MIAMI — FIU's softball program continues to receive more national recognition, sitting 36th in the NCAA's first edition of the RPI Rankings for 2026, as released on Monday. 

The Panthers (19-5) appeared at No. 36 as FIU continues its historic start to the 2026 season. FIU is the top-ranked team in Conference USA (CUSA) by a wide margin, with second-best Western Kentucky ranked 62nd. The Panthers are also the fourth-ranked mid-major team overall, behind McNeese (16), Grand Canyon (30) and Belmont (33). 

In a look at other Panther opponents this season featured in the rankings, FIU boasts two defeats of 24th-ranked Georgia Tech, one victory over 41st-ranked Marshall and two wins over 46th-ranked Louisville. 

UP NEXT
The Panthers host UTEP for their first CUSA home series this upcoming weekend, March 13-15, at Baptist Health Stadium. 

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