## Way-Too-Early Women’s Volleyball top 10 for 2026
the buzz from a thrilling NCAA volleyball tournament final four in Kansas City and a Texas A&M national championship hasn’t dimmed, but that doesn’t meen it isn’t too early to start thinking about next season. With the transfer portal already open, most of the contry’s players and coaches already have.Nebraska’s dominance this season looked like a forgone conclusion. Then one afternoon in Lincoln, Texas A&M shocked the world and turned the run to the national championship into a wide-open affair.
That’s what 2026 should be from the outset. So many great players like Pitt’s Olivia Babcock, Nebraska’s Harper Murray and Kentucky’s Brooklyn DeLeye are back and will be on teams with a chance at a title.
The transfer portal has yet to take hold in full. Many rosters could get a shake up in the coming weeks. This top 10 is based on what we know now and is a little peek into how the run to next season’s final four in San Antonio could shake out.
## 1. Texas Longhorns
The freshman class, led by Cari Spears and Abby Vander Wal, was instrumental in getting the Longhorns back to a No.1 NCAA tournament seed. The Longhorns’ recruiting class for 2026 looks just as good with top-rated outside hitter, Henley Anderson, and top setter, Genevieve Harris. They will all still be led by Torrey Stafford, the 12th-best point producer in the country and one of the best all-around players.
## 2. Stanford Cardinal
Stanford tied for the ACC championship and did it with 14 freshmen and sophomores on the roster. Top hitter Elia Rubin will be tough to say goodbye to, but the cardinal will have the depth and talent to win their first national title as 2019.
## 3. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The invincibility of 2025 Nebraska won’t be there with the losses of Rebekah Allick and Taylor Landfair. But Bergen Reilly, Murray and Andi Jackson form a core capable of the national championship that eluded the Huskers following their stunning loss to Texas A&M.
Women’s College Volleyball: Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2026
Table of Contents
As the 2024 season concludes, attention turns to the future of women’s college volleyball. Predicting rankings this far out is challenging, given the volatility of rosters due to the transfer portal and graduation. Tho, based on current trajectories and anticipated returning talent, hear’s a look at a way-too-early Top 25 for the 2026 season, focusing on programs poised for continued success or a meaningful rise. This analysis incorporates recent performance, recruiting classes, and projected roster strength.
purdue Boilermakers: Building on Recent Success
Purdue reached the Elite Eight in 2024 despite significant roster turnover, demonstrating a resilient program culture. https://www.purduesports.com/sports/womens-volleyball The Boilermakers leaned into their underdog status, a narrative that won’t necessarily hold in 2026. If Purdue can retain key players like Kenna Wollard and grace Heaney, they are positioned to remain a national contender. Their ability to navigate the transfer portal effectively will be crucial in maintaining a well-balanced team.
The Texas A&M Aggies experienced a strong 2024 season,but face challenges in replicating that success. The departure of Logan Lednicky and setter Maddie Waak creates significant voids in their lineup. https://12thman.com/sports/womens-volleyball However, the presence of star outside hitter Kyndal Stowers provides a foundation for continued competitiveness. Stowers’s remarkable talent could be enough to keep the Aggies in the hunt for a top spot in the Southeastern Conference (SEC),possibly making the SEC a three-team race.
Also Considered: USC, Minnesota, Creighton.
Key Takeaways & Future Outlook
* Transfer Portal Impact: The transfer portal will continue to reshape college volleyball rosters,making long-term predictions difficult.Programs adept at recruiting and retaining talent will have a significant advantage.
* SEC competition: The SEC is rapidly becoming a powerhouse conference in women’s volleyball, with multiple teams capable of reaching the Final Four.
* Program Continuity: Programs like Purdue, which demonstrate strong coaching and a positive team culture, are well-positioned for sustained success, even amidst roster changes.
The landscape of women’s college volleyball is dynamic. These early rankings provide a snapshot of potential contenders, but the next two seasons will undoubtedly bring surprises and shifts in the balance of power.Continued monitoring of recruiting classes,transfer activity,and on-court performance will be essential to refining these projections as the 2026 season approaches.
Worth a look