As September continues to soar by, there is one thing on my mind in the sports world: college volleyball. Arguably one of the most popular collegiate sports, volleyball has skyrocketed onto our screens the past couple years, and as a player, I love to see it. This year, there are a lot of hot contenders like Nebraska and Texas that continue to stay at the top.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Nebraska sits firmly at No.1 in the latest Power 10 rankings, University of Texas at Austin follows at No.2, and Stanford, Pittsburgh and Penn State are right there in the mix. Between powerhouse rosters, coaching storylines and high-stakes early matchups, fans can expect a season packed with drama from start to finish.
Nebraska: A New Era Begins
Nebraska always enters the fall as the team to beat, even as the program transitions to new leadership. Legendary Head Coach John Cook retired in the offseason, handing control to former Louisville Coach Dani Busboom Kelly, a Husker alum who knows the culture inside and out. Despite the change, Nebraska has been off to a hot start. The Huskers are currently 8-0, and the success does not stop there. In their first match, they beat Pitt in just four sets, establishing the tone for a new era of Nebraska volleyball. Setter Bergen Reilly, outside hitter Harper Murray and middle blockers Andi Jackson and Rebekah Allick headline a lineup with both star power and experience. For me, the most exciting part is watching Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch battle for the libero spot. They are big shoes to fill, and I cannot wait to see who ends up in the jersey by the end of the season.
Texas: Stacked Once Again
The Longhorns are no strangers to championship expectations and 2025 is no different. Ranked second behind Nebraska and currently 5-0, Texas bolstered its already lethal offense with the addition of Torrey Stafford, a transfer from Pitt and one of the nation’s most dynamic attackers. With Stafford joining a squad already bursting with firepower, Texas will be tough to contain. If Texas can keep their momentum, I think they will be a formidable force against opponents.
Stanford: Steady, Skilled and Scary
Stanford enters the season with the kind of depth that makes them a dangerous threat in any tournament. They never receive the same hype or publicity as Nebraska does, but they have the tools to make it far. Stanford played Texas on Sunday, Sept. 7, and it was the most anticipated match of the preseason so far with Texas beating them in five sets. Senior outside hitter Elia Rubin continues to make waves, averaging 3.27 kills per set. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see them find their footing and remain with the best of the best.
Pittsburgh: Breaking Through the Ceiling
Year after year, Pitt has been knocking at the door of the national title, and 2025 may finally be the year they break through. Rightside Olivia Babcock, the reigning National Player of the Year, leads the Panthers’ offense, giving them a cannon that teams need to camp on. Losing Torrey Stafford to Texas stings, but their core remains strong so far. The early clash at Nebraska was a tough watch, but I reckon Pitt will be back for revenge later in the season.
Penn State: Defending the Crown
As the defending national champions, Penn State carries the pressure of proving last year was no fluke. Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley returns a veteran squad, but the early weeks have already exposed some cracks. Star sophomore setter Izzy Starck recently announced she has decided to step away from volleyball this season to prioritize her mental health after the first five games of the 2025 season. I think this opened a lot of fans’ eyes to see that playing a college sport can be mentally taxing, even if you are on one of the best teams in the country. Besides that loss, the Big Ten grind will not offer many breathers, meaning Penn State needs to rediscover its dominance as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Nebraska may have the No.1 ranking, but the gap between each of the top five teams is razor thin. Texas looks reloaded, Stanford has the experience to crash the party, Pitt is hungry, and Penn State knows what it is like to win on the biggest stage. As the nonconference battles continue for the next couple of weeks, 2025 women’s volleyball promises fireworks and could be one of the most exciting seasons in years. When Nebraska and Texas finally collide, it could decide who rules the court in 2025.