6 biggest takeaways from the AVCA First Serve, on college volleyball’s return

The 2025 college volleyball season started off in a huge way. Here are my biggest takeaways from the AVCA First Serve.

1. Nebraska looks scary good

Nebraska is absolutely horrifying. And by horrifying I mean I was jaw-dropped at how good they looked this early in the season. It was quite literally a well-oiled machine — passing on point, offense incredibly versatile. They used multiple players already off the bench and nothing changed. Nebraska is certainly THE team to beat this year.

👋 WELCOME BACK: New Nebraska coach Dani Busboom Kelly on returning to her alma mater

2. Pitt still needs time

The Panthers started off the season 0-2, but I don’t think it’s cause to freak out just yet. They really need some more time to gel considering the fact that the pieces they lost were huge, especially Rachel Fairbanks and Emmy Klika, who made it all happen. The passing wasn’t the best, and Olivia Babcock was carrying a huge load. I think Bre Kelley is one the best middles in the country, and they’ve gotta find a way to be in system and get her the ball. I still think this is an incredibly talented team, just need some more time.

3. Look out for Florida

With a healthy Alexis Stucky and the addition of Jordyn Byrd, Florida should be on your radar. I mean, everything looked fairly impressive. The freshman libero Lily Hayes was great, Jaela Auguste we knew was insane — and now with Bryd, she is a baller. She led the scoring and was going up and over the block. She is unreal. 

4. Vanderbilt already showing promise

Hello, Vanderbilt? You are telling me a brand new program made up of all transfers and freshmen showed up at the AVCA First Serve and almost upset Kansas? The same team that pushed Penn State to five? 

🏐 HOW IT HAPPENED: Recap from the AVCA First Serve showcase

5. Texas A&M delivers

Texas A&M backed up the preseason hype. Logan Lednicky finished with 22 kills at a .421 clip with 12 digs in the win over Minnesota. 

6. Reigning champs still strong

And finally, the reigning champs will be in contention again. Kennedy Martin and Izzy Starck look insane. They got pushed by Kansas and came out on top, but I think we see them get better and better.