AUBURN, Ala. – A return trip to Clearwater, Florida, awaits Auburn softball as the Tigers are set to open the 2026 season at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic presented by MAXBP Fast Training at the Eddie C. Moore Complex.
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced the tournament field on Thursday. Auburn will compete in five games over a three-day slate to open the second season under co-head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux. In total, 18 teams will compete in 46 games over the course of the tournament.
Auburn opens the season Friday, Feb. 6 with a doubleheader slate against Notre Dame and Michigan State. Saturday, Feb. 7 sees another twin billing with Pittsburgh and Clemson, a familiar postseason foe, on the docket. Auburn concludes the tournament on Sunday, Feb. 8 with a single contest versus Penn State.
The Tigers are making their third appearance at the NFCA Leadoff Classic over the last seven seasons, competing in the tournament in both 2020 and 2023. Auburn holds a 7-3 record across its two previous appearances.
Every game of the tournament will be streamed for free through GameChanger. Tickets are now available for purchase. For more information on the 2026 NFCA D1 Leadoff Classic, visit the tournament central site.