Hello everyone! I’m super excited to share my thoughts on how the NCAA women’s volleyball teams ranked 1 to 25 in 2024 might do in 2025. These teams are strong, and I think this season will be full of surprises. I’ll talk about each team’s past performance, key players, and what we can expect.

Volleyball is a renowned sport with millions of fans worldwide. When we discuss Women’s College volleyball matches in the United States, the NCAA announces matches between college teams every year, which typically start in August and conclude in December. The NCAA Women’s Volleyball ranking has Penn State is on the top and Louisville is on second.

I’m a big volleyball fan, and I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! Let’s go team by team to make it clear and easy to understand.

The Top 25 Teams

Penn State’s

Penn State had a great season last year, finishing with 35-2 and ranked first now. They won many games and lost only two. I think they will stay strong in 2025. Their coach, Katie Schumacher-Cawley, is very good, and players like Jess Mruzik, who led in kills, will return. They might win the Big Ten again and go far in the NCAA tournament. Fans will be loud, and I expect them to keep their top spot.

Louisville’s

Louisville was second last year, with 30-6 and ranked second now. They improved from before, which is good. Coach Dani Busboom Kelly left, but they have Anna DeBeer, a great hitter. I think they can challenge Penn State and Nebraska. Their defense is strong, and they might win more games in 2025. I hope they make it to the Final Four.

Pittsburgh’s

Pittsburgh was third last year, with 33-2 and ranked third now. They are very good, especially with Olivia Babcock, who was the best player last year. She scores a lot and helps the team. Coach Dan Fisher is experienced, and they went to the Final Four. I think they will fight for the top and maybe beat Nebraska this time. Their offense is powerful, and fans are excited.

Nebraska’s

Nebraska was fourth last year, with 33-3 and ranked fourth now. They have a new coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, who came from Louisville. Harper Murray and Virginia Adriano are key players. Nebraska always does well, and I think they will win many games at home. Their defense is tough, and they might win the Big Ten. I am a fan, so I hope they do great!

Stanford’s

Stanford was fifth last year, with 28-5 and ranked fifth now. They have nine national titles, so they are experienced. Kami Miner, their setter, is very good at passing. They lost some players, but new ones like Sami Francis will help. I think they will stay competitive and maybe reach the Final Four. Their system is strong, and they play well.

Creighton’s

Creighton was sixth last year, with 32-3 and ranked sixth now. They are consistent and play in the Big East. Norah Sis, their middle blocker, is a leader. I think they will keep doing well, maybe win their conference, and make the NCAA tournament. Their record shows they are reliable, and I expect more wins.

Wisconsin’s

Wisconsin was seventh last year, with 26-7 and ranked seventh now. They are in the Big Ten, so it’s tough. Sarah Franklin, their outside hitter, is very good. I think they will stay steady and maybe improve. They could challenge Nebraska and Penn State. Their fans are loud, and I hope they do better in 2025.

Kentucky’s

Kentucky was eighth last year, with 23-8, and ranked eighth now. They moved up from before, which is good. Coach Craig Skinner is experienced, and players like Elise Drews help. I think they can surprise and win more games. They might make the NCAA tournament and show they are strong.

Purdue’s

Purdue was ninth last year, with 27-7, and ranked ninth now. They are steady in the Big Ten. Eva Hudson, their outside hitter, is a star. I think they will keep doing well and maybe beat some top teams. Their defense is good, and I expect them to make the tournament.

Oregon’s

Oregon was tenth last year, with 24-8, and ranked tenth now. They improved a lot from before. Mimi Colyer, their setter, is very good. I think they can surprise and win more games in the Pac-12. They might make the NCAA tournament and show they are ready for big games.

Texas

Texas finished 2024 ranked 11th with a 20-7 record, moving up from 13th. They had a solid season but fell short in the NCAA tournament. For 2025, setter Ella Swindle’s return is huge, as she’s a key leader (HornSports). Their schedule includes tough matches against Ohio State, Florida, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. With Swindle’s experience and new recruits, Texas is likely to climb back into the top 10. Their strong offense and defense, combined with SEC competition, should prepare them for a deep NCAA tournament run. I think they’ll surprise many teams!

Kansas

Kansas ended 2024 ranked 12th with a 25-5 record, holding steady at 12th. They had a great season, reaching the NCAA tournament. For 2025, senior pin hitters and liberos, like those from McPherson and West Linn, will lead (Kansas Roster). Coach Matt Ulmer, who joined in 2025, brings experience from Oregon (KUSports). Their Big 12 schedule includes Creighton and Wisconsin. Kansas’s balanced roster and strong defense make them a contender for a top-10 spot. I expect them to reach the NCAA tournament’s later rounds.

Arizona State

Arizona State had an amazing 2024, finishing 13th with a 30-3 record, down from 8th. They’ve added transfers like Faith Frame from Cincinnati and Colby Neal and Noemie Glover from Oregon (NCAA Transfers). These players strengthen their offense and defense. Their Pac-12 schedule will be tough, but Arizona State’s depth makes them a team to watch. I think they could climb higher, maybe to the top 10, and make an Elite Eight run in the NCAA tournament.

