Nebraska and Purdue lead Big Ten in AVCA preseason volleyball rankings

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) has released its preseason poll for the 2026 season, highlighting strong performances from Big Ten programs. Nebraska has been ranked No. 1 in the country for the ninth time in program history, receiving 57 of 63 first-place votes. The Huskers return five starters and feature three unanimous preseason All-Big Ten selections: Bergen Reilly, Andi Jackson, and Harper Murray.

Purdue has been ranked No. 9 in the preseason standings, marking the second time in three seasons the Boilermakers have earned a top-10 preseason ranking. The team returns five starters from their 2025 Regional Final squad and features three players on the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List: Taylor Anderson, Grace Heaney, and Kenna Wollard.

Other top-ranked teams in the poll include Texas, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and Stanford. The Big Ten maintains a significant presence in the top 25, with Wisconsin at No. 6, Penn State at No. 10, and Minnesota at No. 14.