NEW YORK - Butler landed in the sixth spot in the 2026 BIG EAST Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was announced by the league office on Friday (Jan. 16).
 
The St. John's Red Storm was voted preseason favorite behind six first place votes and a league-best 62 points. Creighton and UConn followed, in the tie for the second spot, with 51 points each. Villanova (50) ranked fourth, and Providence (32) came in fifth. With 31 points, Butler landed in the sixth spot.
 
The Bulldogs finished the 2025 conference slate at 14-10, earning the fifth seed in the BIG EAST Tournament. Head Coach Scott Hall is entering his 16^th season at the helm of the program.
 
Butler's first pitch will occur on February 6 at the UNI-Dome Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as the Bulldogs face four teams over the three-day event. The program's first home contest is scheduled for March 4 vs Evansville, and Seton Hall will be the first BIG EAST opponent for a series on Butler's campus from March 20-22.
 
Results (First Place Votes)
1. St. John's – 62 (6)
T2. Creighton – 51 (2)
T2. UConn – 51 (1)
4. Villanova – 50
5. Providence – 32
6. Butler – 31
7. Seton Hall – 24
8. DePaul – 15
9. Georgetown - 8