Softball America Announces Preseason Outfield Rankings

Originally posted on Softball On SI | By Nicole Reitz | Last updated Jan 16, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Softball America continued to roll out preseason position rankings on Friday. Using advanced metrics from 64Analytics, along with the eye test and strength of schedule, outfield rankings have been released.

Check out the best outfielders heading into the 2026 season. For the full list of 30 outfielders, visit Softball America.

Top 10 Outfielders in College Softball

Taylor Shumaker, Florida
Kasidi Pickering, Oklahoma
Audrey Vandagriff, Alabama
Dakota Kennedy, Arkansas
Kayden Henry, Texas
Mihyia Davis, Texas Tech
Ashton Maloney, Texas
Jenissa Conway, Michigan
Kennedy Harp, Florida State
Peyton Plotts, Kentucky

Taylor Shumaker, Florida

The rookie made quite a name for herself in 2025. As the first Florida freshman in program history to gain NFCA First Team All-American honors, Shumaker batted .389 with 72 runs, 22 home runs, 17 doubles, one triple, 41 walks, three hit by pitches, and four sacrifice flies. She led the team in home runs, RBI, runs, doubles, slugging percentage (.808), and total bases (164), all while starting all 65 games in right field.

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Dakota Kennedy, Arkansas

Before transferring to Arkansas, Kennedy started 44 of Arizona’s games in left field in 2025, but missed 17 due to an injury. She still led the team with a .444 batting average and four triples, while recording a career-high in batting average, on-base percentage (.539), slugging percentage (.689), and OPS (1.228). She recorded 60 hits, 10 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 25 RBIs, 28 walks, 48 runs scored, and seven stolen bases.

Kayden Henry, Texas

The national champion had a breakout season in 2025. She recorded a career-best .409 batting average, a .553 slugging percentage, and a career-best .454 on-base percentage, all while logging 225 total bases and a 1.007 OPS. Additionally, she recorded a career-best 85 hits and a team-leading 72 runs with four homers and 30 RBIs.

This article first appeared on Softball On SI and was syndicated with permission.

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