The top 16 in NCAA women's volleyball is dropping. And it’s about to shake things up. Louisville Cardinals and Pittsburgh Panthers are clashing this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. But that’s not the only action. The NCAA will unveil its in-season top 16 rankings right during this showdown.
TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT
This isn't just a list. It's a snapshot of who's in prime position heading into the tournament. With the 2025 DI women's volleyball championship on the horizon, every position counts. The semifinals and championship are set for Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. You bet these rankings will set the stage.
THE CRITERIA
So, what gets a team into this elite circle? The NCAA uses a mix of the Rating Percentage Index, head-to-head battles, and those big wins and losses. It's not just about winning. It's about winning against the best.
Pittsburgh's got the firepower, but Louisville's been on another level. You could feel it coming. The Cardinals have been a force, handling business all season.
THE BIG PICTURE
This is just the second time the NCAA has expanded to a top 16 in-season reveal. Why? Fans want to know who’s got the edge before the tournament bracket drops on Nov. 30. It's all about positioning.
Expect Texas, Wisconsin, and Florida to make noise. These teams are no joke and have been straight-up dominant. But let’s be real, Louisville is the real deal right now. They’ve got their eyes on that Kansas City prize.
And just like that, the race to the championship is on. Who's going to rise, and who might stumble? Stay tuned. That'll do it.
Source: NCAA