Florida

Florida finished 2024 ranked 14th with a 23-8 record, jumping from 22nd. They’ve added transfers Flormarie Heredia Colon from Miami and Jordyn Byrd from Texas, boosting their lineup (NCAA Transfers). Facing SEC rivals like Kentucky, Florida’s improved roster should help them compete. Their balanced attack and coaching make them likely to reach the NCAA tournament’s later stages. I think they’ll climb higher in the rankings and could be a dark horse for the Final Four.

SMU

SMU ended 2024 ranked 15th with a 25-8 record, down from 10th. They’ve made big moves in the transfer portal, adding Favor Anyanwu and Jadyn Livings from USC, Averi Carlson from Texas, and Jordyn Schilling, the Big South Libero of the Year (NCAA Transfers). These additions enhance SMU’s offense and defense. Their ACC schedule will be challenging, but with this talent, SMU could break into the top 10. I expect them to make a strong NCAA tournament showing.

Texas A&M

Texas A&M finished 2024 ranked 16th with a 21-8 record, entering the rankings from unranked. While specific transfers aren’t listed, their strong 2024 performance suggests a talented roster. Their SEC schedule includes tough opponents like Florida and Kentucky. With returning players and new recruits, Texas A&M is likely to improve their standing. Their coaching and depth could lead to surprises against top teams. I think they’ll make the NCAA tournament and aim for a higher ranking in 2025.

Dayton

Dayton had a stellar 2024, finishing 17th with a 31-3 record, up from 23rd. Their success in the Atlantic 10 shows their potential. While specific transfers aren’t mentioned, Dayton’s experienced players and cohesive play make them strong. Their schedule will test their depth, but their history suggests they’ll remain competitive. I think Dayton will continue their winning ways, likely making the NCAA tournament and possibly reaching the Sweet 16 with their balanced attack.

Minnesota

Minnesota ended 2024 ranked 18th with a 21-11 record, down from 15th. They’ve added Lourdès Myers through the transfer portal, strengthening their roster (NCAA Transfers). Their Big Ten schedule includes Nebraska and Penn State, which will be tough. With returning players and new talent, Minnesota is poised to improve their record. I think they’ll climb higher in the rankings and make a strong NCAA tournament run, possibly to the Elite Eight.

Missouri

Missouri finished 2024 ranked 19th with a 22-9 record, up from 25th. They’ve added Caylen Alexander through the transfer portal, boosting their lineup (NCAA Transfers). Their SEC schedule will be challenging, but Missouri’s improved roster makes them a contender. I think they’ll rise in the rankings and aim for a deeper NCAA tournament run, possibly reaching the Sweet 16 with their enhanced offense and defense.

Baylor

Baylor ended 2024 ranked 20th with a 23-8 record, down from 16th. While specific transfers aren’t listed, their strong 2024 performance suggests a talented roster. Their Big 12 schedule includes Kansas and TCU, testing their depth. With returning players and new recruits, Baylor is likely to maintain their competitive edge. I think they’ll make the NCAA tournament and aim to climb higher in the rankings with their balanced play.

Marquette

Marquette finished 2024 ranked 21st with a 25-9 record, entering from unranked. Their Big East success shows their potential. While specific transfers aren’t mentioned, Marquette’s experienced players and coaching make them strong. Their schedule will test their consistency, but I think they’ll continue their upward trajectory. They could make the NCAA tournament and aim for a higher ranking, possibly reaching the Sweet 16 with their cohesive team play.

Georgia

Georgia Tech ended 2024 ranked 22nd with a 21-10 record, down from 18th. Their ACC schedule includes Pittsburgh and SMU, which will be tough. With returning players and new additions, Georgia Tech is expected to build on their 2024 success. I think they’ll remain competitive, likely making the NCAA tournament and aiming to climb higher in the rankings with their strong offense and defense.

Utah

Utah finished 2024 ranked 23rd with a 25-6 record, down from 17th. Their Pac-12 schedule will be challenging, but Utah’s talented roster and cohesive play make them a team to watch. While specific transfers aren’t listed, their 2024 success suggests they’ll remain strong. I think Utah will make the NCAA tournament and could surprise with a higher ranking, possibly reaching the Sweet 16.

Southern California

USC ended 2024 ranked 24th with a 22-10 record, down from 19th. Despite losing players to transfers, USC’s history of excellence and strong recruiting make them competitive. Their Pac-12 schedule includes Arizona State and Utah, testing their depth. I think USC will rebuild and aim for a higher ranking, likely making the NCAA tournament with their talented roster and coaching.

TCU

TCU finished 2024 ranked 25th with a 22-8 record, down from 20th. Their Big 12 schedule includes Baylor and Kansas, which will be tough. While specific transfers aren’t listed, TCU’s consistent play suggests they’ll remain competitive. I think they’ll make the NCAA tournament and aim to improve their ranking with their strong team dynamics and coaching.