Preseason Women’s Volleyball Power 10 Rankings 2023

Published by Andrew on August 7, 2025

Power Rankings are crucial in setting the stage for the upcoming women’s volleyball season, and the Preseason Top 10 offers exciting insights into the teams to watch.

This article delves into the standout squads, including Nebraska’s strong roster, Penn State’s strategic addition of Kennedy Martin, and Texas’s significant transfers.

We will explore how each team is positioning itself for success, highlighting key players and strategies that could shape the season ahead.

Join us as we break down the rankings and what they mean for the future of collegiate volleyball.

Preseason Women’s Volleyball Power 10 Rankings Overview

With the start of the women’s volleyball season fast approaching, excitement is building around the Power 10 rankings.

The preseason spotlight is firmly on Nebraska, which holds the top position thanks to a remarkably stable team with no player departures.

This sets them apart from their competitors, who have made strategic additions to strengthen their lineups.

Penn State stands out after recruiting Kennedy Martin, a high-impact player poised to make a significant difference.

Meanwhile, Texas has revamped its core through significant transfers, aiming to climb the ranks and challenge for the top spot.

The depth and skill of Pitt, featuring the star power of Olivia Babcock, make them formidable opponents, while Wisconsin, Kentucky, Stanford, and Louisville also contribute to an incredibly competitive field.

These teams round out a dynamic top eight, with Texas A&M and UCLA maintaining their relevance in the lower half.

Just beyond the top 10, SMU offers a glimpse of the future; their talented roster has been strengthened through strategic moves in the transfer portal, signaling their potential to break into the elite ranks.

Nebraska: Dominance Through Stability

Nebraska stands atop the Power 10 rankings due to its unwavering roster continuity, a rare feat in collegiate sports, as highlighted on the University of Nebraska’s roster page.

This continuity means no player departures, allowing the team to capitalize on the synergy and cohesion that only seasoned teamwork can cultivate.

As the defending champions, Nebraska harnesses the solid foundation of their existing squad to reinforce their game plans with confidence and fluidity, essential for maintaining supremacy.

With notable players like Harper Murray and Andi Jackson continuing to elevate the team’s aspirations, the NCAA rankings reflect this advantage, placing Nebraska as a formidable force.

The Big Ten’s preseason honors spotlight Nebraska’s strategic prowess and retention of an experienced core, pushing their championship form to potentially new heights.

Such continuity fosters elevated expectations, with Nebraska epitomizing a team poised for another commanding season, driven by the profound benefits that perfect roster retention delivers.

Penn State: Boosted by Kennedy Martin

Penn State’s number-2 preseason ranking is energized by the arrival of Kennedy Martin, a transfer whose skills immediately elevate the team’s dynamics.

Kennedy, a formidable 6-foot-6 right-side hitter, brings not only outstanding offensive capabilities but also valuable defensive versatility.

Her past achievements as a two-time first-team All-SEC player and an All-American at Florida underscore her ability to be a game-changer.

She integrates seamlessly with the team, creating new strategic opportunities and solidifying Penn State’s aspirations for a championship.

Moreover, her infectious locker-room energy boosts the team’s morale, fostering a culture of strength and ambition.

With Kennedy’s remarkable presence, Penn State is poised to transform its attack strategy, making her an indispensable asset in their journey towards reclaiming national titles.

Texas: Strengthened Through Significant Transfers

Texas women’s volleyball team has made significant strides in enhancing their roster through the addition of key transfers.

These strategic moves have bolstered setting consistency, allowing for smoother offensive execution and more dynamic attacking options, crucial for maintaining pressure on top-tier opponents.

The transfer portal has also deepened their back-court, fortifying defensive robustness and ensuring that every rally is fiercely contested.

By securing these vital components, Texas has solidified their position at number 3 in the preseason rankings.

Longhorns aim to seamlessly integrate new talents, emphasizing team chemistry in intensive preseason sessions.

As these players adapt, they are expected to contribute significantly to Texas’ pursuit of excellence this season.

The synthesis of talented newcomers with established veterans positions Texas as a formidable contender in the upcoming season, ready to challenge for championship glory.

Pitt: Olivia Babcock Leads the Charge

Pitt women’s volleyball team ranks fourth in the preseason, driven by Olivia Babcock’s significant impact on both sides of the court.

As a dynamic leader, Babcock’s exceptional all-court prowess positions the Panthers to challenge the top three teams throughout the season.

Her offensive firepower, combined with her remarkable skills in serve-receive, consistently shifts the momentum in Pitt’s favor.

Returning as the AVCA National Player of the Year (see more), Babcock’s presence elevates her team’s confidence and inspires a hunter’s mindset.

Her ability to adapt and perform under pressure plays an essential role in maintaining Pitt’s competitive edge.

Moreover, her leadership fosters a cohesive team dynamic, enabling the Panthers to capitalize on their talented roster’s potential.

With Babcock leading the charge, Pitt remains a formidable force with aspirations of climbing the ranks.

Contenders Ranked Five Through Ten

The preseason Power 10 rankings reveal a competitive landscape in women’s volleyball, with Wisconsin, Kentucky, Stanford, Louisville, Texas A&M, and UCLA ranked from five to ten.

Wisconsin continues its dominance with elite blocking, providing a formidable defense.

Kentucky showcases its prowess through consistent serving, crucial for maintaining momentum against strong teams.

Stanford shines thanks to its depth in experienced leadership, effectively guiding new talents.

Louisville has a strategic advantage with an explosive offense, making them a threat against any opponent.

Texas A&M, ranking ninth, leverages a robust squad with tenacious defense.

Finally, UCLA stands out by employing versatile tactics, adapting to various in-game scenarios.

Here’s a quick look at their key competitive edges:

Each of these teams possesses the necessary talent to surge upward in the rankings this season.

SMU: Poised to Break In

SMU women’s volleyball team finds itself on the cusp of national recognition, built upon a talented roster eagerly awaiting its breakout moment.

The transfer portal proved transformative, bringing in key players like Favor Anyanwu and Jadyn Livings from USC, enriching an already promising lineup.

SMU’s depth and readiness are palpable, with every layer of the team contributing something vital to their competitive edge.

Armed with this newfound strength, SMU is ready to tackle its upcoming schedule head-on, seeking those critical wins that will solidify their place in conversations beyond their current rank.

SMU is a single statement win away from cracking the rankings.

As they approach each match with increasing momentum and potential, all eyes are on their path to prominence, eagerly anticipating their ascent into the national spotlight.

For more on SMU’s journey, visit their official site.

In conclusion, the Preseason women’s volleyball Power Rankings reveal a competitive landscape filled with potential.

With strong contenders like Nebraska and notable additions across the board, fans can expect an exhilarating season ahead.