compact, high-volume weekend — six games in four days. For a pitching staff still searching for hierarchy, that matters.
Opponent Breakdown
Alabama State (SWAC)
Alabama State enters Norman with a scrappy, contact-oriented lineup built around Talee Sims and Alana Scott, who have been the most consistent offensive producers through the first dozen games. The Lady Hornets are not a power team; they rely on situational hitting and forcing defensive mistakes. Their offensive efficiency is rooted in putting balls in play rather than clearing fences, but defensive instability has plagued them early, leading to several high-scoring losses against stronger competition. In the circle, Alabama State does not feature a dominant ace, instead piecing together innings through multiple arms who have shown resilience in relief roles. Their most notable recent win — a 6-4 victory over Tuskegee — showcased their ability to hang around and capitalize late. Against Oklahoma’s power, their path to competitiveness hinges on extending innings and hoping for defensive miscues.
Sam Houston (Conference USA)
Sam Houston presents a more complete profile. The Bearkats feature a competitive offensive core led by Sophia Lundstrom and Bella Perez, both of whom have provided steady production near the top of the order. They are opportunistic — particularly effective when opponents give them extra outs. That trait was evident in double-digit scoring wins over South Dakota (11-2), Creighton (10-5), and Georgia State (11-1), games in which Sam Houston capitalized on defensive breakdowns and sustained offensive pressure. Veteran pitcher Amy Abke anchors a rotation that is still stabilizing but capable of limiting damage when ahead in counts. Defensively, the Bearkats have been steady, if not spectacular. They are unlikely to overpower Oklahoma, but they are disciplined enough to exploit sloppiness.
Southeastern Louisiana (Southland)
Southeastern Louisiana is the most dangerous opponent on the schedule. The Lady Lions bring a 13-4 record and a strong early RPI into Norman, built on balanced offense and aggressive base-running. Shelby Morris has been their offensive engine, slugging at an elite rate, while Chloe Magee adds chaos on the basepaths with high stolen-base efficiency (70%). Southeastern Louisiana excels in defensive execution and small-ball tactics, often turning singles into rallies through speed and pressure. Their pitching staff has been the backbone of their success, holding opponents to minimal scoring in neutral-site contests and competing credibly against top-tier programs — including a recent 7-2 loss to No. 3 Texas in which they led early, and a 4-2 win over then-ranked #5 Oregon. Of the three weekend opponents, they possess the most legitimate upset profile.
Take A Deeper Dive Into Oklahoma Softball
Exclusively on our subscription page.
– Homecoming With An Edge – A Deep Dive Preview of Oklahoma vs. Alabama State At Love’s Field
– Oklahoma’s Early Gauntlet: What the Sooners’ Ranked Wins – and One Stunning Loss – Reveal About Their Championship Trajectory
– Ella Parker Made History on Sunday – And Reminded Everyone Why Oklahoma Still Revolves Around Her
Ranking the Weekend Threats
- Southeastern Louisiana – Most complete team; strongest RPI and pitching foundation.
- Sam Houston – Opportunistic offense; capable of stretching games if Oklahoma falters defensively.
- Alabama State – Competitive but overmatched in raw power and pitching depth.
What Should Oklahoma’s Primary Focus Be?
The headline story surrounding Oklahoma entering this weekend is simple: the offense is historic.
Through 15 games, the Sooners have blasted 56 home runs and are averaging nearly 14 runs per game. The power is not theoretical. It is overwhelming.
But the deeper story — the one head coach Patty Gasso has emphasized — is defensive consistency and pitching clarity.
The recent loss to Long Beach State exposed two areas that must tighten:
1. Eliminating “habitual” errors.
Oklahoma has occasionally allowed innings to extend due to small defensive lapses — rushed throws, positioning mistakes, mental resets between plays. The Sooners have only committed five defensive errors on the season, but against elite competition, those become decisive. This weekend is an opportunity to reestablish clean execution.
2. Settling the pitching rotation.
For the first time in several seasons, Oklahoma does not have a clearly defined ace hierarchy. Sophomores Audrey Lowry and Miali Guachino, along with LSU transfer Sydney Berzon, and several other viable arms are rotating through roles. Gasso has indicated she wants matchup-based clarity before SEC play intensifies. Six games provide a controlled laboratory.
3. Managing energy at home.
After 15 games away from Norman, fatigue and travel routines have shaped the season’s opening arc. Love’s Field presents a reset. The key is channeling home-opening adrenaline without sacrificing discipline.
4. Protecting RPI positioning.
Losses to mid-major programs can reverberate in postseason seeding discussions. Oklahoma’s margin for error is smaller than perception suggests.
The Bigger Picture
This homestand is not about proving Oklahoma can score.
They can.
It is about proving they can execute.
Six games in four days will test depth. It will test focus in late innings. It will test whether Oklahoma can dominate without drifting mentally against opponents they are expected to beat.
The Sooners enter the weekend ranked No. 5/6 nationally. The expectation is six wins. But championship trajectories are not shaped by expectations — they are shaped by habits.
If Oklahoma leaves Sunday having cleaned up defensive volatility, clarified its pitching roles, and maintained offensive patience, this weekend becomes a springboard.
If the details remain loose, the warning signs carry forward.
The home opener is often ceremonial.
This one feels diagnostic.
By Sunday afternoon, we will know far more about who the 2026 Oklahoma Sooners truly are — and whether their championship ceiling is sharpening into focus.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook