The Longhorns (16-0, 8-0 SEC) were picked as the No. 2 overall seed behind No. 1 Nebraska on the 16-team list. Texas has an argument for the No. 1 overall seed since it has more ranked wins than Nebraska, but the Cornhuskers have a better overall record with two extra matches and more top-10 RPI wins.

Texas and Nebraska are the only two unbeaten teams in Division I.

Much like what college football’s playoff committee will do with its initial rankings Nov. 4, the selection committee’s in-season rankings indicate how the NCAA will seed its top 16 teams for the upcoming tournament. The NCAA’s volleyball selection day is Nov. 30, when 64 Division I teams will qualify for the postseason tournament. The 16 seeded teams will host first- and second-round matches, and the top four seeds will host the quartet of four-team regional tournaments.

The NCAA volleyball tournament begins Dec. 4, and the Final Four will take place Dec. 18-21 in Kansas City, Mo.

The committee looks several factors including the win/loss record, RPI and Massey ratings, common opponents, head-to-head, significant wins and the regional advisory committees, which takes into account the eye test. 

All matches through Oct. 18 were under consideration when determining this week’s rankings. This year’s release marks the second time that the in-season rankings feature 16 teams. Before 2024, only the top 10 were revealed. 

NCAA Division I selection committee volleyball rankings: Oct. 19Â