Nebraska is new No. 1 in women’s volleyball Power 10 rankings

Let’s break down my Power 10 after a crazy week 1, including Monday night’s big-time matchups when Minnesota upset Texas and Stanford topped Wisconsin. 

1. Nebraska 

We already have a new No. 1 one week into the season. Nebraska takes over the top spot with Texas taking its first loss. The Huskers are 3-0 with their best win over Kentucky to open the season. We saw terrific defense as expected, but also great production out of the middle with Bekka Allick and Andi Jackson. Even though there were more offensive errors against TCU, this team is still No. 1 to me right now. 

2. Louisville

At No. 2, I have the Cardinals. Overall, I am really impressed with this unit at Louisville and the talent they have. They already look well-oiled so early into the season with a four-set win over Wisconsin and a sweep of Tennessee. I think this team has all the pieces right now.

3. Pittsburgh

Another impressive start to the season here, with the Panthers sweeping Oregon. Rachel Fairbanks recorded two straight double-doubles.

4. Stanford

Stanford is at No. 4 for me. Overall, I am really impressed by the Cardinals after losing a lot of talent from last season. Elia Rubin was a superstar both offensively and defensively. Rubin is like another libero in the back row, and she’s filling in a big role really well. Sami Francis was impressive as well, and Kami Miner orchestrated the offense beautifully for two big ranked wins. Those were gutsy performances — and this is a top-four team out of the gates. 

SCOREBOARD: Live scores and stats for every match

5. Texas

The Longhorns drop to five for me, though I hate to drop them this low so early in the season. We saw Texas use both setter, Ella Swindle and Averi Carlson. Madi Skinner continues to be unreal, and Emma Halter made it look easy back there. Texas suffered a tough loss to Minnesota in five, but the Gophers are a good team playing with nothing to lose. Texas is still a top-five team and a title contender for sure. 

6. Penn State

Penn State is at No. 6 after a 2-0 start and win over Tennessee. Camryn Hannah and Jess Mruzik had 19 kills apiece in the win, while Izzy Starck had a promising debut at setter, tallying 42 assists and 12 digs as Penn State recorded .343 hitting as a team.

WHO WENT WHERE: Top 11 transfers to watch this season

7. Purdue

Purdue is at…