OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — For the first time in a long time, someone not wearing crimson and cream will be crowned Big 12 softball champion. And honestly? It feels like a breath of fresh air.
After a pair of convincing semifinal wins on Friday, Arizona and Texas Tech are set to square off Saturday at OGE Energy Field at Devon Park in the title game of the 2025 Big 12 Softball Championship. And yeah, it’s a big one — not just for the teams involved, but for the conference as a whole.
The winner? They punch their ticket with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Though, let’s be real, both squads are basically locks for the postseason no matter what. But still, there’s something about winning your conference. It hits different.
A Post-Oklahoma World
Let’s get this out of the way — it’s weird not seeing Oklahoma in this game.
For the past decade, the Sooners were pretty much the final boss of Big 12 softball. Four straight national titles, six Big 12 tournament wins in the last seven times it was held, and a whole lot of mercy-rule beatdowns along the way. But with OU now off doing SEC things, the Big 12 title is up for grabs in a way it really hasn’t been in years.
And here we are — with Arizona, in just their first year in the Big 12, and Texas Tech, a team that just made history in the semifinals, ready to fight it out for the crown.
Yeah, the page has officially turned.
Texas Tech’s Statement Game
If you missed Texas Tech’s semifinal, you missed a blowout for the ages. The Red Raiders absolutely dismantled Arizona State, 18–0, setting a new Big 12 tournament record for runs in a single game. It was over fast, and it was loud.
Mihyia Davis, Demi Elder, Hailey Toney, and pretty much the entire lineup lit up the scoreboard. From a record-setting third inning to a shutdown combo in the circle from NiJaree Canady and Samantha Lincoln, it was the kind of all-around performance that makes you think — yep, these girls are championship-ready.
Also, side note — Canady picked up her 25th win of the season, which ties the second-most in program history. Not bad.
Texas Tech is now 44–12 on the season and playing arguably its best softball at exactly the right time. Momentum is a very real thing in May, and the Red Raiders have it.
Arizona’s Quiet Confidence
Don’t sleep on Arizona, though. They took care of business in their own semifinal matchup, holding off a scrappy Iowa State team to make it to Saturday. The Wildcats have been steadily climbing all year, and their move into the Big 12 hasn’t been about adjusting — it’s been about making a statement.
Arizona has history. Tradition. Championships. This isn’t a Cinderella story. It’s a powerhouse program with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove in a new league.
Their offense has been solid, their pitching rotation steady, and they’ve shown the ability to win close games, which might come in handy in a title setting.
What’s at Stake?
Yes, there’s an automatic NCAA tournament berth on the line, but the stakes feel bigger than that. This game is about identity — not just for Arizona and Texas Tech, but for the new-look Big 12.
With Oklahoma gone and the conference reshaped, Saturday’s final is a preview of what this league could look like in the years ahead. New rivalries. New stars. New dynasties waiting to rise.
And let’s not ignore the fact that both teams are playing loose and confident. They’ve earned their spots. They’ve beaten good teams. Now, it’s about who brings it for seven innings (or less, who knows with Tech’s offense).
Final Thoughts
There’s no dynasty looming over the bracket. No perennial favorite just waiting to add another trophy to the case. This is two teams — both tough, both talented — meeting in the biggest Big 12 game of the year.
So yeah, Saturday’s going to be a lot of fun.
The Red Raiders, looking to cap off a statement season with their first Big 12 tournament title. The Wildcats, trying to plant their flag in their brand-new conference.
One game. One title. And a whole new chapter for Big 12 softball.
