What's Happening?
The NCAA Division I women's volleyball committee has released its in-season top-16 rankings, marking the second year this expanded format has been used. Previously, only the top 10 teams were revealed.
The rankings were announced during the Louisville vs. Pitt match on October 19, 2025. The committee evaluated 64 teams based on several criteria, including strength of schedule, top-10 wins, and head-to-head competition. This early reveal provides fans with a glimpse of potential NCAA tournament seedings ahead of Selection Sunday on November 30. The top-16 teams include Nebraska, Texas, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, SMU, Louisville, Arizona State, Purdue, TCU, Creighton, Stanford, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Indiana, Penn State, and Minnesota.
Why It's Important?
The release of the in-season top-16 rankings is significant as it offers an early indication of which teams might secure favorable seedings in the upcoming NCAA tournament. This can influence team strategies and preparations as they aim to improve or maintain their standings. For fans and stakeholders, these rankings generate excitement and anticipation for the tournament, impacting ticket sales and viewership. Additionally, the rankings can affect team morale and recruitment efforts, as being ranked highly can attract prospective players and boost a program's reputation.
What's Next?
The NCAA Division I women's volleyball championship semifinals and championship are scheduled to take place on December 18 and December 21, 2025, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The first semifinal match is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on December 18, with the second match following shortly after. The national championship will occur at 3:30 p.m. ET on December 21. Teams will continue to compete in the regular season, aiming to improve their rankings and secure a strong position for the tournament.
