Cowgirls Picked Second in Big 12 Preseason Poll — Meylan, Davis earn All-Conference honors ahead of 2026 season
Gajewski's squad ranked behind reigning national runner-up Texas Tech with season opener three weeks away
As college softball season nears, preseason projections continue to be unveiled.
On Wednesday, the Big 12 preseason media poll was released, and Oklahoma State was picked to finish second, only behind reigning national runners up Texas Tech. The Red Raiders received 10 first-place votes, while the Cowgirls
The Cowgirls, led by 11th-year coach Kenny Gajewski, are coming off a 35-20 finish, which included a 13-9 mark in Big 12 play. Their season ended in a loss to Fayetteville Regional host Arkansas in the regional title game.
OSU opens its 2026 campaign as part of the Stanford Invitational. From Feb. 5-7, the Cowgirls play Stanford and Cal twice and San Jose State once while in Palo Alto. Shortly after, they’ll travel to Florida for the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational. There, from Feb. 12-14, the Cowgirls will play games against Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, UCLA and Duke.
Meylan, Davis headline Big 12 preseason All-Conference team
Two Cowgirls garnered representation on the 18-name All-Big Team preseason team.
Ace pitcher Ruby Meylan and infielder Rosie Davis appeared, finalizing OSU’s representation on the list. Texas Tech led the conference with seven names, while BYU, Arizona and Arizona State tied the Cowgirls for the second-most names with two.
Oklahoma State pitcher Ruby Meylan, left, and infielder Rosie Davis during the Cowgirls' home game against Texas on April 23, 2025, at Cowgirl Stadium. Both players were named to the Big 12 preseason All-Conference team ahead of the 2026 season. — Photos by Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics
Davis, entering her junior season, was a Freshman All-American in 2024 before earning All-Big 12 First Team honors as a sophomore last season. As sophomore in 2025, Davis slashed .363/.464/.606 to go with a 1.070 OPS, 53 RBI and nine home runs. She is a career .351 hitter with 17 home runs and 86 RBIs in two seasons.
Her role, however, will look slightly different in 2026.
Gajewski told reporters on Wednesday that Davis moved from second to third base in the fall. And while the elements of each position hold stark contrasts, Gajewski commended Davis, saying it’s not something he doubts she can handle.
Meylan is entering her senior season after transferring to OSU from Washington ahead of the 2025 season. In her first season as a Cowgirl, Meylan posted a 1.84 ERA, 238 strikeouts to only 19 walks, and a .201 batting average against.
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Full Big 12 softball preseason poll
1 Texas Tech
2 Oklahoma State
T-3 Arizona
T-3 Arizona State
5 UCF
6 BYU
7 Iowa State
8 Baylor
9 Kansas
10 Utah
11 Houston
Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Regan Shockey, Arizona, CF
Sydney Stewart, Arizona, C/UTL
Kenzie Brown, Arizona State, P
Tanya Windle, Arizona State, OF
Brooklyn Carter, Baylor, OF
Ilove’a Brittingham, BYU, C/OF
Lily Owens, BYU, UTL
Isabella Vega, UCF, P
Jessie Clemons, Iowa State, UTL
Rosie Davis, Oklahoma State, IF
Ruby Meylan, Oklahoma State, P
Lauren Allred, Texas Tech, 1B
Jasmyn Burns, Texas Tech, C
NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech, P
Mihyia Davis, Texas Tech, OF
Alana Johnson, Texas Tech, OF
Taylor Pannell, Texas Tech, 3B
Kaitlyn Terry, Texas Tech, P/UTL
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