Momentum from last spring carries into 2026, beginning with East Central. The Hornets are coming off a breakthrough postseason run that culminated in a 6A Division I state semifinal appearance — the first UIL State Tournament berth in school history. That experience, paired with a return to the state’s largest classification, sets the tone entering the new campaign.
Close behind is Smithson Valley, which surged to a 26-4 record and dominated district play before advancing to the 5A Division I state semifinals — its deepest playoff push since the program’s 2012 championship season. The Rangers headline a strong 5A presence that also includes Veterans Memorial, a steady contender looking to build on last year’s postseason appearance.
The 6A ranks remain crowded with challengers. O’Connor, Reagan and Steele each reached the area round a year ago, while Johnson, Clemens and Taft add further depth to a classification defined by balance and familiarity. Several of those programs posted double-digit district win totals in 2025, underscoring just how narrow the margins should be this spring.
Meanwhile, 4A is once again anchored by Davenport, which advanced three rounds deep in the Division I bracket last season. With postseason pedigree spread across multiple classifications, the preseason hierarchy is established — but the climb back to May promises to be anything but predictable.
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*Last section indicates 2025 result
VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Softball Rankings -- February 2026 (Preseason)
1. East Central Hornets (6A) -- 23-13-1 // 8-4 in District 29-6A // UIL 6A Division I State Semifinalists
2. Smithson Valley Rangers (5A) -- 26-4 // 16-0 in 26-5A // 5A Division I State Semifinalists
3. O'Connor Panthers (6A) -- 21-4 // 16-0 in 28-6A // Area Finalists
4. SA Reagan Rattlers (6A) -- 20-10 // 8-6 in 27-6A // Area Finalists
5. Steele Knights (6A) -- 19-11 // 9-3 in 29-6A // Area Finalists
6. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) -- 18-8 // 13-1 in 27-6A // Bi-District Finalists
7. Clemens Buffaloes (6A) -- 18-11 // 7-5 in 29-6A // Bi-District Finalists
8. Davenport Wolves (4A) -- 22-8-1 // 8-2 in 26-4A // Regional Semifinalists
9. SA Veterans Memorial Patriots (5A) -- 19-5 // 12-3 in 26-5A // Bi-District Finalists
10. Taft Raiders (6A) -- 21-10 // 11-5 in 28-6A // Regional Semifinalists
Others to Watch: South San Antonio Bobcats (28-5A), Brennan Bears (28-6A), Churchill Chargers (27-6A), Pieper Warriors (26-5A), Harlan Hawks (28-6A), Comal Canyon Cougars (29-6A), New Braunfels Unicorns (26-5A)
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The National Anthem plays just moments before Melissa wins its 2nd UIL State Championship (5/30/2025)
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
The preseason landscape is once again crowded with contenders, but the standard begins with Melissa. Head coach Cassie Crabtree’s Cardinals return to the diamond following a dominant 38-1 campaign that culminated in a 5A Division I state championship and 2025 MaxPreps National Champion honors. With back-to-back titles already secured, Melissa now turns its focus toward an elusive three-peat — and enters the spring as the team to beat.
The 6A ranks, however, are anything but quiet. Flower Mound, Forney and Denton Guyer each made extensive playoff runs last year, with Forney advancing all the way to the 6A Division II State Final. Keller, Marcus and Royse City add further depth to a classification that proved both balanced and battle-tested throughout 2025. Several of those programs navigated double-digit district win totals a year ago, underscoring just how competitive the road back to Austin will be.
In 5A, Lovejoy, Aledo and Walnut Grove headline a formidable group behind Melissa. Aledo reached the State Semifinals last spring, while Lovejoy and Walnut Grove each made regional appearances, reinforcing the classification’s overall strength.
If last season was any indication, parity remains alive across both 6A and 5A. Experience, postseason pedigree and a hunger to finish unfinished business define much of this preseason Top 10 — with multiple programs positioned not just to contend, but to reshape the conversation altogether in 2026.
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*Last section indicates 2025 result
VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Softball Rankings -- February 2026 (Preseason)
1. Melissa Cardinals (5A) -- 38-1 // 14-0 in District 9-5A // UIL 5A Division I State Champions*
2. Flower Mound Jaguars (6A) -- 25-9-1 // 12-2 in 5-6A // 6A Division I State Semifinalists
3. Forney Jackrabbits (6A) -- 35-3-1 // 11-1 in 10-6A // 6A Division II State Finalists
4. Denton Guyer Wildcats (6A) -- 30-6 // 13-1` in 5-6A // 6A Division II State Semifinalists
5. Keller Indians (6A) -- 28-9-1 // 14-2 in 4-6A // Regional Semifinalists
6. Lovejoy Leopards (5A) -- 25-13 // 10-4 in 9-5A // Region II Finalists
7. Aledo Bearcats (5A) -- 30-4 // 12-0 in 5-5A // 5A Division I State Semifinalists
8. Marcus Marauders (6A) -- 26-11 // 9-5 in 5-6A // Region I Finalists
9. Royse City Bulldogs (6A) -- 25-9 // 9-3 in 10-6A // Regional Semifinalists
10. Walnut Grove Wildcats (5A) -- 25-8 // 12-2 in 9-5A // Regional Semifinalists
Others to Watch: Wylie Pirates (9-6A), Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A), Birdville Hawks (6-5A), Waxahachie Indians (11-6A), Midlothian Heritage Jaguars (15-5A), Plano East Panthers (6-6A), Grapevine Mustangs (6-5A), Trinity Trojans (4-6A), Mansfield Legacy Broncos (3-6A)
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