Softball | 9/18/2025 6:44:00 PM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – North Carolina Central will play in one of college softball's premier opening tournaments - the 2026 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic – on Feb. 5-8 in Clearwater, Fla. The four-day showcase will be at the Eddie C. Moore Complex.

The 18-team field features Oregon and Tennessee, both participants in the 2025 Women's College World Series. Super Regional teams Clemson and Liberty will also compete as well as regional finalists Auburn and Southeastern Louisiana.

NCCU is making its first appearance in the tournament since 2024. Five games are on tap for the Eagles, who will open Feb. 6 against Pittsburgh and Rutgers. The Eagles take on Notre Dame and Eastern Kentucky on Feb. 7 and Tennessee State on Feb. 8.

Each game will be livestreamed for free on the GameChanger App.

NCCU LEADOFF CLASSIC SCHEDULE
Feb. 6
10 a.m. – Pittsburgh
1 p.m. – Rutgers

Feb. 7
12 p.m. – Notre Dame
3 p.m. – Eastern Kentucky

Feb. 8
10 a.m. – Tennessee State
 
2026 LEADOFF CLASSIC 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 more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.