BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners Softball Named 2025’s Best Program by ESPN! Patty Gasso’s Squad Outshines All with No. 1 Recruiting Class and WCWS Run—Norman’s Dynasty Roars On!…More Details Below…

BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners Softball Named 2025’s Best Program by ESPN! Patty Gasso’s Squad Outshines All with No. 1 Recruiting Class and WCWS Run—Norman’s Dynasty Roars On!…More Details Below…

BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners Softball Named 2025’s Best Program by ESPN! Patty Gasso’s Squad Outshines All with No. 1 Recruiting Class and WCWS Run—Norman’s Dynasty Roars On

In a moment of resounding recognition for one of the most dominant forces in collegiate athletics, ESPN has officially named Oklahoma Sooners softball the Best Program of 2025. Powered by a record-setting recruiting class, a relentless Women’s College World Series (WCWS) run, and the unshakable leadership of head coach Patty Gasso, the Sooners have once again cemented themselves as the gold standard of college softball.

Dynasty in Full Flight

It’s been said before, and it rings louder than ever now: Oklahoma softball isn’t just a team—it’s a dynasty. In 2025, Gasso’s squad reloaded with the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, returned to Oklahoma City for yet another WCWS appearance, and remained the most-watched program in the sport. With a roster bursting with future stars and seasoned veterans, the Sooners continue to set the pace, both competitively and culturally.

“We’ve built something incredibly special here,” said Patty Gasso after ESPN’s announcement. “But this isn’t about just one season. It’s about the culture, the commitment, and the expectation of greatness every single day.”

Gasso, now in her 31st season with the Sooners, has guided Oklahoma to eight national championships, including an unprecedented four-peat from 2021 to 2024. Though the team narrowly missed out on a fifth straight title in 2025, their semifinal WCWS finish, coupled with elite performances all season, proved they’re still the program to beat.

No. 1 Recruiting Class

What truly separated the Sooners this year—and drew the praise of ESPN’s panel of analysts—was their top-ranked 2025 recruiting class. Dubbed “The New Fab Five” by national media, the class features five top-25 players, including:

• Mia Duran, a five-tool shortstop from California
• Jayla Thompson, a left-handed pitcher with a 70+ mph riseball
• Riley Cain, a power-hitting catcher from Texas
• Addison Ngata, an elite centerfielder with Olympic speed
• Kylie Martinez, a two-way threat who can pitch and hit at a high level

“This class is the future of Oklahoma softball,” said recruiting coordinator JT Gasso. “They came in with championship DNA. They grew up watching this program dominate and now they want to be the next ones to carry the torch.”

Early signs of success were immediate. Duran and Thompson both earned Big 12 All-Freshman honors, while Cain’s clutch postseason hitting helped the Sooners survive a gauntlet of top-ranked opponents in the WCWS.

National Spotlight, Local Pride

The Sooners’ excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Oklahoma led the nation in total attendance, ESPN ratings, and NIL deals among softball programs. Several players, including returning All-Americans Kinzie Hansen and Olivia Rodriguez, inked major endorsement deals and appeared in national ad campaigns. The program’s brand—built on championships, culture, and character—is more powerful than ever.

And it’s not just fans or sponsors paying attention.

 

The Road Ahead