The preseason SEC softball poll is out and the coaches like Florida to claim the title.

Alabama was picked fourth behind the Gators, Tennessee and Arkansas. The voting was fairly tight at the top with Florida getting five first-place votes followed by the Vols’ three. There was a significant drop-off between No. 4 Alabama’s 118 voting points and No. 5 LSU’s 87.

The Crimson Tide was picked to win the league last January but struggled late in the season. Alabama finished with a 44-13 record with a first-day loss to Missouri in the SEC tournament. Then in the NCAA, the Tide failed to advance past the regional round for the first time in the current format, losing to Stanford in the winner-take-all final in a 6-0 final.

After losing a few young transfers, Alabama used the transfer portal to fill out the roster while retaining ace pitcher Montana Fouts for her senior season.

Alabama will open the 2023 season Feb. 10 against Lehigh in Tuscaloosa with SEC play beginning March 18 at home with Arkansas.

SEC preseason poll

1. Florida (5) 134
2. Tennessee (3) 126
3. Arkansas 122
4. Alabama 118
5. LSU 87
6. Georgia 85
7. Kentucky 84
8. Missouri 63
9. Auburn 61
10. Ole Miss 49
11. Mississippi State 44
12. Texas A&M 28
13. South Carolina 13