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.Â
👉 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.
Not a member of our Extra Inning Softball community? Join our community today for exclusive rankings, content, and more! Join Now!
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 will be included on Division Watch Lists across JUCO, DIII, DII, Mid-Major, and Power 4 levels.
- Uncommitted players will be featured in our On the Radar: Uncommitted Athletes platform, which showcases stats, photos, and profiles directly to college coaches.Â
Critical DifferencesÂ
The rollout kicks off with our Extra Inning Softball National Honor Roll which, followed by the uncommitted region watch lists.Â
National Academic Honor Rolls
- 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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Uncommitted Region Rollout
- Nov. 17: NortheastÂ
- Nov. 18: Southeast
- Nov. 19: Midwest
- Nov. 20: Southwest
- Nov. 21: Mountain
- Nov. 22: West
Division Watch Lists Rollout
- 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 27: NAIA/NCCAA
- Jan 28: JUCO
- Jan 29: D3
- Jan 30: D2
- Jan 31: Mid-Major
- Feb 1: Power 4
- July Top 25 per division
- July 6: NAIA/NCCAA
- July 7: JUCO
- July 8: D3
- July 9: D2
- July 10: Mid-Major
- July 11: Power 4
- August Top 5 per division
- Aug 3: NAIA/NCCAA
- Aug 4: JUCO
- Aug 5: D3
- Aug 6: D2
- Aug 7: Mid-Major
- Aug 8: Power 4
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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COMMITTED Committed News!
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RANKINGS NEWS Rankings News!
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TEAM RANKINGS Team rankings return to EIS!
TOURNAMENTS Tournaments Matter in Rankings
UNCOMMITTED Uncommitted News!
YOUTH NEWS Youth News! 10-12U
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