The excitement from the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament continues to resonate following a thrilling final four in Kansas City and a surprising national championship win by Texas A&M. With the transfer portal now open, teams and players are already strategizing for the upcoming 2026 season. The landscape of college volleyball promises to be competitive, particularly after Texas A&M upset Nebraska, transforming a seemingly predetermined championship chase into a wide-open contest.
As teams prepare, many star players are set to return, including Olivia Babcock of Pittsburgh, Harper Murray from Nebraska, and Brooklyn DeLeye of Kentucky. The full impact of roster changes through the transfer portal is yet to be seen, but these early rankings provide a glimpse into the potential contenders for the next NCAA championship.
Top Teams to Watch in 2026
1. **Texas Longhorns**
The Longhorns are positioned to remain formidable. Their freshman class, featuring Cari Spears and Abby Vander Wal, played a crucial role in securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The 2026 recruiting class is equally impressive, highlighted by top-rated outside hitter Henley Anderson and elite setter Genevieve Harris. Additionally, they will benefit from the leadership of Torrey Stafford, who ranked as the 12th-best point producer nationally.
2. **Stanford Cardinal**
After tying for the ACC championship, Stanford showcased the potential of their young roster, which included 14 freshmen and sophomores. Although they will lose top hitter Elia Rubin, the Cardinal’s depth and talent position them well to pursue their first national title since 2019.
3. **Nebraska Cornhuskers**
Nebraska’s roster will face challenges with the departures of Rebekah Allick and Taylor Landfair. However, the core of Bergen Reilly, Harper Murray, and Andi Jackson remains strong, aiming for redemption after last season’s unexpected exit in the regional finals.
4. **Wisconsin Badgers**
Wisconsin’s offseason may be as significant as their competition’s, particularly after losing a national semifinal match against Kentucky. Coach Kelly Sheffield must replace key players like Mimi Colyer and Carter Booth, but a talented underclassman group led by All-American setter Charlie Fuerbringer keeps them in contention for the final four.
5. **Pittsburgh Panthers**
Despite reaching five consecutive final fours, Pittsburgh faces pressure as they prepare to lose all-ACC setter Brooke Mosher. The team still retains Babcock for another season, hoping to overcome past disappointments and reach the championship game.
6. **Kentucky Wildcats**
The Wildcats face uncertainty following the graduation of Eva Hudson, a key player in their recent success. With DeLeye returning for her senior season along with top scorers Lizzie Carr, Asia Thigpen, and Kennedy Washington, Kentucky aims to maintain their dominance in the SEC.
7. **Louisville Cardinals**
With a strong lineup that includes Kalyssa Blackshear, the ACC Freshman of the Year, and Cara Cresse, the conference leader in blocks, Louisville looks to bounce back from a disappointing fourth-place finish in the ACC. Their top hitters, Payton Petersen and Chloe Chicoine, will be crucial for their success.
8. **SMU Mustangs**
While the Mustangs will miss setter Averi Carlson and top hitter Malaya Jones due to graduation, they retain a promising sophomore trio. The addition of Big 12 Freshman of the Year Suli Davis, transferring from BYU, is expected to enhance their roster significantly.
9. **Purdue Boilermakers**
Purdue surprised many by reaching the Elite Eight last season despite being predicted to finish seventh in the Big Ten. With a youthful roster and key players Kenna Wollard and Grace Heaney leading the way, they look to build on last season’s success.
10. **Texas A&M Aggies**
Following the losses of program stalwarts Logan Lednicky and setter Maddie Waak, repeating last season’s championship run may be a challenge for the Aggies. Nonetheless, the talent of Kyndal Stowers remains a significant asset, potentially positioning Texas A&M as a strong competitor in the SEC.
As the teams gear up for the 2026 season, the landscape of NCAA women’s volleyball promises to be dynamic, with the potential for unexpected shifts and new rivalries as players enter and exit through the transfer portal. The anticipation for the next final four in San Antonio is already building, with fans eager to see how these teams will evolve.
