When a Colorado judge issued a blanket ruling last week granting eligibility to the entire outgoing class of 2022, it opened a whole new can of worms in college athletics.
While the majority of the focus has been on football and basketball, this could have an even greater impact on other sports. For Alabama, it could have a gigantic impact on next season's softball roster for Patrick Murphy.
Murphy had seven outgoing seniors from last season's roster, all of whom would be eligible to play another season in Tuscaloosa now, assuming there are no significant roadblocks that pop up that prevent the ruling from going through.
The biggest problem for Murphy might be roster space. He signed three players out of the Transfer Portal to go along with five in his high school signing class. But at least a couple of the outgoing seniors might be worth a phone call.
7 Alabama softball players who could return to Patrick Murphy's roster in 2027
Alexis Pupillo
The most intriguing re-addition would be Alexis Pupillo, who was a star for the Crimson Tide in 2026. She hit .382 with 20 homers and started all 65 of Alabama's games. She was a third-team All-American and second-team All-SEC performer as a senior.
Pupillo's biggest moment was a game-tying homer in the Women's College World Series against UCLA in a game the Crimson Tide eventually won.
Pupillo signed a professional contract with the Florida Vibe of the PSL, which could complicate a potential return to Tuscaloosa.
Marlie Giles
Even though Murphy went out and landed Iowa State catcher Karlee Ford and signed 5-star catcher Torynn Slaughter in the high school class, you'd have to think he'd welcome the captain Marlie Giles back to Tuscaloosa with open arms.
Giles was incredibly clutch during Alabama's postseason run, including a huge home run against Nebraska that helped lift the Crimson Tide into the WCWS semifinals.
Abby Duchscherer
Abby Duchscherer embodied the "Mudita" that Murphy has always preached, sliding into a backup role after being a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide. The addition of Brooke Wells pushed Duchscherer to the bench, but she never complained and embraced her role.
If given the chance to return, her leadership would be an invaluable addition to Murphy's locker room.
Kristen White
Kristen White was Alabama's starter in CF throughout last season, and while she didn't bring a ton of pop at the plate, she was a steady defender and could put some serious speed onto the basepaths.
Florida Southwestern State transfer Noelani Livingstone projects to take her spot in the lineup next season.
Kinley Pate
After spending a single season at Samford, Kinley Pate transferred to Alabama and spent three seasons with Murphy and the Tide. Her main value was as a pinch-runner, which is where it would be again in 2027 if she returned to Tuscaloosa.
Larissa Preuitt
Much like Duchscherer, Preuitt happily stepped into a reserve role in 2026 after being a full-time starter in 2025. She could be a valuable veteran bench bat for the Crimson Tide in 2027 if she were able to return.
Alea Johnson
Alabama's pitching staff is loaded for next season with Jocelyn Briski, Vic Moten, and Kaitlyn Pallozzi all set to return, but another veteran arm wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
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