Critical Shifts for Class of 2026: Committed vs. Uncommitted Rankings

Critical Shifts for the class of 2026: The momentum around Extra Inning Softball shows no signs of slowing down. After a record-breaking 1,226 nominations for the Class of 2028—the most in company history—the spotlight now shifts to the Class of 2026. 

👉 Nominations Opened: Monday, Sept. 8. Nominate HERE!

👉 Nominations Close: Monday, Oct. 26 — 10 p.m. MT (9 p.m. PT | 11 p.m. CT | Midnight ET)

The demand has never been greater. Each year, more families, athletes, and coaches engage in the nomination process, cementing Extra Inning Softball’s role as the leader in providing national exposure to players across every region of the country.

In addition to launching an uncommitted-only ranking, we also shine a spotlight on these athletes every week in our Fast Friday: Getting on the Radar series. These features give players another chance to be noticed by college coaches and programs. To learn more, [click HERE].

And here’s why this matters most for college coaches: the uncommitted rankings create a trusted, data-driven shortlist for staff still finalizing recruiting classes. Athletes are surfaced by position, region, and skill profile, with critical context such as strength of schedule, playing up, and documented accomplishments. In short, it’s a practical, time-saving filter that helps coaches identify late-cycle difference-makers.

Be sure to read below for the full breakdown on how we’ll roll out both uncommitted and Committed players. While each group has its own path to recognition, both follow a structured process designed to maximize visibility, fairness, and exposure.

You’ll see where the rollout overlaps, where it differs, and how each piece works together to highlight the Class of 2026 from every angle.

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Two Paths, One Goal

While both committed and uncommitted athletes use the same nomination form—and both are eligible for the National Honor Rolls—their paths diverge in important ways:

• Committed players are ranked only regionally, factored into our Hitters Hotlists, considered for our National Honor Roll, and included on Division Watch Lists across JUCO, DIII, DII, Mid-Major, and Power 4 levels.

• Uncommitted players are ranked both regionally and nationally, and gain additional visibility on our On the Radar: Uncommitted Athletes platform, which showcases stats, photos, and profiles directly to college coaches. Uncommitted players are also factored into our Hitters Hotlists and considered for our National Honor Roll

Critical Differences 

The rollout kicks off with our Extra Inning Softball National Honor Roll which, followed by region rankings. All committed and uncommitted players will be ranked regionally but separately, ensuring their performances and achievements are recognized across the national landscape.

National Academic Honor Rolls

Note that all committed and uncommitted players will be published jointly

• Nov. 14: Distinguished Prospects (GPA 3.50–3.74)
• Nov. 15: Distinguished Selects (GPA 3.75–3.99)
• Nov. 16: Elite Scholars (GPA 4.0 and above)

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Region Rankings Rollout

Note that all committed and uncommitted players will be ranked & published separately

• Nov. 17: Northeast 
• Nov. 18: Southeast
• Nov. 19: Midwest
• Nov. 20: Southwest
• Nov. 21: Mountain
• Nov. 22: West
  

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Hitters Hot Lists (Regional)

Note that all committed and uncommitted players will be published separately

• Nov. 24: Northeast 
• Nov. 25: Southeast
• Nov. 26: Midwest
• Nov. 27: Southwest
• Nov. 28: Mountain
• Nov. 29: West
  

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Specialty Hitting Lists

Note that all committed and uncommitted players will be published separately

• Nov. 30: Top 25 Sluggers
• Dec. 1: Top 25 Pure Hitters
• Dec. 2: Top 25 Slappers
• Dec. 3: Top 25 Pitcher Hitter-Duos

Uncommitted Players Only

Extra Elite 100 Countdown

• Dec 4: Begin revealing on December 4, players ranked #100-91, #90-81, and so forth (by position), down to the top 5 through Dec. 13.

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Fast Pitch Fan Pick (Community Vote)

• Dec.14: Countdown pauses for Fastpitch Fan Pick: watch finalist videos and vote multiple times every few hours on our Extra Inning Softball Dugout Discussions Poll Page HERE.
• Dec.15: Voting concludes
• Dec.16: Announce Fastpitch Fan Pick Top 5 (community choice)
• Dec.17:  EIS announces official Extra Elite 100 Top 5

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Beyond the Top 100

Extra Inning Softball will expand recognition with additional honors:

• Dec.18: Extra Select Nationals (#101–200)
• Dec.19: Extra Prospect Nationals (#201–300)

Committed Players Only

Division Watch Lists 

• Division Watch Lists debut (JUCO, DIII, DII, Mid-Major, P4)
  • Oct. 27: NAIA/NCCAA
  • Oct. 28: JUCO
  • Oct 29: D3
  • Oct 30: D2
  • Oct 31: Mid-Major
  • Nov 1: Power 4
• January: Top 100 per division
  • Jan. 26: JUCO
  • Jan 27: D3
  • Jan 28: D2
  • Jan 29: Mid-Major
  • Jan 30: Power 4
• April: Top 50 per division
  • Exact Dates TBD
• July: Top 25 down to Top 5 per division
  • Exact Dates TBD
• Player of the Year in each Division
  • Exact Dates TBD: By Aug. 20 (post-Alliance & PGF Nationals) 

Behind the Rankings Curtain

At Extra Inning Softball, rankings are more than just lists—they’re a reflection of months of careful evaluation and a commitment to fairness. Every player, every nomination, and every placement is backed by a system designed to highlight the game’s best with accuracy and integrity.

• A unanimous Rankings Committee evaluates each class, with individual identities kept confidential to prevent bias claims.
• More than 50 regional leaders and head coaches provide insight, ensuring input from across the country.
• Evaluations weigh statistics, strength of schedule, playing up, and documented achievements to give athletes proper context.
• EIS dedicates an entire month to evaluation, incorporating advanced software and consultation tools for thorough analysis.
• Our process maintains the standard of no ties—every ranking is earned, every spot is clear.

Membership Powers the Rankings

Extra Inning Softball’s depth of coverage is fueled by its membership community. Membership enables month-long evaluations, advanced tools, and the no-ties standard that sets our lists apart.

• Copyright Notice: All EIS content is copyright-protected and exclusively for members of the EIS family.
• Team Access: Coaches who nominate more than three players should consider a Team Membership so every family can view rankings, watch lists, and features.

👉 Explore Team Membership options HERE!

Contact the Rankings Committee

Questions about rankings? Email rankings@extrainningsoftball.com. If we reach out to you, please reply promptly—we’re on a tight rollout timeline.

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