Softball Transfer Portal Heating Up with Major Moves Ahead for the 2026 Season

The college softball landscape is shifting rapidly as the transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across the country. With powerhouse programs reloading and standout players seeking new opportunities, this offseason is already packed with headline-making moves.

Auburn Adds Standout Pitcher Ella Harrison

One of the most notable transfers so far is Ella Harrison, who is headed to Auburn after an impressive freshman campaign at Rutgers. Harrison posted a 2.61 ERA over 177 innings, racking up 213 strikeouts. Her arrival adds serious depth to Auburn’s pitching rotation and signals the Tigers' intention to compete at the highest level.

Kaitlyn Terry Enters the Portal

The 2024 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Kaitlyn Terry, has entered the transfer portal in a surprising move. After making an immediate impact in her debut season, Terry is now one of the most sought-after names available, and her next destination could shift the balance of power wherever she lands.

New Talent on the Move: Gracie Maloney and Hannah Herman

Two other promising young players entering the portal are Gracie Maloney and Hannah Herman. Maloney, a 6’0” right-handed pitcher with mid to upper 60s velocity, departs North Texas with three years of eligibility remaining. Meanwhile, Herman, a middle infielder and utility player, leaves Michigan State after one season, also with three years left to play. Both athletes bring high ceilings and will be key additions wherever they land.

Texas Reloads Through the Portal

The Texas Longhorns have wasted no time strengthening their roster. The team has added three notable transfers: Kaiah Altmeyer from Arizona, Taylor Anderson from Oklahoma State, and pitcher Brenlee Gonzales from Texas Tech. These additions inject experience and proven talent into a team aiming to stay at the top of the national rankings.

Clemson Brings in Four Impact Players

Looking to build on an ACC Tournament title and another Super Regional appearance, Clemson has announced the addition of four players via the portal: Kiley Channell (FAU), Abby Dunning (Boston College), Corri Hicks (Oklahoma), and Sierra Maness (USC Upstate). Head coach John Rittman is clearly focused on maintaining Clemson’s upward trajectory and bolstering the roster with experience and versatility.

Top-Ranked Middle Infielder Addison Amaral Draws Huge Interest

When Addison Amaral entered the portal, her phone began to light up with calls from more than 30 college programs — many of them nationally ranked. Amaral, considered the top middle infielder available, immediately became one of the most in-demand players in the country.

“The day after I jumped in the portal, I was on the phone all day long with coaches,” Amaral said. “I can’t even give you a number of schools.”


As top-tier talent continues to move and rosters begin to settle, the 2026 college softball season is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From breakout freshmen to elite transfers, the action in the portal is setting the stage for major storylines across the nation.



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