Every bracket needs a Cinderella. In 2026, it was someone like Louisiana-Lafayette (or maybe I’m misremembering—point is, a small school scared everyone). For 2026, I’m betting on Missouri State or Wichita State. They’ve got nothing to prove and everything to gain. Scary.
Imagine a #14 seed beating a #3 seed in front of a crowd that’s wearing jean shorts and face paint. That’s the dream. That’s why we watch. That’s why we scream at our TVs when a ground ball goes through someone’s legs.
2026 NCAA softball bracket: Women's College World Series scores
Bracket Picks: Hot Takes Only
I’ll say it now: UCLA takes it all. Yes, Oklahoma is great. Yes, Florida is terrifying. But UCLA has this swagger in even-numbered years. 2026 is an odd year? Doesn’t matter. I’m sticking with the Bruins. Sue me.
If you want a safer bet, pick Oklahoma. They’re like the New England Patriots of softball—hate them or love them, they win. But where’s the fun in playing it safe? Live a little. Put your money on a team that wears turquoise uniforms and has a third baseman who chews gum aggressively.
