Brentt Eads of Line Drive Softball here…

Last week we presented the “first half” of the final 2026 Line Drive HOT 100 player rankings, #’s 100-51.

Originally, we were going to finish the class with #’s 50-1 today through Friday until we realized one thing: this class is VERY top heavy with talent and it needs more research done into it!

Why?

In my 20 years of doing player rankings, I’ve never seen one class where there are SO many players deserving of consideration for the Top 10… and higher…

Madi Doty, the Univ. of Texas-committed pitcher who plays on Texas Glory – Shelton and recently helped Team USA win the U-18 Women’s World Cup in OKC, is certainly in the running again after being No. 1 last year in the Line Drive HOT 100.

And there are about 10-15 others who are in the running for Top 5, Top 3 and, yes, No. 1 in the class. It’s that close at the top.

And here’s where it gets crazy: several coaches have spoke highly of one player on a top club team as a No. 1 candidate but… she’s not even listed as the best on her own team by her coaches!

So… we’re going to slow down and not rush honoring the Top 50 but instead will take this week to do more homework and evaluating before we begin NEXT WEEK with the last push for this class.

Here’s the revised schedule (in RED are the new dates):

• #s 100-91 (Oct. 6, 2025)
• #s 90-81 (Oct. 7, 2025)
• #s 80-71 (Oct. 8, 2025)
• #s 70-61 (Oct. 9, 2025)
• #s 60-51 (Oct. 10, 2025)
• #s 50-41 (Oct. 20, 2025)
• #s 40-31 (Oct. 21, 2025)
• #s 30-21 (Oct. 22, 2025)
• #s 20-11 (Oct. 23, 2025)
• #s 10-1 (Oct. 24, 2025)

Note that previously released Line Drive HOT 100 ranges (#’s 100-51) can be found in the links above.

Line Drive Softball will also feature:

• prospects ranked #’s 101+ (“on the bubble”)
• 2026 Class Position Rankings
• 2026 Regional Rankings
• a spotlight on the No. 1 rated player

To send in information including player updates and other news, e-mail: Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com