MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois softball standout Payton Brown has been named to the D1Softball Preseason Mid-Major D100 Player Rankings, earning a spot among the nation's top mid-major players ahead of the 2026 season.
Brown was ranked No. 72 overall, making her the highest-ranked athlete from the Ohio Valley Conference on the list. Only three OVC players were included in the Preseason Mid-Major D100.
The Mid-Major D100 recognizes the top 100 players competing outside of the Power 4 conferences. The rankings include all non-P4 student-athletes except freshmen and are compiled as a true top 100 with no ties.
This marks the first-ever Preseason Mid-Major D100, following D1Softball's inaugural Postseason Mid-Major D100 released in 2025.
Brown's selection adds to her growing list of accolades and reflects her impact as one of the top performers in the conference and across the mid-major landscape.
For the full Preseason Mid-Major D100 Player Rankings, visit D1Softball.com.
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