It’s been over a week since former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was fired and subsequently arrested, and it remains the biggest storyline in college football.

The topic arose on the Friday, Dec. 19 edition of ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ ahead of Oklahoma-Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Kirk Herbstreit applauded the Wolverines and interim head coach Biff Poggi for how they’ve handled the aftermath of the situation from a parents’ standpoint. Herbstreit’s son, Chase, is a freshman quarterback on Michigan’s roster.

‘It’s been interesting. I’ve been on a bunch of Zooms with the rest of the parents, listening in and trying to watch Biff Poggi try to navigate these uncharted waters,’ Herbstreit said on ‘College GameDay.’ ‘It’s been obviously a very difficult set of circumstances, something that not only Biff but the entire staff didn’t expect this, didn’t ask for this, and now they’re put in this situation.

‘I’ll just say, as a parent, I’ve been blown away by Biff Poggi and what he’s done. … Not necessarily surprised by that, but this is a difficult set of circumstances outside of Schembechler Hall. But what he’s done to be able to pull this team together (is) almost like a father figure to me. And the staff, these guys, a lot of these guys, who knows who the next head coach is gonna be. Maybe some will stay, maybe some are gonna be looking for other jobs. Meanwhile, they’re trying to continue to get ready for Texas.

‘So, I just want to say, as a parent, I salute the University of Michigan for how they’ve been able to try to keep this thing together, especially Biff, the entire staff, the coordinators. Dez (‘College GameDay’ analyst and former Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard), I know you’d be very proud of what’s going on there. And now they got to go, like I said, get ready. These players are trying to lock in and block out all that noise. 
So, I tip my cap to them, and see how that’s looking forward to seeing how they play against Texas.’

The Wolverines announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10 that it Moore had been fired for cause after a university investigation found ‘credible evidence’ of him having been ‘engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.’

Moore was detained and booked later that day by police after the Pittsfield Township Police Department responded to an incident ‘for the purposes of investigating an alleged assault.’ He was officially charged two days later on Dec. 12 with third-degree felony home invasion and two misdemeanors of stalking related to a domestic relationship and breaking and entering-illegal entry without the owner’s permission.

Herbstreit wasn’t the only member of the ‘College GameDay’ desk to give Poggi credit for how he has stepped in since Moore’s firing and arrest. Poggi will serve as the Wolverines’ interim head coach in the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 31 against Texas.

‘When you represent a university, we’re very much in a fishbowl. I mean the visibility is total 100%. We all have a responsibility and obligation to hold up that standard,’ former Alabama coach Nick Saban said. ‘You (Desmond Howard) went to a great university. The University of Michigan is a great place.

‘I think Biff has done a marvelous job in the way he’s handled this because he’s put the focus on the players and stayed with the players to get the players to come together. Michigan’s a first-class institution, and I know that they’ll come out of this in some kind of positive way, but I hope that we all learn something.’

Moore is set to return to court on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 9 a.m. ET.

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Longtime NASCAR star Brad Keselowski broke his leg Thursday while on a family ski trip, his RFK Racing team said in a statement.

‘Keselowski has successfully completed routine surgery, and doctors expect a quick and full recovery,’ RFK Racing said.

In a statement, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion said he was ‘grateful for the medical team who took great care of me and for the support system around me.

‘My attention now is fully on recovery. I’m motivated to get back to full strength as quickly as possible and will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona,’ Keselowski said.

Keselowski, 41, subsequently took to his own social media channel and posted a photo of himself in the hospital in a hospital gown surrounded by his family, an X-ray of his leg showing screws going into it, and a video of himself walking down a hospital hallway while using a walker.

In his post he said he is ‘focused on Daytona’ and cracked that he is ‘now bionic.’

The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Feb. 15, giving Keselowski less than two months of recovery time before NASCAR’s most famous race.

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Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs managed to get the best of the Atlanta Hawks in a 126-98 victory on the road Friday Dec. 19.

Wembanyama produced a double-double performance, leading the team in points and rebounds, and he did that coming off the Spurs’ bench. In fact, the MVP candidate actually tallied more points than minutes played in the contest.

San Antonio utilized nearly every player on its roster after jumping out to a 24-point halftime lead, allowing the Spurs to limit Wembanyama’s time on the court. But the limited minutes did nothing to slow the big man down.

