As reigning national champions, Texas softball is starting the season with high expectations. Here’s a look at four players to keep an eye on throughout the Longhorns’ 2026 season. Texas hopes Martinez can bring reliability to the position after no one stood out as a dependable replacement in the 2025 season. Last season, Kavan started in 33 games and pitched 207.0 innings, recording 230 strikeouts against 788 hitters. The freshman was ranked in the top 10 by Softball America and was named MaxPreps National Softball Player of the Year in 2025.