KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tennessee Southern softball has earned a spot in the NAIA Softball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, checking in at No. 24 in the second regular-season rankings released by the national office.

The ranking marks the Firehawks' first appearance inside the Top 25 this season after previously receiving votes in the opening poll. UT Southern enters the rankings with a 17-3 overall record, fueled by a strong start that saw the program open the year with 10 consecutive victories.

It also marks the program's first appearance in the NAIA Top 25 since the 2017 preseason poll, when the RedHawks were ranked No. 14.

Tennessee Southern is one of two new teams to break into the Top 25 this week, joined by SSAC foe Faulkner at No. 25. The Firehawks are also one of multiple Southern States Athletic Conference programs represented in the poll, alongside Mobile (No. 18) and William Carey (T-21).

UT Southern's push into the rankings was highlighted by a strong weekend performance, as the Firehawks swept Faulkner on the road in Montgomery — "the Gump" — to open conference play.

At the top of the poll, Eastern Oregon claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Oregon Tech at No. 2 and Southern Oregon at No. 3, giving the state of Oregon a sweep of the top three positions. Oklahoma City (No. 4) and Madonna (Mich.) (No. 5) round out the top five.

UT Southern's rise into the rankings comes on the heels of consistent production on both sides of the ball, combining a potent offense with reliable pitching throughout the early portion of the season.

The Firehawks will look to continue their momentum as the season progresses, building on their national ranking and strong start in 2026.

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