Hogs No. 6 in ESPN.com/USA Softball Preseason Poll

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas softball achieved its highest preseason ranking in program history, checking in at No. 6 in ESPN.com/USA Softball’s Preseason Top 25 Tuesday.

The Razorbacks also earned No. 7 and No. 12 preseason nods by Softball America and Extra Inning Softball Tuesday. Arkansas’ No. 7 recognition by Softball America is the highest preseason ranking by the outlet. The Hogs picked up a No. 8 preseason ranking by D1Softball last week, which ties for the highest preseason ranking by the publication in program history. The Razorbacks were also selected as preseason No. 8 by D1Softball in 2022.

Four of five major preseason polls have been released ahead of the 2023 campaign. The USA Today/NFCA DI Top 25 Coaches Poll will be released at a later date.

Arkansas posted the most successful season in program history in 2022, winning a program-record 48 games and clinching the first SEC regular season and tournament championship double in program history. Back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year Courtney Deifel guided a program-record five Hogs to NFCA All-American honors with First Team All-American Hannah Gammill and Second Team All-American Chenise Delce returning to the lineup this season. Arkansas is one of three DI softball programs to return multiple 2022 NFCA All-Americas.

The Hogs open their 2023 season Feb. 10 at the Rebel Kickoff in Las Vegas. The Hogs will face Weber State at 4 p.m. CT before taking on tournament host UNLV at 9 p.m.