LOUISVILLE, Ky. | A portion of the 2026 South Alabama softball schedule was released on Friday as the Jags were selected to compete in the 23rd Annual NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic presented by MAXBP, which will be held on February 5-8, 2026.
The 17-team, four-day showcase will be held at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
The Jaguars opened the 2024 seasons at the event this season's appearance will mark the program's fourth appearance at the tournament.
South Alabama will open up tournament play with a pair of games on Friday, February 6 taking on Eastern Kentucky at 12 p.m. (CT) on Field 4 and Southeastern Louisiana at 3 p.m. (CT) on Field 4. The Lions won 50 games and captured the Southland Conference championship a year ago, while also competing at the Baton Rouge Regional.
On Saturday, February 7, the Jags continue play at the tournament with a single game versus Rutgers with a 11 a.m. (CT) contest on Field 2. South will close out the weekend with a pair of games on Sunday, February 8. The Jaguars will first take on North Carolina Central at 9 a.m. (CT), and then face Missouri at 12 p.m. (CT), with both games on Field 1.
Along with South Alabama's five opponents, the tournament field also includes Auburn, Boston College, BYU, Clemson, Liberty, Longwood, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Oregon and Tennessee.
The Jaguars have twice faced Missouri (2020 and 2024) at the event, and also opened the 2024 season at the event versus North Carolina Central. South Alabama went 4-1 to open the season at the tournament the last time it participated at the event.
All games will be streamed live (free) on the
GameChanger App with select contests to be broadcast on the MLB Network.
Tickets will be available via online purchase only, and can be purchased on the
tournament central page. *Please note ticket prices do not include tax and additional third-party fees incurred during the purchasing process. Tickets are available for purchase ONLINE-ONLY.
2026 NFCA DIVISION I LEADOFF CLASSIC SCHEDULE (South Alabama)
Friday, February 6 – vs. Eastern Kentucky – Field 4 – 12 p.m. (CT)
Friday, February 6 – vs. Southeastern Louisiana – Field 4 – 3 p.m. (CT)
Saturday, February 7 – vs. Rutgers – Field 2 – 11 a.m. (CT)
Sunday, February 8 – vs. North Carolina Central – Field 1 – 9 a.m. (CT)
Sunday, February 8 – vs. Missouri – Field 1 – 12 p.m. (CT)
FOLLOW THE JAGS
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