Auburn Softball Opens 2026 Season with Road Test, Reloaded Roster, and High Expectations
AUBURN, Ala. - Year two of the Malveaux era is officially underway, and Auburn softball isn’t easing into the 2026 campaign. Instead, they’re jumping straight into the fire with a true road game and a stacked schedule at the NFCA Leadoff Classic-all part of a Florida swing that promises to test and reveal a lot about this young but intriguing Tigers squad.
For the first time since 2014, Auburn opens the season on the road, heading to Jacksonville to face North Florida. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. CT, and while there’s no streaming available, fans can catch the action on the Auburn Sports Network and WEGL 91.1 FM, with JJ Jackson on the call.
A Road Trip with Purpose
This early road trip isn’t just a logistical quirk-it’s a proving ground. Auburn’s coaching staff, led by co-head coach Chris Malveaux, has been eager to get this group into real competition since fall workouts began.
“We're so excited to get this thing going again this year,” Malveaux said. “This season couldn't come soon enough.
We've been at it since August. Throughout the fall, we just couldn’t wait to see these players get on the field and do their thing.
It's going to be a fun group to watch. They're young, but they're going to be very exciting.”
And that excitement will be met with challenge right away.
Following the opener, Auburn heads to Clearwater for five games in three days at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Friday features matchups against Notre Dame and Michigan State, while Saturday brings a marquee clash with No.
9 Clemson followed by a tilt with Pitt. The weekend wraps Sunday morning with a game against Penn State.
All five games will be streamed for free on GameChanger, and Saturday’s showdown with Clemson will also be televised on MLB Network. Jackson will continue radio coverage throughout the tournament.
New Faces, Same Standards
This Auburn team looks quite a bit different than the one that closed out 2025. The Tigers graduated nine seniors, including eight regular starters, forcing a near-total rebuild of the offensive lineup.
But don’t mistake “young” for “rebuilding year.” This group is built to compete now.
Leading the charge is sophomore AnnaLea Adams, an All-SEC selection who turned heads last season with one of the most impactful freshman campaigns in program history. Adams hit .390 with a .658 slugging percentage, and despite missing nine games, still ranked among the team’s top three in OBP, hits, RBI, doubles, and home runs. She’s not just back-she’s the centerpiece of this offense.
In the circle, the Tigers have a steady hand in lefty SJ Geurin. The veteran pitcher returns after a 23-win season that included four saves, a 2.97 ERA, and NFCA All-Region honors. With a young pitching staff around her, Geurin’s experience and poise will be crucial.
Transfer Portal Reload
Auburn didn’t just rely on freshmen to fill the gaps. Chris and Kate Malveaux were active in the transfer portal, bringing in six players with postseason pedigrees and big-program experience.
Outfielder Kylie Shaw (Florida), RHP Ella Harrison (Rutgers), infielder Alyssa Hastings (Lipscomb), outfielder McKaela Walker (LSU), infielder Destiny Rodriguez (Tennessee), and LHP Abby Herndon (Ole Miss) make up a transfer class that brings serious credentials. Between them: two NFCA All-Region selections, three all-conference honors, two SEC titles, eight postseason appearances, and four trips to the Women’s College World Series.
That’s not just depth-it’s championship DNA.
Freshman Class Turning Heads
Auburn’s incoming freshman class was ranked No. 10 in the country, and early signs point to immediate impact. Utility player Daigle Wilson, catcher Ava Ratliff, and infielder Haven Roebuck have already landed on national watch lists from D1 Softball and Softball America. It’s a clear signal that the future is not just bright-it’s already arriving.
A History of Hot Starts
Auburn has traditionally come out strong to open the season, boasting a 23-5-1 record in season openers and winning 10 of the last 12. Last year, the Malveaux era began with a 6-1 win over Southern Illinois at home. This year’s opener marks the program’s first true road start since that 2014 tie at Troy.
The Tigers are also no strangers to the NFCA Leadoff Classic. This will be their seventh appearance overall and their first since 2023. Auburn has played both the Clearwater and Columbus, Georgia versions of the event, compiling a 15-12 record across those six prior showings.
What to Watch For
This week in Florida will offer an early look at how quickly Auburn’s revamped roster can mesh. Can Adams pick up where she left off?
Will Geurin anchor the pitching staff the way a veteran ace should? And how fast can the transfers and freshmen acclimate to SEC-level expectations?
There’s no easing into this season. But for a team that’s young, hungry, and reloaded with talent, that might be exactly what they need.
Get ready-Auburn softball is back, and this group is ready to make some noise.