Arizona softball releases 2027 Big 12 conference schedule

The Big 12 softball league has announced its 2027 conference schedule, with Arizona receiving its first taste of the slate early. As a member of the league for three years, the Wildcats will face several teams in conference play, though some opponents have disappeared from their schedule. While this may provide opportunities for the Wildcats to accumulate wins, it also poses a risk to their RPI and postseason position.

Arizona will miss out on playing Oklahoma State this season, as the two teams were neck and neck last year, with OSU ultimately claiming the second position after Arizona's decline at the end of the regular season. The biggest series of the season will be hosted in Tucson, where Texas Tech will visit Hillenbrand Stadium from April 16-18.

The Red Raiders, who will have a strong portal class despite NiJaree Canady's departure, have a 5-2 series lead against Arizona since the Wildcats joined the Big 12. The Wildcats open their 2027 Big 12 campaign by hosting Iowa State from March 12-14, marking the Cyclones' first visit to Hillenbrand Stadium since the team's inception in the league.

The Wildcats will also host Utah from March 19-21 and play an in-state rival matchup against Arizona State from March 25-27. Following a bye week, the Wildcats will face BYU from April 8-10 in Provo, where they swept the Cougars in three straight run-rule victories during the previous season's conference play. Arizona then travels to Waco for a three-game series against Baylor from April 23-25.

The Wildcats will wrap up their regular season with a trip to Orlando to take on UCF from May 7-9, where the Knights shocked Arizona two years ago in a 2-1 series. With the loss of OSU from their schedule, Arizona may find some relief in the addition of UCF and Kansas, both of which delivered strong performances last year. However, to bolster their postseason chances, Arizona will need to formulate a robust nonconference schedule and secure a favorable TV package.