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I can’t believe I am saying this, but it is time for preseason college volleyball rankings for the 2025 season. Just like every year, I will say, no one — and I mean no one — knows anything in the preseason. Especially with more and more transfers. 

But, for the fun of it, let’s go through my preseason Power 10. 

1. Nebraska 

I don't think you can argue who the top two teams in the country are: Penn State and Nebraska. But you can argue the order. It was hard for me to move the reigning champs out of the No.1 spot, but Nebraska looks like the most complete and dangerous roster we have seen in a long time. With Dani Busboom Kelly at the helm of the program now and not a single player leaving the program, they are absolutely loaded top to bottom. It helps having Harper Murray, Andi Jackson, Rebekah Allick, Bergen Reiley, one of the best backcourt defenses and insanely talented freshmen to round it out. I am picking the Huskers at No. 1 preseason spot. 

2. Penn State

I almost kept PSU at No. 1 because while the Nittany Lions did lose Jess Mruzik and Taylor Trammell, they brought in one of the best players in the country in Kennedy Martin. Martin is on the right side with one of the best setters in Izzy Starck. Could be an unreal connection. Not to mention they bring back Gillian Grimes and Caroline Jurevicius. 

3. Texas

I have Texas at No. 3, because, wow do they look good on paper. The Longhorns loaded up in the portal with Torrey Stafford joining as one of the faces of the programs and as one of the most talented and proven outside hitters. They have a few other big-time transfers like Ramsey Gary and Ana Kujundzic to make for a dangerous backcourt and strong pieces on offense. 

4. Pitt

After the top three I think it can be a toss up. Pitt is at No. 4 for me, which some may consider high, some low. The Panthers bring back the national player of the year in Olivia Babcock but definitely have some big shoes to fill with the loss of Rachel Fairbanks, Emmy Klika and Torrey Stafford. They made some moves in the portal and I am excited to see Emery Dupes as well as Mallorie Meyer step up defensively. There are some question marks but with Babcock, Bre Kelley and Ryla Jones back, I'm still high on the Panthers. 

5. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is at No. 5. Sarah Franklin was a big loss but I think we see Charlie Fuerbringer reach new heights this season with the addition of Mimi Colyer as a huge offensive piece and Carter Booth primed for what could be her best season yet. 

6. Kentucky

Kentucky is at No. 6 — and I almost put the Wildcats higher. Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye could be one of the best outside duos in the country this season. I am so pumped to see how this Kentucky squad comes together. 

7. Stanford

At No. 7 I have Stanford. Kami Miner, similar to Pitt, is a big loss. But the Cardinal bring back Elia Rubin, Ipar Kurt and Jordyn Harvey. I think the last two names I mentioned will grow even more this season. There are a few options at setter for Stanford and I'm excited to see star incoming freshman Logan Parks. 

8. Louisville

Placed at No. 8, Louisville takes the biggest drop of any team that competed in the semifinals last year, especially since the Cardinals made it to the national championship. But it is definitely a huge loss to lose Anna DeBeer, Charitie Luper, Phekran Kong, Elena Scott and your head coach all in one offseason. Granted, they bring back one of the best setters in the country in Nayelis Cabello and also brought in Chloe Chicoine to bolster the offense. I know Dan Meske will have this team in tip-top shape in no time. 

9. Texas A&M

The Aggies are a team that should be on everyone’s radar this season. They certainly made waves in the tournament last year while upsetting Arizona State then pushing Wisconsin to 5. They also bring back some serious star power with Logan Lednicky and Ifenna Cos Okpalla. 

10. UCLA

And finally at No. 10 I have the Bruins. There isn't a team I am more excited to see than UCLA. An Olympic-caliber coach who brought in some of the biggest names in the portal: Maggie Li on the outside, Phekran Kong, Marianna Singletary from Texas and Lola Schumacker from Wisconsin. That's a talented lineup, and even more so, an experienced one. Sure they are unproven, which is why they are at No. 10, but hard to argue with their potential. 

First one out

SMU was my first team out as they yet again brought in a talented lineup out of the portal, led by Averi Carlson.