Amber Aniston • December 2, 2024

Pittsburgh Remains No. 1 in Final Regular-Season Volleyball Rankings

The final regular-season AVCA Top 25 rankings have been released, with Pittsburgh holding the No. 1 spot following an impressive 29-1 campaign. The Panthers secured 59 first-place votes, solidifying their dominance as they head into the postseason. Penn State and Nebraska round out the top three, marking a strong finish for Big Ten programs in the national rankings.


ACC and Big Ten Dominate the Top Spots

Pittsburgh maintained its grip on the top ranking thanks to an outstanding season that included a dominant conference run and victories over several ranked opponents. The Panthers’ consistency, fueled by a balanced attack and solid defensive play, has made them the favorite entering the NCAA Tournament.


Penn State surged to No. 2 after defeating Nebraska in a critical matchup, giving the Nittany Lions a share of the Big Ten title. Nebraska’s loss dropped them to No. 3, but the Huskers remain a formidable contender heading into the postseason, boasting 11 wins over currently ranked teams.


The Big Ten’s strength is further evident with seven teams ranked in the Top 25, including Wisconsin (No. 7), Minnesota (No. 15), and Purdue (No. 9). These programs have shown remarkable depth and competitiveness, contributing to the conference’s reputation as the toughest in collegiate volleyball.


Historic Year for Creighton

Creighton finished at No. 6, marking its highest end-of-regular-season ranking in program history. The Bluejays extended their winning streak to 22 matches, sweeping through the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. Their dominance has positioned them as a dark horse for the NCAA Tournament, as they boast a 29-2 record with wins over several ranked teams.


Creighton’s success has been a testament to their disciplined approach and standout performances from key players. The Bluejays' ability to adjust in high-pressure matches has made them a team that higher seeds will not overlook in the postseason.


SMU Shines in First ACC Season

SMU closed out its first season in the ACC ranked No. 10, earning its highest ranking in program history. The Mustangs defeated two of the top three teams—Nebraska and Pittsburgh—earlier in the season, showcasing their ability to compete with the nation’s best. Their 24-7 record includes key wins that make them a team to watch in the postseason.


SMU’s meteoric rise in their new conference highlights the strength of their coaching and player development. The Mustangs have combined powerful offensive play with a resilient defense, earning them respect as a legitimate contender heading into the NCAA Tournament.


Louisville and Stanford in Top 5

Louisville and Stanford sit at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, after stellar regular seasons. Both programs enter the NCAA Tournament as strong contenders, with Louisville benefiting from a balanced offense and Stanford’s defense standing out as one of the best in the nation.


Louisville’s ability to adapt to different opponents has been a hallmark of their season, while Stanford’s relentless blocking and efficient hitting have consistently put opponents on their heels. Both teams are positioned to make deep postseason runs, and their potential matchups in later rounds promise excitement.


Rising Teams to Watch

Several teams outside the top five have made significant strides this season. Arizona State (No. 8) and Purdue (No. 9) have been consistently strong, showcasing their potential to challenge higher-ranked teams. Kansas (No. 12) and Oregon (No. 14) have also turned heads with their ability to play well against ranked opponents, setting the stage for intriguing first-round matchups.


Missouri (No. 25) returns to the rankings with a strong finish to their season, marking their re-emergence as a competitive program. The Tigers’ momentum could make them a dangerous opponent for any team in the tournament.


Complete Final AVCA Top 25 Rankings


  1. Pittsburgh (59) – 29-1
  2. Penn State (1) – 29-2
  3. Nebraska (1) – 29-2
  4. Louisville – 25-5
  5. Stanford – 25-4
  6. Creighton – 29-2
  7. Wisconsin – 23-6
  8. Arizona State – 29-2
  9. Purdue – 25-6
  10. SMU – 24-7
  11. Kentucky – 20-7
  12. Kansas – 24-4
  13. Texas – 18-6
  14. Oregon – 22-7
  15. Minnesota – 20-10
  16. Baylor – 22-7
  17. Utah – 24-5
  18. Georgia Tech – 20-9
  19. Southern California – 21-9
  20. TCU – 21-7
  21. Florida State – 21-9
  22. Florida – 21-7
  23. Dayton – 29-2
  24. BYU – 19-9
  25. Missouri – 20-8


Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament bracket features many of the Top 25 teams, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling postseason. Pittsburgh enters as the top seed, aiming to cap its dominant season with a national title. Big Ten powerhouses Penn State and Nebraska are also poised for deep runs, while Creighton and SMU have the potential to upset higher-seeded teams.


Several first-round matchups include intriguing battles between ranked teams, such as Florida State facing Ole Miss and BYU taking on South Dakota. With the competition at an all-time high, the road to the championship promises to deliver excitement and drama.


What to Expect in the Postseason

As teams prepare for the NCAA Tournament, the depth of this year’s rankings suggests one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Programs like Stanford and Wisconsin bring experience and consistency, while emerging teams like SMU and Arizona State add unpredictability to the mix. The balance of power across conferences ensures that no single team will have an easy path to the title.


Pittsburgh’s dominant season has positioned them as the team to beat, but their challengers are not far behind. The Big Ten’s depth, the ACC’s top-tier programs, and rising teams from smaller conferences all contribute to the intrigue surrounding this year’s tournament. With so much at stake, the postseason promises to be a showcase of elite talent, strategy, and determination.

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