LEAD STORY: Bulldogs Topple Sooners in Historic Super Regional Win
Mississippi State authored one of the most stunning moments of the 2026 NCAA softball tournament Friday, rallying past Oklahoma to claim its first super regional victory in program history. The Bulldogs handed the Sooners their first super regional loss since 2015, ending a decade-long stretch of dominance for a program that has set the standard in college softball.
The game turned in the seventh inning, where Mississippi State's late offensive surge flipped the script against an Oklahoma club that rarely cedes ground in elimination-stakes baseball. NCAA.com's full-inning highlight package captured the swing of momentum, with the Bulldogs pushing across the decisive runs to author the comeback. For a Mississippi State program still building its foothold in the national conversation, the win is more than a single result — it's a marker.
The series shifts to a pivotal Game 2 with the Bulldogs needing one more win to punch a ticket to Oklahoma City. Oklahoma, suddenly facing elimination, will look to lean on the championship pedigree that produced its lengthy super regional winning streak in the first place.
QUICK HITS
- Missouri sends 15 to NCAA West Regional: Fifteen Missouri track and field athletes qualified for the 2026 NCAA West Regional Championships, set for May 28-30 at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville. It's a strong showing for the Tigers' program heading into the postseason.
- Kentucky awaits Moreno decision: Per Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, nine of 10 NBA executives polled believe Wildcats big man Malachi Moreno should return to college rather than stay in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Kentucky native projects as a centerpiece of next season's roster in Lexington if he comes back.
- Kentucky eyes Momcilovic: The same Goodman poll was unanimous on Iowa State transfer target Milan Momcilovic — all 10 NBA executives said he should return to college. Isaac Trotter of 247 Sports pegged Momcilovic's potential NIL value in the $6 million range, with Kentucky among the schools positioned to make a play.
- Blackwell picks Duke over draft: Former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell is withdrawing from the NBA draft and heading to Duke, per ESPN. A reminder that the Wildcats and the rest of the SEC will see a loaded ACC backcourt in non-conference play.
- Azua enters portal: Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year Madison Azua announced Friday she is entering the transfer portal, per D1Softball. SEC programs in need of a frontline arm should take notice.
PORTAL WATCH
No new SEC-affiliated portal entries surfaced over the last 12 hours, but the bigger storyline remains Kentucky's pursuit of Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic. With NBA executives unanimously steering him back to college and a reported NIL figure approaching $6 million on the table, the Wildcats are positioned at the center of one of the most consequential transfer decisions remaining on the board. Outside the league, Madison Azua's portal entry is one to monitor — a Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year arm could reshape a softball rotation in a hurry.
RECRUITING BUZZ
No new commitments to report across the SEC on Friday. The recruiting board stays quiet as attention shifts to the diamond and to looming roster decisions tied to the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline.
GAMES TO WATCH
A loaded SEC baseball slate headlines the docket:
- Tennessee at Georgia — A high-stakes meeting between two of the league's most closely watched programs.
- Arkansas at Texas (SEC Network) — The Razorbacks and Longhorns square off in a marquee television window.
- LSU at Alabama — The Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa for a series with significant postseason implications.
- Auburn at Texas A&M (SEC Network) — The Tigers and Aggies meet with seeding stakes on the line.
- Mississippi State at Oklahoma (softball super regional) — The Bulldogs go for the series clincher after Friday's stunner.
Fire up the SEC Network and settle in. It's that time of year.
