VILLANOVA, Pa. — The Villanova softball team was voted to finish fourth place in the BIG EAST preseason poll Friday. 

Notably, the BIG EAST changed the format of its tournament to four teams for the 2026 season. The poll is voted upon by the league's head coaches, and points are awarded based on how many votes each team received and where they were predicted. 

2025 BIG EAST tournament winners UConn were predicted to finish tied for second with Creighton with 51 points. St. John's (62) received the most first place votes and points in the poll.

The 'Cats are predicted to fill the final tournament spot, receiving 50 points in fourth place. Providence, the next closest team, received 32 points, an 18-point difference. 

Villanova takes on a challenging campaign in 2026, with tournament trips to Georgia Tech, Charlotte and Virginia.

VU begins BIG EAST play at DePaul March 6-8 before opening at home versus Butler March 13-15. The 'Cats then take a trip to Creighton March 20-21 followed by a home series with Georgetown March 27-29.

Villanova heads north to face reigning conference champions, UConn April 2-4 and play Seton Hall at home April 10-12. The 'Cats close regular season BIG EAST play at Providence April 24-26 before facing the No. 1 in the preseason poll, Red Storm May 1-3. 

The BIG EAST tournament takes place May 6-9 with the winner of the four-team clash qualifying automatically to the NCAA tournament. DePaul will host the event this season at Cacciatore Stadium in Chicago, Ill.

2026 Preseason BIG EAST Softball Poll Results

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