For a program that has been the model of consistency in collegiate volleyball over the last decade, No. 2 Texas volleyball faced major uncertainties regarding the 2025 season.
Despite having a standout recruiting class and adding a notable transfer in junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford, a former First-Team All-American at Pittsburgh, Texas had uncertainties going into the season with a new-look roster and losing its longtime star and leader, Madisen Skinner.
“We need to learn a lot about ourselves,” head coach Jerritt Elliott said in an Aug. 26 media availability. “And we’re going to get that opportunity here pretty quick to see what we need to work on and keep growing and developing to hopefully continue the success that we’ve had in the past.”
After the Longhorns’ last few games, this transition period seemed easy. Beginning the season ranked No. 5, Texas jumped to No. 2 after rattling off three early top-20 wins against the No. 18 Creighton, No. 6 Wisconsin, and most notably, a thrilling five-set victory over No. 5 Stanford at the Moody Center.
However, Texas faces many formidable opponents along the way to its quest for a sixth title in program history. Here’s how the team stands among the country’s very best.
No. 1 Nebraska
The lone team currently standing above Texas is No. 1 Nebraska. Impressive wins over No. 7 Pittsburgh, No. 5 Stanford and No. 3 Kentucky leave the Cornhuskers as the unanimous top-ranked team in the country.
Despite losing four-time national champion head coach John Cook to retirement, new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly made sure this team didn’t miss a beat. Junior outside hitter Harper Murray and junior middle blocker Andi Jackson headline a stalwart roster that poses the biggest threat to the Longhorns this season.
No. 3 Kentucky
Kentucky serves as the immediate next threat in the SEC for Texas. The two play on Nov. 2 in Austin and may be on a collision course to meet in the final of the SEC Tournament. The Wildcats were the preseason favorite to win the conference and led the conference in preseason all-SEC team selections with four. Notable results include a tight five-set match loss to Nebraska and a sweep over No. 12 Penn State.
No. 4 Louisville
No. 4 Louisville is the next test for Texas as the two face on Sep. 10 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The Cardinals are coming off a championship match berth last year and look to redeem themselves. They have yet to face a ranked opponent but have elite talent, such as junior outside hitter Chloe Chicoine and redshirt senior middle blocker Cara Cresse.
Several other schools, including the defending national champion Penn State and Stanford, serve as major threats to the Longhorns’ title aspirations. In what looks to be a very competitive field at the top, Texas must continue to play at a high level to keep its momentum moving forward.
