South Alabama’s softball team will begin its 2026 season at the 23rd Annual NFCA Leadoff Classic, taking place at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Florida. The Jaguars are scheduled to play five games over three days, starting with matchups against Eastern Kentucky and Southeastern Louisiana on Friday.
The tournament opens for South Alabama with a game against Eastern Kentucky at noon Central Time on Field 4, followed by a contest against Southeastern Louisiana at 3 p.m. on the same field. On Saturday, they face Rutgers at 11 a.m. on Field 2. Sunday’s schedule includes North Carolina Central at 9 a.m. on Field 9 and concludes with Missouri at noon on Field 8.
Tickets for the event must be purchased online through the tournament central page. Live statistics and streaming links for all games are available via the team’s schedule page.
The first four games featuring South Alabama will be streamed through GameChanger, while their final game against Missouri marks their debut broadcast appearance on MLB Network. To watch the game on MLB Network, viewers can check local listings or subscribe through www.mlbnetwork.com; those unable to access MLB Network can view all contests via the GameChanger app without charge.
South Alabama has participated in this tournament three times previously—in 2020, 2023, and 2024—and recorded a 4-1 result during their last appearance, with their only loss coming against Missouri.
The series history shows Eastern Kentucky leading South Alabama 2-0 all-time; South Alabama holds a significant advantage over Southeastern Louisiana (13-3) and Rutgers (2-0), while Missouri leads their matchup history with four wins to none.
This year’s roster includes a mix of experience and new talent: there are fourteen returning players and eleven newcomers. Olivia Branstetter enters the season having reached base safely in fourteen consecutive games and earned both first-team (2025) and preseason (2026) all-SBC honors. Presley Lively set freshman program records last year in several categories including triples, runs scored, walks drawn, and on-base percentage. Pitcher Ryley Harrison finished last season among league leaders in several pitching categories, while fellow pitcher Caitlyn Heyl joined after earning two First-Team NJCAA All-America selections at Northwest Florida State College.
For further information or updates about South Alabama Softball throughout the season, fans can follow @SouthAlabamaSB across social media platforms or visit usajaguars.com.
