The 2025 AVCA women's college volleyball rankings just dropped and Nebraska is back on top. It's been a minute since they held the No. 1 preseason spot — 2022 to be exact. But with 1,490 points and a whopping 40 first-place votes, the Huskers are making it known: they're not here to play around.
Nebraska's Big Move
Dani Busboom Kelly takes charge as the new head coach, bringing fresh energy to Lincoln. Nebraska finished fourth in 2024, but this isn't the same squad. With some key freshmen stepping up, they're ready to erase last year's semifinal loss to Penn State.
Speaking of Penn State, the defending national champs are sitting at No. 2. They racked up 1,459 points and 21 first-place votes. Solid, but not quite enough to dethrone Nebraska. Penn State's not new to the top spot though; they practically lived there from 2007 to 2010.
Power Players Shake the Top 5
Pittsburgh snags the No. 3 spot and they're bringing back Olivia Babcock, the AVCA National Player of the Year. Louisville, the 2024 runner-up, lands at No. 4, despite some offseason shake-ups. Meanwhile, Texas rounds out the top five thanks to big transfers like Torrey Stafford and Ramsey Gary.
The Preseason Curse
Here's the kicker: being preseason No. 1 doesn't guarantee a championship. Only 33% of preseason top dogs have gone all the way since 1982. Nebraska fans, take note — it's yours to lose.
And just like that, the stage is set. Nebraska's got the target on their back, but with a squad this stacked, who’s gonna stop them?
That'll do it.
Source: NCAA
