The Big Ten in 2025? It's a volleyball battlefield. Seven teams in the AVCA top 25. Two more knocking on the door. And let's be real, the top tier is a who's who of national contenders.
Penn State, Nebraska, Wisconsin: The Big Three
Penn State. The reigning champs. They lost five seniors but don't sleep on them. They picked up Emmi Sellman and Kennedy Martin. Major impact players. Forget rebuilding—this is a reload.
Then there's Nebraska. They came up just short in the Final Four last year. Most of that squad is back. Harper Murray will be the go-to hitter. This team's depth? Ridiculous.
And Wisconsin. Always a threat. They sit at No. 8 in the AVCA rankings. Losing Sarah Franklin and Anna Smrek hurts, but they've added Mimi Colyer. Don't count them out.
Watch Out for the Second Wave
Here's the thing. Minnesota, UCLA, USC, Purdue, Washington, and Oregon are all in the mix. Julia Hanson from Minnesota is on the AVCA Preseason Player of the Year Watchlist. That's no joke.
UCLA and Purdue have made some noise in the transfer portal. If their plans click, they could crash the top tier party. And the West Coast teams? They're a travel nightmare for Big Ten squads.
The Middle Ground
Illinois, Michigan, Indiana. These teams could make the NCAA Tournament. Sure, they don't have the firepower of the top two tiers, but on any given day? Watch out.
The Stragglers
Then there's Ohio State and Michigan State. They've got pieces, but they're still building. Taylor Trammell is a bright spot for Ohio State, but losing Sellman is a blow.
The Bottom Rung
Finally, Northwestern, Maryland, Iowa, and Rutgers. They're in a league of their own—at the bottom. Can they climb out? That's the big question.
And just like that, the Big Ten is set for another wild ride. Buckle up.
Source: psucollegian.com
