‘Tis the NCAA volleyball season and Nebraska isn’t showing any signs of catching a break right now. Running high on a 15-match winning streak, the Huskers are once again proving why they’re considered the country’s best women’s volleyball program. In the Big Ten, John Cook’s squad also boasts a pristine 8-0 record and is giving #2 Penn State a run for its money. And now, this triumphant campaign so far has brought the 5-time NCAA-winning team yet another acknowledgment from the country’s apex body.

The top NCAA volleyball team in the USA breaks records with such ease that it sometimes astounds even the most seasoned fans. But the national authorities of the sport seem to believe it’s exactly why the Huskers should be the ones who get to host the national tournament as well, at least for now, as a nod to its incredible fan following.

The official NCAA Women’s Volleyball X account shared its latest rankings, and unsurprisingly, the Nebraska team leads the pack. “The NCAA DI Women’s Volleyball Committee announces its Top 16 Rankings for results through October 19, 2024,” reads the post’s caption from October 20. The list takes into account all the regional tournaments and it boasts all of the most electrifying teams from all over the US. The Pittsburgh Panthers can be seen in the second place in the list, replicating their standing in the ACC, while Big Ten’s second position holder, Penn State, stands tall in the third spot.

With 8 straight wins in the ACC, Louisville holds the fourth spot on the list, possibly because of its 16-2 overall record compared to Pitt’s 17-1. The list goes on to mention some of the most popular and dominant NCAA teams, including Stanford, Creighton, SMU, Purdue, Wisconsin, Utah, and Minnesota. Huskers Illustrated’s Lincoln Arneal notes why these rankings are important, highlighting that the top 4 seeds will be given the honor of hosting the NCAA volleyball tournament regionals later in the season.

Considering the Huskers’ home turf as the NCAA regional hosts shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Their fans are known to show up in flocks to support their team at both home and away games, making it one of the most popular sports in the state; it’s no surprise that they’re on the NCAA’s radar. However, things aren’t final right now. DI Women’s Volleyball Committee Chair, Danielle Josetti, said in an interview that “a lot can change by November,” and the Huskers would do well to keep their heads in the game. Thankfully, it isn’t too much of a task for the Nebraska women.

Nebraska holds a special place for NCAA volleyball fans

Nebraska is arguably one of the hotbeds that has contributed to the growing popularity of women’s volleyball. In both collegiate matches and professional game nights of the Pro Volleyball Federation, there’s certainly no dearth of attention within the state when it comes to women’s volleyball. Naturally, it was only right that the PVF also started its inaugural run with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibes earlier this year in Omaha, Nebraska.

The opening match itself brought together 11,624 fans, making it the biggest confluence of volleyball connoisseurs in pro volleyball history. The PVF’s Real Pro Volleyball League has been a smash hit and Nebraska boasts all of the top-5 attendance records of the tournament so far. Last year, at the Memorial Stadium, in a match between Nebraska and Omaha, the world saw the biggest attendance in the history of the sport.

92,003 attendees cheered for their favored teams and it was truly a sight to behold. With the Huskers ending their 7-year drought to win the BIG 10 title last year, it’s only natural that this year the fans want to see them continue their emphatic campaign. But does Cook have what it takes to defend the trophy as well as win it? Will the fans be able to provide the mental support this season as well? What do you reckon? Tell us with a comment.