It will be a new set of players the next time head coach Patty Gasso makes a lineup for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2027, and it will look especially different now with no Kasidi Pickering and three staple seniors.
Pickering entering the transfer portal became official on Monday after weeks of fans anticipating the move. It also doesn't take a detective to figure out she's likely headed to Texas Tech after entering the portal with a "do not contact" tag. Pickering leaves OU with 182 starts in the outfield between her three seasons in Norman. That leaves a massive hole to fill in the lineup that hasn't really been empty for three years other than during Pickering's midseason slump this year.
Even before Pickering's departure, the Sooners already had three other lineup constants to replace with second baseman Ailana Agbayani, outfielder Abby Dayton and catcher/first baseman Isabela Emerling graduating. That now guarantees at least four new faces in the Sooners' lineup in 2027 compared to the end of 2026.
The Sooners could still add some potential starters from the portal, but with an ace as their only real serious need, they really already have enough talent on their roster or in their 2026 signing class to fill any gaps in the lineup. That means fans can already get a good picture of what the lineup could look like in 2027.
What Patty Gasso's lineup could look like in 2027
1. Kai Minor, CF
Kai Minor already emerged as a solid leadoff for the Sooners as a freshman and there's no reason to shuffle her next season. She was often overshadowed by her home-run hitting classmate, Kendall Wells, but her debut season was just as impressive, hitting .444 with 11 home runs, 18 doubles, seven triples, 70 runs scored, 45 RBI and 17 stolen bases.
2. Ella Parker, RF
Entering her final season, Ella Parker is somewhat of a constant in the 2-hole, and although often the designated player, she could be needed in right field more next season with Pickering and Dayton gone.
3. Kendall Wells, C
The anchor in the Sooners' lineup now and in the future. Kendall Wells chased NCAA history as a freshman with 39 home runs, which was the most in OU history. She also improved a lot behind the plate throughout her freshman season.
4. Gabbie Garcia, SS
When teams inevitably start walking Wells, they'll then have to deal with Gabbie Garcia, who will be a three-year starter at shortstop after recording 22 home runs and 74 RBI with a .395 average last season.
5. Goose Hutchens, DP
When fans talked about Kendall Wells this past season, local softball knowers responded, "Just wait until you see Goose Hutchens."
Hutchens would be the surprise addition to the 2027 lineup, considering she would supposed to be finishing up her senior year at Wagoner High School (OK). Hutchens is the gem of the 2027 class as Rivals' No. 1 overall player, but she's expected to get to OU early in time for the 2026 season. And she'll be ready to make an impact immediately.
Like Wells, Hutchens also catches, so switching those two between catcher and DP will be an easy rotation for Gasso.
6. Nelly McEnroe-Marinas, 3B
Overshadowed by all the noise about who the Sooners are losing from the 2026 lineup is who is returning. Nelly McEnroe-Marinas started every game at third base in 2025 and entered 2026 on the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List as a Preseason All-SEC selection, but then her season was derailed with an injury that sidelined her the rest of the year.
Sydney Barker did a fine job taking over third base, but McEnroe-Marinas will assume her spot again and be an upgrade there.
7. Lexi McDaniel, 1B
Fans saw enough of Lexi McDaniel as a freshman that they should be pumped about her having an everyday role at first base. She posted a .424 average with 11 homers, 34 RBI and 30 runs this past season in 54 appearances and 24 starts as a frosh. No disrespect to Isabela Emerling, who eventually manned first, but by SEC play, fans will be glad McDaniel is there now.
8. Sydney Barker, 2B
Sydney Barker can play just about anywhere on the field. In fact, this past season, she made a start at every infield position, as well as right field, before settling at third. She could be Agbayani's immediate replacement at second, but don't be surprised if a young star like Ki'ele Ho-Ching or Ori Mailo steals her starting job.
Regardless, Barker's experience and versatility will earn her a lot of playing time.
9. Payton Westra, LF
Introducing Payton Westra. Every OU signing class seems to have at least one player that immediately breaks out as a star, and Rivals ranks Westra as the top overall player in the 2026 class. And she just so happens to play a position where the Sooners have an opening after Pickering's departure.
P- Audrey Lowry
The Sooners need to go find an ace in the portal, but until then, Audrey Lowry should be expected to assume that role after emerging as the best pitcher on the staff in 2026. Lowry, a left-handed junior in 2027, posted a 2.70 ERA and 23-4 record in 35 appearances and 19 starts last season.
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