The 2026 high school softball season begins. Here are previews of teams from around the Record Newspapers coverage area. Last year's record was 19-15-1 overall, 9-1 (tied for first) Little Ten Conference, regional champion. The Norsemen return six starters from last year’s co-champion and regional champion, led by All-Stater Rylie Carlson. They are joined by seven freshmen, including younger sister Zoey Carlson. Oswego is ranked Class 4A preseason No. 1 by the Illinois Coaches Association and MaxPreps, with a record-breaking 2025 season that saw the first state championship in program history.