Mustangs ranked in NJCAA Division I Softball Rankings for first time in program history
Undefeated NACC sits at No. 4 in new rankings
February 23, 2026
The Northeast Alabama Community College softball team's perfect start to the 2026 season has been noticed nationwide.
The new National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Softball Rankings have been released and NACC sits at No. 4 in the new poll.
The Mustangs, who were unranked in the preseason poll that was released in late January, are 16-0 heading into next Wednesday's doubleheader at Georgia Highlands.
NACC's impressive start to the season includes a trio of wins over No. 9-ranked McLennan (Texas) Community College as well as four wins over previous NJCAA Division II preseason No. 15-ranked Central Alabama Community College. The Mustangs, who currently have a .424. team batting average, have outscored opponents 137-33 this season.
It's the first time in NACC Softball's brief two-year history it has been ranked in the NJCAA poll.
NACC head coach Joe Guthrie said the ranking is nice recognition of the Mustangs' efforts thus far this season, but he cautioned the team there is still plenty of work to do in pursuit of its goals.
"I don't care much about rankings, especially early," Guthrie said. "However, it does set us up for a secondary chance at a World Series berth provided we continue to value the items that put us in our current position. We need to continue to create ways to win and work to improve as a team."
NACC is off this weekend before returning to action with a doubleheader at Georgia Highlands Wednesday starting at noon. The Mustangs host a doubleheader with Roane State (Tennessee) Community College at Nathaniel Ledbetter Stadium the following day (1 p.m.) before playing two games at Roane State starting at noon on Saturday, March 7.
The complete NJCAA Division I Softball Rankings are available at https://www.njcaa.org/sports/sball/rankings/DI/index.