The Spurs improved to 20-7 and won back-to-back games after coming up short against the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup final.

Here’s the latest on Wembanyama’s performance:

Victor Wembanyama stats tonight vs. Hawks

• Points: 26
• FG: 10-for-15 (2-for-4 3pts)
• Free Throws: 4-for-7
• Rebounds: 12
• Assists: 3
• Steals: 1
• Blocks: 2
• Turnovers: 2
• Fouls: 1
• Minutes: 21
• Plus/Minus: +29

The stock car racing world’s been rocked by the news that former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were among those killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma were among the seven people who died in the crash involving a Cessna C550 jet at the end of a runway at Statesville Regional Airport at 10:20 a.m. local time.

‘We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,’ the families said in a statement.

Biffle spent nearly two decades racing in multiple NASCAR series. The 19-time Cup Series winner was a champion in NASCAR’s third- and second-tier series before making the jump to the top level in 2003.

The former Roush Racing driver was one of the more well-liked drivers in the paddock. He earned Most Popular Driver Honors in 1997 in a regional series, 2000 in the now-Craftsman Truck Series and 2002 in the now-Cup Series.

NASCAR drivers and those who worked with Biffle were among the many to pay their respects to him on social media:

NASCAR legends, drivers honor Greg Biffle

Biffle competed with many champions on the track during his 16 years in the Cup Series and even more in the lower levels. Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon said what happened was ‘devastating.’

‘I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track,’ Gordon wrote on X. ‘Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.’

Former Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, known by newer fans for his work as a broadcaster, debuted at the top level the year Biffle challenged Tony Stewart for the championship.

‘Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family,’ Bowyer wrote on X. ‘An unbelievable talent behind the controls of literally anything. Checked all the boxes…Great guy, helped people in need, and most importantly was a great family man.’

Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch spent his first decade in the top level of the sport racing Biffle and wrote about Biffle, Biffle’s family and Biffle’s impact on communities.

‘Such a tragic and heartbreaking day,’ Busch wrote on X. ‘Greg and Cristina were truly special friends to us, we loved them as well as Emma and Ryder dearly. Greg’s compassion and humanitarian spirit—especially in times of crisis—touched so many lives and inspired everyone who knew him.

‘The memories we shared, both on and off the racetrack, will stay in our hearts forever. They meant so much to us, and they will never be forgotten.’

Denny Hamlin’s decorated Cup Series career began shortly after Biffle’s rookie season. The three-time Daytona 500 winner echoed Busch by discussing Biffle’s impact off-track in a post to X.

‘Today the motorsports world lost one of its fiercest competitors and kindest souls,’ Hamlin wrote. ‘Greg Biffle was a champion on the track and a humanitarian off it, whose impact reached far beyond racing.

‘We also mourn the loss of his wife Cristina and children Emma & Ryder, along with Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack. My heart is with all their families and loved ones.’

Longtime NASCAR team owner Jack Roush gave Biffle his break and helped Biffle realize his NASCAR dreams when he signed the Vancouver, Washington, native to his team in NASCAR’s third tier. Biffle would go on to win all 19 of his Cup Series races under Roush or Roush Fenway Racing.

“The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Roush said in a statement. ‘The tragic accident involving Greg Biffle and his family today is incredibly heartbreaking. I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program. His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable. My condolences are with all those who loved and knew Greg and his family.’

Brad Keselowski, 2012 Cup Series champion and RFK Racing team co-owner with Roush, shared his thoughts about Biffle.

“I am heartbroken by the news involving the Biffle family,” Keselowski said in a statement. “I had the privilege of racing alongside Greg for many years, and like so many in our sport, I gained deep respect for him not only as a champion on the racetrack, but as a competitor who helped define an era of NASCAR.

‘His impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation we continue to build upon today. My thoughts, and that of the entire organization, are with the Biffle family and everyone close to them as they navigate this tremendously difficult time.’

No. 1 seed Kentucky women’s volleyball is back in the national championship game.

After suffering their worst deficit since 2018 in the first set, Kentucky bounced back to defeat Wisconsin in five sets, 12-25, 25-22, 21-25, 26-24, 15-13, in the 2025 NCAA volleyball national semifinals on Thursday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kentucky will face Texas A&M in the championship, an all-SEC title game for the first time in tournament history. The Wildcats won the title in 2021. The Aggies are in their first Final Four.

