The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball ranked No. 2 in AVCA Preseason Coaches’ Poll
08.10.2026 | Volleyball
Longhorns ranked in preseason top five for 20th consecutive season.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Volleyball will begin the 2026 season ranked No. 2 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the organization announced Monday.
Texas appeared in the AVCA preseason top five for 20 consecutive seasons and in the top two for the 12th time in the last 18 preseason polls. The Longhorns received one first-place vote, while Nebraska was selected as the No. 1 team.
The Longhorns were picked to finish second in the SEC Coaches' Poll, behind only Kentucky. Five SEC teams appear in the AVCA preseason top 25, including No. 3 Kentucky, No. 8 Texas A&M, No. 17 Florida and No. 22 Tennessee.
Texas will open the 2026 season at the AVCA First Serve in Milwaukee, facing No. 12 Arizona State on Saturday, Aug. 22, before taking on Marquette on Monday, Aug. 24. Marquette received votes in the AVCA preseason poll.
Seven of Texas' non-conference opponents are ranked in the AVCA preseason top 25. Following the AVCA First Serve, the Longhorns will face No. 18 TCU on Saturday, Aug. 29, and No. 1 Nebraska on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Players Era Showcase in Las Vegas. Texas will then host No. 20 USC in its home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 2, before traveling to Nashville to face No. 7 Louisville at the Broadway Block Party on Sunday, Sept. 6. The Longhorns will travel to face No. 11 SMU on Wednesday, Sept. 9, before returning to Austin to host No. 6 Wisconsin at Moody Center on Sunday, Sept. 13. In all, Texas is scheduled to face 11 teams ranked in the AVCA preseason top 25, including four SEC opponents.
The Longhorns will conclude their preseason schedule this Friday, Aug. 14, hosting Rice at Gregory Gym. First serve is set for 6 p.m., and admission is free. Free parking will be available in the Speedway Garage.
