LSU Softball: 2026 Class Spotlight – Nation’s No.1 Class

When it comes to recruiting momentum, LSU has clearly positioned itself as the premier destination in college softball. After pulling in a 2025 group includes some of the best in the nation, Beth Torina and staff followed it up by assembling a 2026 class that Softball America ranks overwhelmingly No.1 in the country.

This class is headlined by five of the top 11 overall players in the nation and bolstered by two more infielders who add depth, versatility, and long-term stability to the roster. Taken together, it’s a group that gives LSU an argument as having the strongest back-to-back recruiting hauls in recent memory.

Samantha Alekman – C

Oak Ridge HS (El Dorado, CA)

Travel Team: LTG Carda 2026 16U

Rankings: No.5 Overall | No.1 Catcher | 5-Star (99 Rating)

One of the crown jewels of the class, Alekman is considered the top catching prospect in the country. Defensively, she commands the game with leadership and advanced receiving skills, while offensively she boasts elite production.

Travel Stats (at time of commitment):

• AVG: .435 | OBP: .467 | OPS: 1.278

• SLG: .812 | Hits: 30 | HR: 6 | RBI: 31

  
  

Scouting Report: A power-hitting backstop with gap-to-gap ability and strong arm strength. Alekman projects as an immediate lineup staple and cornerstone piece behind the plate.

Addie Rackley – RHP/UTL

Buford HS (Buford, GA)

Travel Team: GA Impact Premier Taylor

Rankings: No.6 Overall | No.3 Pitcher | 5-Star (99 Rating)

Rackley brings dual-threat value as both a pitcher and a feared hitter. In the circle, she combines velocity with command, already showing strikeout stuff. At the plate, she has a rare blend of power and consistency.

Pitching (Spring–Summer):

• Record: 20–3 | ERA: 3.12 | IP: 127.2

• Ks: 146 | WHIP: 1.347

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Hitting:

• AVG: .373 | OBP: .441 | SLG: .771 | OPS: 1.158

• HR: 21 | RBI: 82 | Runs: 64

  
  

Scouting Report: LSU lands one of the best two-way players in the class, with ace-level upside in the circle and a bat that profiles in the heart of the order.

Karmen Vazquez – C/1B

Hanford West HS (Hanford, CA)

Travel Team: Dirtdogs Vazquez Gold 18U

Rankings: No.7 Overall | No.2 Catcher | 5-Star (99 Rating)

Vazquez gives LSU a second elite catcher in the same class — a rarity that adds incredible competition, depth and flexibility.

Her offensive track record is staggering, and she’s proven as one of the most complete hitters in the country.

HS Stats:

• AVG: .485 | OBP: .609 | SLG: 1.061 | OPS: 1.670

• HR: 10 | RBIs: 28 | BB: 19

  
  

Scouting Report: A left-handed bat with elite on-base skills and power production. Vazquez ensures LSU has the best catching depth chart in the country for years to come.

Ayla Tuua – RHP

Destiny Christian Academy (Sacramento, CA)

Travel Team:  BSC Bengals 18u

Rankings: No.9 Overall | No.4 Pitcher | 5-Star (98 Rating)

Gatorade Player of the Year in California

Tuua brings size, athleticism, and power in the circle. With command of multiple pitches , she’s a future SEC frontline starter.

Scouting Report: A strikeout arm with the ability to overpower hitters while developing into a workhorse at the college level. LSU’s pitching future looks stacked with Tuua paired alongside Rackley.

Sydnee Williams – OF

Sandra Day O’Connor HS (Phoenix, AZ)

Travel Team: AZ Storm Mathis

Rankings: No.11 Overall | No.1 Outfielder | 5-Star (98 Rating)

Williams is one of the most electric athletes in the class. A dynamic outfielder with speed, range, and an explosive bat, she brings a true five-tool profile.

Travel Stats (Summer):

• AVG: .432 | OBP: .506 | SLG: .797 | OPS: 1.303

• HR: 6 | RBI: 28 | Runs: 27

  
  

Scouting Report: A potential leadoff hitter or middle-of-the-order run producer, Williams’ athleticism makes her an immediate-impact prospect.

Adelyn Grayce Siegel – OF

Shiner HS (Shiner, TX)

Travel Team : Impact Gold Jackson 18U

Rankings: 4-Star (90 Rating) | Unranked

Despite battling injuries, Siegel showed elite production in her healthy seasons. She’s a versatile outfielder with power and clutch hitting ability. She is just fixing to get back on the field and we wish her the most success.

HS Stats at the time of her commitment :

• AVG: .491 | OBP: .548 | SLG: .962 | OPS: 1.510

• Hits: 52 | HR: 10 | RBI: 62

Scouting Report: A potential breakout player once fully healthy, Siegel adds depth and power upside to the LSU class.

Gieselle De Casas – IF

Castro Valley HS (Hayward, CA)

Travel Team: Universal Macias 18U

Rankings: 3-Star (88 Rating) | Unranked

De Casas may be the most underrated name in the group. With consistent contact, gap power, and sure-handed infield defense, she’s a steady contributor who rounds out the class.

Travel Stats:

• AVG: .455 | OBP: .471 | OPS: 1.202

• HR: 3 | 2B: 6 | RBI: 33

  
  

Scouting Report: A fundamentally sound infielder who provides depth and reliability across multiple spots.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 LSU class has the look of a dynasty foundation. With five players ranked in the national Top 11, plus strong depth from Siegel and De Casas, LSU not only secured the No.1 class but also positioned itself for sustained dominance.

When combined with LSU’s dominant transfer class where they added some real gamechangers that have multiple years left and will get to play with this benchmark setting haul, Beth Torina’s staff is on the verge of something unprecedented: back-to-back consensus No.1 recruiting classes with this 2027 class that gets underway on Monday. Tune in on Sunday for my class projections and how I feel LSU lands the No.1 class. It would be the makings of a roster built to compete for national championships for the next decade.