It’s August, so the season is around the corner — and I already have my 2026 preseason power 10 women’s volleyball rankings.
1. Nebraska
Starting off with my No. 1 preseason team, Nebraska. The Huskers are bringing back their entire stacked lineup headlined by the senior class of Harper Murray, Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson.
It’s Dani Busboom Kelly’s second year at the helm. I know this team has been dominant over the past four years but hasn’t won a title. This feels like Nebraska’s year.
2. Kentucky
I have Kentucky at No. 2. The national runner up from last year lost Eva Hudson but the Wildcats are bringing in Morgan Gaerte. The 6-foot-5 outside transfer looks to be a potential lethal duo with Brooklyn DeLeye. Plus, AVCA 2025 Freshman of the Year returns in setter Kassie O’Brien with Molly Tuozzo — the do-it-all libero.
3. Texas
Next is Texas at No. 3. I like the Longhorns with Torrey Stafford leading the charge. She is not only an incredible leader but a dynamic and crafty hitter that can dominate. She and Cari Spears make a dangerous duo, and Ramsey Gary should be fantastic taking over at libero.
CARI IS LETHAL 😮💨#HookEm pic.twitter.com/3pz0Grb9Xv
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) December 15, 2025
4. Stanford
No. 4 was tough. I think you look at Stanford, Wisconsin and Pitt for this spot.
But I went with the Cardinal. Yes, they lost Elia Rubin. But Rubin was the only loss, and the rest of the team that was young and promising last year now has the experience and still all that talent. Stanford’s roster features Lizzy Andrew in the middle, Logan Parks at setter, Jordyn Harvey and Spencer Etzler. A lot of talent.
5. Wisconsin
I went with Wisconsin at No. 5. Losing Mimi Colyer and Carter Booth is a big loss, but Charlie Fuerbringer is hands down one of the best setters in the country. Grace Lopez should be back healthy to carry a big offensive load, and then the Badgers have some new freshmen talent to be excited about.
6. Pitt
Pitt at No. 6. I absolutely love the new setter-hitter duo of Izzy Starck and Olivia Babcock. Babcock is arguably the best player in the country and she now has an All-American setter. This could be insane. I just want to see who emerges around them before I place the Panthers higher.
7. Purdue
I actually have Purdue at No. 7 coming into the year. Taylor Anderson, Grace Heaney and Kenna Wollard are a top-notch core that I think flies under the radar. This team can be incredible this year.
8. Louisville
Next is Louisville at No. 8. I know this may feel a little low for some Cardinals fans, and I understand if you have them higher. Chloe Chicoine and Nayelis Cabello are back to lead the way. I just wasn’t ready to put them higher than any of these teams.
9. SMU
This may be a hot take for some but I am excited about the SMU lineup and have them at No. 9. Unproven yes, but Sam Erger has now shown that she can overhaul a roster, make it one that gels and is hard to beat pretty fast out of the gates. Favor Anyanwu, the big-time transfer of Suli Davis and Gabi Placide are some new faces, but I think ones ready to dominate.
Denied by Favor 🤯#GoMustangs | @SMUMustangs pic.twitter.com/OzUHvHwIIT
— SMU Volleyball (@SMUVolleyball) November 23, 2025
10. Texas A&M
And finally at No. 10, I have the reigning champs Texas A&M. It’s hard to know what it will look like when you lose the core of Logan Lednicky, Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Maddie Waak — almost the entirety of the lineup. But Kyndal Stowers is back, Natalie Ring transferred in, and Jamie Morrison is one of the best to do it.
First team out:
Penn State was my first team out with the reunited duo of Kennedy Martin and Alexis Stucky.