NCCU Softball to Compete in Prestigious 2026 NFCA Leadoff Classic
CLEARWATER,Fla. – north Carolina Central University (NCCU) softball has earned a coveted invitation to the 2026 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic,one of collegiate softball’s premier early-season tournaments. The four-day event will take place February 5-8 at the Eddie C. Moore complex in Clearwater,Florida.
This appearance marks a significant opportunity for the Eagles to test their skills against a field comprised of nationally recognized programs. NCCU last participated in the Leadoff Classic in 2024 adn will face a challenging schedule against strong competition, including potential matchups against teams recently appearing in the Women’s College World Series and NCAA Tournament play. The tournament provides valuable exposure and a platform for NCCU to elevate its program on a national stage.
The 18-team field boasts formidable opponents such as Oregon and Tennessee, both 2025 Women’s College World Series participants. Clemson and Liberty, teams that reached Super Regional status, will also compete, alongside regional finalists Auburn and Southeastern Louisiana.
NCCU’s schedule includes five games, beginning February 6th with contests against pittsburgh at 10:00 AM and Rutgers at 1:00 PM. The Eagles will continue play on February 7th against Notre Dame at 12:00 PM and Eastern Kentucky at 3:00 PM, concluding their participation on February 8th with a 10:00 AM game against Tennessee State.
All games will be livestreamed free of charge via the GameChanger app.
2026 NFCA Leadoff Classic Participating Teams:
* Auburn
* Boston College
* BYU
* Clemson
* Eastern Kentucky
* Liberty
* Longwood
* Michigan State
* Missouri
* north Carolina Central
* Notre Dame
* Oregon
* Penn State
* Pittsburgh
* Rutgers
* Southeastern Louisiana
* Tennessee
* Tennessee State
For additional details on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
