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)