Duke Softball Set to Launch 2026 Season at UCF Invitational
DURHAM, N.C. - The wait is over. Duke softball is back, and the 2026 season gets underway this weekend as the Blue Devils head south to Orlando for the UCF Black and Gold Invitational. Over four days, Duke will take the field five times, facing Boston University, Buffalo, CSU Bakersfield (twice), and host UCF at the UCF Softball Complex.
It’s a loaded opening slate, and for a program that’s become a consistent postseason contender, this weekend offers an early chance to showcase both returning firepower and fresh talent.
Where to Watch
Every game of the UCF Invitational will stream live on ESPN+, with real-time stats available through Statbroadcast. It’s a full weekend of softball, and fans will have plenty to track as the Blue Devils kick off their campaign.
The Weekend Schedule
Friday, Feb. 6
- **2 p.m. ** - Duke vs.
Boston University
- **7 p.m.
** - Duke vs. UCF
Saturday, Feb. 7
- **11:30 a.m. ** - Duke vs.
Buffalo
- **5 p.m.
** - Duke vs. CSU Bakersfield
Sunday, Feb. 8
- **9 a.m. ** - Duke vs.
CSU Bakersfield
What You Need to Know About Duke
Head coach Marissa Young enters her ninth season at the helm with a solid core and a promising infusion of new talent. The Blue Devils return 12 letterwinners from a 2025 squad that went 41-18 and punched a ticket to the NCAA Softball Championship for the fifth straight year.
This year’s roster features 10 newcomers, including four experienced transfers:
- Layla Lamar (Florida)
- Larissa Jacquez (Incarnate Word)
- Tyrina Jones (Purdue)
- Mallory Wheeler (Louisiana)
They’re joined by six freshmen: London Collins, Brookelyn Grayson, Ariel Krueger, Adelyn Matthews, Gabriella Shadek, and Jayla Stafford - all of whom bring depth and energy to a team with postseason ambitions.
Leadership remains a strong suit. Graduate student Jada Baker returns as a captain for the third consecutive year, joined by senior D’Auna Jennings, who earns the honor for the first time. Their experience and presence in the clubhouse will be key as Duke navigates a competitive early-season schedule.
Pitching and power are also in good hands. Seniors Cassidy Curd and Aminah Vega were both named to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List - a nod to their impact on both sides of the ball. Duke is one of just four ACC programs with multiple players on that prestigious list.
In addition, three Blue Devils earned Preseason All-ACC honors:
- Kairi Rodriguez (Redshirt Junior)
- D’Auna Jennings (Senior)
- Aminah Vega (Senior)
That trio will be counted on heavily, especially as Duke eyes a strong start in Florida.
Scouting the Opponents
Boston University
Duke opens its season against a familiar foe.
The Blue Devils and Terriers have split their two previous meetings, with Duke winning the most recent clash 4-2 at the 2024 Duke Invitational. BU took the first meeting back in 2018, 7-4.
Expect a competitive opener.
Buffalo
Saturday’s matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Duke and Buffalo.
The Bulls are coming off a 17-33 campaign in 2025, including a 10-17 record in the MAC. While Duke will be the favorite, early-season games can be unpredictable - especially with new faces still settling in.
CSU Bakersfield
Another first-time matchup awaits with CSU Bakersfield, and the two teams will square off twice over the weekend.
The Roadrunners finished 16-34 last season, including a 7-20 mark in Big West play. These games could offer Duke a chance to test its lineup depth and get innings for its pitching staff.
UCF
Friday night’s showdown with UCF is the marquee matchup of the weekend.
Duke leads the all-time series 2-1, with their most recent meeting coming in a 10-inning thriller at the 2023 TaxAct Clearwater Invitational - a 4-3 win for the Blue Devils. Expect another tight one under the lights in Orlando.
What’s Next
Once the dust settles in Orlando, Duke won’t have much time to rest. The Blue Devils stay in Florida for the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational from Feb. 13-15 - a premier early-season tournament that will test them against some of the nation’s best. On deck: Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma State, Georgia, and Missouri.
Final Word
Duke softball enters 2026 with momentum, experience, and a roster that blends proven veterans with exciting new talent. This opening weekend in Orlando isn’t just about getting back on the field - it’s about setting the tone.
With leadership in place and stars ready to shine, the Blue Devils have all the ingredients to make noise this season. Let the games begin.