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Mary Nutter Classic Honors Softball Pioneer

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 4:28 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Oklahoma, California, Texas, Arizona, UNITED STATES

The Legacy of the Classic

The tournament is named in honor of Mary Nutter, a pioneering figure in collegiate athletics and a long-time supporter of softball. Her dedication to the sport and commitment to providing opportunities for female athletes are deeply ingrained in the spirit of the Classic. This year's edition continues that legacy, providing a platform for some of the most promising players in the country to compete at the highest level. The Brea complex, consistently maintained and updated, provides a fantastic experience for both the athletes and the spectators.

2026 Matchups: A Preview of Potential Championship Runs

The 2026 field is particularly strong, boasting a lineup of perennial powerhouses and rising contenders. Let's take a closer look at some of the key matchups and storylines:

• Oklahoma vs. UCLA: This Thursday afternoon showdown promises to be an instant classic. Both teams are consistently ranked among the nation's elite and are perennial College World Series threats. Oklahoma, known for its explosive offense, will be tested by UCLA's pitching depth and strong defensive capabilities.
• Alabama vs. Washington: A Friday afternoon battle between two programs looking to establish themselves as national contenders. Alabama's aggressive base running and power hitting will be countered by Washington's strategic play and reliable fielding.
• Tennessee vs. Oregon: Friday morning will see a contest between two West Coast programs hoping to prove their championship mettle.
• UCLA vs. Tennessee: Saturday's pairing is also interesting; both teams will have had time to adapt to the Californian conditions and will be looking to solidify their position in the tournament standings.

The Streaming Landscape and Broadcast Details The majority of the games at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic will be available to stream live on ESPN+. This provides fans across the country with access to all the action, allowing them to follow their favorite teams and players throughout the weekend. While ESPN+ is the primary broadcast partner, organizers have indicated the potential for select games to be picked up by traditional television channels closer to the tournament date. Keep an eye on official announcements for the latest broadcast schedule. This accessibility is crucial for growing the sport's fanbase and reaching a wider audience.

Beyond the Scoreboard: What Makes the Mary Nutter Classic Special?

The Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic is more than just a softball tournament. It's an experience. The atmosphere in Brea is electric, with fans traveling from all over to witness the competition. The tournament also provides a valuable opportunity for scouting, with representatives from professional leagues and national teams in attendance. For the players, it's a chance to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and build camaraderie with their teammates.

Full Schedule (All times Pacific)

Thursday, February 20 10:00 AM: Oregon vs. Cal State Fullerton 12:00 PM: Alabama vs. UC Santa Barbara 2:00 PM: UCLA vs. Washington 4:00 PM: Oklahoma vs. Long Beach State

Friday, February 21 10:00 AM: Tennessee vs. Oregon 12:00 PM: Alabama vs. Washington 2:00 PM: UCLA vs. Oklahoma 4:00 PM: Long Beach State vs. UC Santa Barbara

Saturday, February 22 10:00 AM: Washington vs. Oregon 12:00 PM: Oklahoma vs. Alabama 2:00 PM: UCLA vs. Tennessee 4:00 PM: UC Santa Barbara vs. Long Beach State

Sunday, February 23 10:00 AM: Consolation Games 12:00 PM: Championship Game

Participating Teams: Alabama Cal State Fullerton Long Beach State Oklahoma Oregon Tennessee UCLA UC Santa Barbara * Washington

Stay tuned to The Sporting News for live updates, game recaps, and exclusive interviews from the 2026 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic!