Nebraska's back on top. Preseason No. 1 in the 2025 AVCA rankings. It's been a minute since they last held this spot in 2022, but now they've made a statement.
Nebraska's Bold Return
The Huskers snagged 1,490 points and 40 first-place votes. Beating out the reigning champs, Penn State. The Nittany Lions, fresh off their eighth national title in 2024, sit at No. 2 with 1,459 points and 21 first-place votes. Talk about a power struggle.
Adding new blood like freshmen phenoms and with Dani Busboom Kelly at the helm, Nebraska isn't just eyeing the top—they're owning it. You could feel it coming.
The Contenders
Behind Nebraska and Penn State, Pitt holds the No. 3 spot. Bringing back AVCA National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock. Louisville, still licking their wounds from a runner-up finish last year, is No. 4. Texas rounds out the top five, reloaded with transfers Torrey Stafford and Ramsey Gary.
The Stakes Are High
Historically, the AVCA No. 1 has secured the national championship 33% of the time. Nebraska's been there before, and they're looking to repeat 2006's magic. But will they hold onto this all season long? Five teams have pulled it off before. The Huskers might just add their name to that list.
And just like that, the race is on. Nebraska's on notice. Will they handle business? We'll see.
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Source: nebraskavolleyballschedule.us