Kentucky senior outside hitter Eva Hudson, a finalist for the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year award, finished with 29 kills on .455 hitting, none better than her final kill to win the fifth set and punch the Wildcats’ ticket to the championship game.

‘I just knew that I had to swing away. I wasn’t going to go out, not swinging,’ Hudson said of her game-winning shot. ‘I knew my teammates were behind me to cover me, so I was just going to give it my all.’

Kentucky last won the program’s only NCAA national championship trophy in 2020. Catch up with USA TODAY Sports updates and highlights of the Final Four matchup:

NCAA volleyball tournament score: Wisconsin 3, Kentucky 2

5th set final: Kentucky 15, Wisconsin 13

Kentucky’s defensive pressure had Wisconsin frazzled for the first time in the fifth set. The Wildcats went on a 8-1 run in the fifth set to take an 8-2 lead. Wisconsin responded with a 8-4 run to come within two points, 13-10. Kentucky went on to take the set and match on an Eva Hudson kill.

Wisconsin’s Mimi Colyer had a double-double with 32 kills and 12 digs in the loss. Carter Booth recorded a career-high 21 kills and six blocks.

4th set final: Kentucky 26, Wisconsin 24

With their backs against the wall, Kentucky won the fourth set 26-24 to force a decisive fifth set. The Wildcats were the first to the red zone, but Wisconsin fought off three set points to tie it up 24-all. Kentucky’s defense came through at the net and took the fourth set on back-to-back blocks.

Kentucky’s Eva Hudson recorded nine of her 23 kills in the fourth set. Brooklyn Deleye added 11 kills on an inefficient .136 hitting, while Asia Thigpen and Lizzie Carr each added eight kills.

Wisconsin’s Carter Booth has already set a new career-high with 18 kills, while Mimi Coyler is up to 29 kills.

3rd set final: Wisconsin 25, Kentucky 21

Wisconsin is back on top after winning the first set, 25-21. The Badgers ended the set on a 3-0 run.

The Badgers hit .386 in the third set, compared to .333 for Kentucky. Mimi Coyler leads Wisconsin with 22 kills on .395 hitting, while Carter Booth has tied her career-high with 14 kills and three blocks.

Kentucky’s Eva Hudson has 14 kills on .344 hitting, while Brooklyn Deleye added nine kills on .194 hitting.

2nd set: Kentucky 25, Wisconsin 22

Wisconsin dominated the first set, but Kentucky made some adjustments and came alive in the second set.

Kentucky jumped to a 7-4 lead over Wisconsin in the second, but the gritty Badgers surged mid-set to retake the lead, 20-18. Kentucky went on a 6-0 run to earn a set point, and despite Wisconsin fighting off two set points, Eva Hudson cashed in on the third set point to even it a set apiece.

‘We just got some breaks and we executed the serving,’ Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner said, adding that his team needs to serve tougher to get Wisconsin off the net. ‘The serve has got to pick up and our transition game has got to score some points.’

Wisconsin’s Carter Booth recorded 12 kills hitting .786 and Mimi Colyer added 10 kills on .318 hitting.

Kentucky’s Hudson is up to nine kills hitting .389.

1st set final: Wisconsin 25, Kentucky 12

The first set belonged to Wisconsin’s Carter Booth. The senior middle blocker recorded seven kills and two blocks hitting 1.000 in the Badgers’ 25-12 first set win. Mimi Colyer added seven kills.

Wisconsin hit .682 in the first set and held Kentucky to .056 hitting.

1st set: Wisconsin 10, Kentucky 3

Wisconsin came out red hot and jumped to a 10-3 lead after Carter Booth (5) and Mimi Colyer (3) combined for seven kills to start the first set. The Badgers are hitting 1.000 to start. 

Carter Booth height

Wisconsin senior middle blocker Carter Booth is listed at 6-foot-7.

When is Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball?

