The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for the 2026 season, returning as the defending national champions and boasting a roster filled with elite talent. The season opener is set for February 6, where head coach Mike White will lead his team in the UTSA Invitational against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
As the Longhorns prepare for their title defense, they are ranked as the top team in the nation by both D1 Softball and USA Softball, while Softball America has placed them at No. 2. With championship aspirations firmly in place, the team is focusing on its standout players, several of whom have received preseason accolades from the conference.
On Thursday, the SEC announced its preseason All-SEC team, with the Longhorns having four players recognized, tying them with their rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, for the most selections this year. Leading the group is star pitcher Teagan Kavan, who has been a consistent force on the mound. Kavan”s inclusion on the preseason All-SEC team comes as no surprise, as she has also been named a preseason First Team All-American by both Softball America and D1 Softball.
Entering the 2026 season, Kavan is not only regarded as one of the top pitchers in the conference but also in the country. Following a remarkable sophomore year, she earned the title of Most Outstanding Player at the Women”s College World Series (WCWS), leading her team to a national championship while posting an impressive 2.16 ERA and recording 230 strikeouts across 207 innings.
Joining Kavan on the preseason All-SEC squad is standout catcher Reese Atwood, who has also been recognized as a preseason First Team All-American by both major outlets. Atwood made history in 2025 by becoming the first Longhorn to receive the Diamond/Sports/NFCA Catcher of the Year Award and the Johnny Bench Award. Her stellar performance included a .393 batting average, a team-leading 21 home runs, and 89 RBIs.
Additionally, junior utility player Katie Stewart earned her place on the All-SEC team. She was also recognized as a preseason First Team All-American by D1 Softball and made the Second Team by Softball America. Stewart displayed versatility throughout the previous season, excelling in various positions from shortstop to the outfield, and concluded the year with a .381 batting average, contributing 17 home runs and 80 RBIs.
Lastly, outfielder Kayden Henry rounds out the group of four Longhorns honored by the SEC. Henry has also received significant preseason recognition, appearing on both the Second Team All-American lists of D1 Softball and Softball America. In the 2025 season, she maintained a .409 batting average, recorded 85 hits, hit four home runs, and drove in 30 RBIs, all while showcasing her speed on the bases with a team-high 33 stolen bases.
