Let鈥檚 take a look at 10 of the best college softball pitchers so far in 2025. There are only 10 on the list, so some incredible arms had to be left off.
1. NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech
We will kick it off with NiJaree Canady who has basically set a new standard in college softball. The reigning USA Softball player of the year is maintaining an insane level of excellence. She is second in the country in ERA around 0.70, with already over 190 strikeouts. She has a ferocious riseball, pristine placement and velocity to go along with it.
2. Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee
Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens broke the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in college softball at 78.2 mph. The record broke former Vol Monica Abbott鈥檚 previous mark of 77, which Pickens had tied just a few weeks prior. Pickens has been close to untouchable as of late 鈥 led her team to wins over then-No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Oklahoma. She has a sub-1 ERA, just over 0.9, and over 170 strikeouts.
3. Teagan Kavan, Texas
Teagan Kavan has been so good as Texas鈥 ace. She has over 165 strikeouts and just over a 1.50 ERA. Kavan relies heavily on her riseball and change, but mixes in a dropball a lot more this year to keep hitters guessing.
READ MORE: Texas A&M soars to No. 1 in latest college softball Power 10 rankings
4. Ruby Meylan, Oklahoma State
Ruby Meylan has relied on a dropball a ton this season, attacking hitters vertically and with precision anywhere in the box. She has been a bright spot for Oklahoma State with around a 1.70 ERA and over 160 strikeouts.
5. Lyndsey Grein, Oregon
Lyndsey Grein has been a big reason for the Ducks' success this year. She has over 150 strikeouts and a drastically improved ERA from last year, sitting around 1.25.
6. Sam Landry, Oklahoma
Let鈥檚 take a look over at Oklahoma where Sam Landry has a huge role in the circle. She has over 110 strikeouts and just over a 1.75 ERA.
7. Emma Lemley, Virginia Tech
Emma Lemley has sustained success for over three years with the Hokies. This season she has under a 2.00 ERA and over 145 strikeouts.
8. Jordy Bahl, Nebraska
Jordy Bahl is now a two-way player for Nebraska, but she is still lights out in the circle. She boasts under a 1.30 ERA and is fifth in the country, right behind Nijaree Canady, in strikeouts with over 185. Bahl not only pairs her spin and velocity, but she has this incredible intensity and competitive edge in the circle.
9. Maya Johnson, Belmont
Maya Johnson's stats speak for themselves. She has a lot of pitches in her arsenal and will use them all. She has pitched over 140 innings and leads the entire country in strikeouts with over 260. Plus, her ERA sits around 1.00. Very impressive stuff.
10. Kenzie Brown, Arizona State
And finally, Kenzie Brown at Arizona State. She is back in action after being sidelined with an injury last season. She is a strikeout machine with a really good riseball. Her over 220 strikeouts rank second in the country, and her ERA is in the top 10 in the nation.
So those are my top 10 pitchers, but I want to rattle off some more. Sydney Berzon at LSU has sustained success over a few years; Kaitlyn Terry at UCLA; Robyn Herron at Arkansas has been so good as of late; Raelin Chaffin at Mississippi State; Allison Benning at North Florida; Devyn Netz at Arizona; Miali Guachino at Ole Miss and so many more.
