Raider Softball Opens 2026 Season as Preseason No. 1 in NJCAA Poll

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2026 softball season is officially underway, and Northwest Florida State finds itself atop the NJCAA preseason rankings following last year's national championship run. The Raiders earned the No. 1 spot in the first poll of the season, marking the first time in program history they will begin a year ranked at the top.

Northwest Florida continues its steady rise on the national stage after opening last season ranked No. 4 and the year prior at No. 2. Now, coming off a historic 2025 campaign that culminated in the program's first NJCAA National Championship, the Raiders enter the season with a target firmly on their backs as they set their sights on a repeat performance.

The 2026 campaign opens this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23–24, at the Raider Softball Complex, where Northwest Florida will host Parkland and Polk State in a round-robin event. The Raiders begin their season Friday at 11:00 a.m. against Parkland, followed by a 3:00 p.m. matchup with Polk State.

Action continues Saturday with a 10:00 a.m. rematch against Polk State before Northwest Florida closes the weekend against Parkland at 2:00 p.m.

Northwest Florida returns nine players from last year's championship roster, including seven All-Conference selections, four All-FCSAA honorees, three NFCA All-Region picks, and two NFCA All-Americans. The Raiders' roster also features a strong influx of new talent, with 10 freshmen joining the program along with one transfer, Savannah Carter, who arrives from Texas State.