By the Numbers: Ohio State Opening Weekend
2/3/2026 2:27:00 PM | Softball
The Ohio State softball team begins its 54th season this weekend when it travels to Boca Raton, Fla. for the Paradise Classic. A look at some of the notable news and numbers ahead of this weekend's matchups:
OUT OF THE GATES
- In four previous seasons (2021-25), Kirin Kumar-coached teams are 12-7 on opening weekend.
- That mark includes eight consecutive wins in 2024 and 2025, spanning stints at both Miami University and Ohio State.
- Last season, Ohio State went 4-0 in games at the Elon Classic with wins over North Carolina Central, UNC Greensboro, Elon and UConn.
RETURNING PRODUCTION
- Ohio State returns five position-player starters from its 2025 roster, including all three outfielders.
- Two of the four pitchers that saw action in 2025 are also returning, as is senior Lexi Paulsen, who missed the entire season due to injury.
- The Buckeyes return over half of their offensive production and three quarters on their pitching production from last season.
BY THE NUMBERS
147: Home runs hit in 2025
78: Returning players hit 78 home runs last season
471: RBI in 2025
265: Returning players drove in 265 runs last season
495: Runs scored in 2025
287: Returning players scored 287 runs last season
362.1: Total innings pitched last season
265.1: Returning pitchers logged 265.1 innings last season
250: Ohio State pitchers struck out 250 batters last season
182: Returning pitchers had 182 strikeouts last season
BIG TEN'S BEST IN HOMERS, RUNS SCORED
- No team in the Big Ten has hit more home runs over the past two seasons than Ohio State (excluding UCLA, Washington and Oregon who have only played one season as conference members.
Most Home Runs (last two seasons)
1. Ohio State – 212
2. Nebraska – 168
3. Indiana – 134
4. Michigan – 130
5. Penn State – 127
Most Runs Scored (last two seasons)
1. Ohio State – 797
2. Nebraska – 770
3. Indiana – 767
4. Michigan – 648
5. Penn State – 608 Â
