Gone is the heralded senior class from last year yet Minnesota is predicted to be a contender again this season. After a second consecutive Final Four appearance and finishing third in the final poll last year the Gophers will begin their season ranked 4th in the AVCA rankings. The three other teams from last years Final Four, are also in the top five heading into the this season; Stanford, Texas, and Nebraska.
#1 Texas (24)
#2 Stanford (35)
#3 Washington (2)
#4 Minnesota (2)
#5 Nebraska
(first place votes)
The Big Ten led all conferences with eight teams appearing in the preseason rankings trailed by the Pac-12 with six; #6 Penn State, #7 Wisconsin, #16 Michigan, #17 Michigan State, #21 Ohio State, and #25 Purdue.