2025 College Volleyball Season Kicks Off
The 2025 college volleyball season is just around the corner, heralding what promises to be an exciting year for a sport that’s steadily building its fan base. Last year’s championship match, featuring Pennsylvania and Louisville, drew over 1.3 million viewers, marking it as the second-most watched game in Division I women’s volleyball history.
This Friday, the two teams that faced off in last season’s Final Four—No. 1 Nebraska and No. 3 Pitt—will compete again. Meanwhile, two new contenders, No. 16 Florida and Stanford, will also clash as the AVCA’s first serves are made. Fans can catch both games on Fox.
Since last December, the landscape of college volleyball has changed quite a bit, owing much to the transfer portal and shifts in coaching staff. Dani Busboom Kelly has left Louisville to guide her alma mater, Nebraska, into a new era. SMU and Wisconsin have been big winners in the transfer market, but perhaps the most significant move involved Tory Stafford, who transferred from Pitt to Texas.
As the new season approaches, ten teams stand out as potential powerhouses.
SB Nation’s NCAA Volleyball Power Rankings:
Just missed: Arizona, Oregon, UCLA, Florida, Texas A&M
The Blue Jays will launch their season facing three ranked opponents: Pennsylvania, Texas, and Kansas, which might reveal early on whether they’re ready to succeed or struggle. Former coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth set a strong foundation, and now, under freshman coach Brian Rosen, the aim is to reach the NCAA tournament for the 14th consecutive year. With three starters returning and important transfers like Cal Setter Annalea Maeder and Wisconsin Libero Saige Damrow, their prospects look bright.
The Wildcats, who made it to the NCAA Tournament eight times, ended last season in the Elite Eight against Pitt. Kentucky hopes to reignite their success with Brooklynde Ray and Purdue transfer Eva Hudson, who notably led the Big Ten with 4.81 kills per set. Adding to their line-up are Middle blocker Lizzie Kerr from Purdue and Libero Molly Berezzowitz from Marquette.
SMU’s inaugural season in the ACC was impressive, finishing 25-8 after notable victories against Nebraska, Baylor, Georgia Tech, and Pitt. Coach Sam Elger, an SMU alum, extended his contract in December, guiding the Mustangs to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This offseason, they brought in significant talent, including Anyanwu and Jadin from Colorado, and a talented roster that looks promising.
Wisconsin has consistently reached the Elite Eight for the last seven years, and coach Kelly Sheffield has bolstered the roster this offseason with key transfers. Among these are hitters Grace Lopez, Mimi Collier, and Grace Egan. They have a strong returning core, including one of the nation’s premier middle blockers, 6-foot-7 Carter Booth, setting up sophomore setter Charlie Hooblinger for a standout season.
Torrey Stafford, now at Texas, was the most sought-after player in the transfer portal. Leading all power-4 attackers with a hitting percentage of 0.358, she elevates Texas’ offense. Freshman Abby Vander Wal is also drawing attention as a highly-rated newcomer. Meanwhile, returnees like Ramsey Gary, Anja Kujundzic, and Emma Halter bolster the defense for the Longhorns, who aim to rebound after a Sweet 16 exit last season.
Logan Parks is another freshman garnering attention; the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year arrives at Stanford amid high expectations. Stanford’s history in the NCAA Division I Volleyball Tournament is notable, but they haven’t reached the Final Four since 2019. Fans will soon see if this year changes that narrative.
Will 2025 be the year Dan Fisher’s Panthers finally secure a national title? Pitt is making its fourth consecutive Final Four appearance, yet they still seek that elusive championship. National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock and standout mid-blocker Brekelly provide a strong foundation. Libero Mallorie Meyer is back as well, bolstered by Emery Dupes’ transfer from Florida.
Dani Busboom Kelly returns to Nebraska, and Dan Meske now leads Louisville after his recent national title run. Key players like ACC Freshman of the Year Nieris Cabello and All-American Middle Blocker Cara Cresse are back in the fold. Louisville has added Purdue transfer Chloe Chicoine, which could be crucial in their postseason ambitions.
Pennsylvania, fresh off winning their eighth national title, returns with many talented players eager to defend their title. This includes one of the nation’s top setters in Izzy Starck, along with All-Big Ten selections Gillian Grimes and Caroline Jurevicius. The Nittany Lions have also boosted their roster with transfers like EMMI Sellman and two-time national champion Kennedy Martin. Under coach Katie Schumacher Corey, they aim for another championship run.
As Nebraska begins its season, the team is poised to win yet again, marking Dani Busboom Kelly’s first year after John Cook’s retirement. With no player transfers, they return a talented squad that includes a strong recruiting class for 2025, featuring 6-foot-5 Virginia Adriano, a pro in Italy, and Allie Sczech from Baylor. Nebraska’s roster stands out as one of the finest, capable of securing yet another title.