The second semifinal matchup between No. 1 Kentucky (29-2)and Wisconsin (28-4) will take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first semifinal between No. 1 Pitt and No. 3 Texas A&M on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball: Channel, streaming

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 18 
• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT)
• Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Channel: ESPN
• Stream: The ESPN App, Fubo

Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup

Head coach: Craig Skinner

• 6 Kassie O’Brien | S 6-1 – Freshman
• 7 Eva Hudson | OH 6-1 – Senior
• 10 Kennedy Washington | MB 6-0 – Sophomore
• 11 Molly Berezowitz | DS 5-5 – Junior
• 12 Molly Tuozzo | L 5-7 – Junior
• 15 Lizzie Carr | MB 6-6 – Redshirt Junior
• 17 Brooklyn DeLeye | OH 6-2 – Junior

Kentucky women’s volleyball roster

Eva Hudson stats

The 6-1 senior outside hitter was named the SEC Player of the Year after hitting .317 with 4.54 kills per set and 504 total kills on the year. She leads Kentucky’s offense, which is hitting .295 this year.

Brooklyn DeLeye stats 

The 6-2 junior outside hitter is averaging 4.69 kills per set and hitting .289 with a team-high 521 kills this year. DeLeye is responsible for more than 564.5 points this year.

Kassie O’Brien wins AVCA Freshman of the Year

Kentucky setter Kassie O’Brien was named the 2025 AVCA Freshman of the Year, the first Wildcat to win the award, after averaging 11.02 assists per set this season.

Wisconsin Badgers starting lineup

Head coach: Kelly Sheffield

• 1 Una Vajagic | OH 6-0 – Redshirt Sophomore
• 7 Kristen Simon | L 5-8 – Freshman
• 15 Mimi Colyer | OH 6-3 – Senior
• 17 Alicia Andrew | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Senior
• 24 Charlie Fuerbringer | S 5-11 – Sophomore
• 32 Grace Egan | RS 6-1 – Redshirt Sophomore
• 52 Carter Booth | MB 6-7 – Senior

Mimi Colyer stats

The 6-3 senior outside hitter had 20 or more kills in nine matches this season, including 23 kills vs. No. 1 Texas in the Elite Eight and 27 kills vs. No. 2 Stanford in the Round of 16. She averages 5.39 kills per set.

Wisconsin volleyball arrives at T-Mobile Center

Kentucky volleyball arrives at T-Mobile Center

NCAA volleyball player of the year finalists

The 2025 AVCA Player of the Year shortlist was narrowed to four finalists on Monday: Pitt junior right side hitter Olivia Babcock, Wisconsin senior outside hitter Mimi Colyer, Kentucky senior outside hitter Eva Hudson and Nebraska junior setter Bergen Reilly.

NCAA volleyball transfer portal 2026

The 2025 NCAA women’s college volleyball tournament is down to the Final Four with Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Texas A&Madvancing to the semifinals, but it’s never too early to look ahead to next season.

NCAA volleyball past champions

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska
• 2014: Penn State
• 2013: Penn State
• 2012: Texas
• 2011: UCLA
• 2010: Penn State
• 2009: Penn State
• 2008: Penn State
• 2007: Penn State
• 2006: Nebraska
• 2005: Washington
• 2004: Stanford
• 2003: Southern California
• 2002: Southern California
• 2001: Stanford
• 2000: Nebraska
• 1999: Penn State
• 1998: Long Beach State
• 1997: Stanford
• 1996: Stanford
• 1995: Nebraska
• 1994: Stanford
• 1993: Long Beach State
• 1992: Stanford
• 1991: UCLA
• 1990: UCLA
• 1989: Long Beach State
• 1988: Texas
• 1987: Hawaii
• 1986: Pacific
• 1985: Pacific
• 1984: UCLA
• 1983: Hawaii
• 1982: Hawaii
• 1981: Southern California

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No. 3 seed Texas A&M swept No. 1 seed Pitt, 29-27, 25-21, 25-20, in the 2025 NCAA volleyball Final Four on Thursday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. It was the first time Pitt has been swept all year.  The Aggies will make their first national championship appearance on Sunday (3:30 p.m., ESPN). 

Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison, who was named the 2025 AVCA Coach of the Year earlier Thursday, said his team has a ‘bunch of grit and a bunch of belief, and that’s in one another. That’s in our entire group. We believe in it. We believe in each other and we’re going for everything we have.’

Pitt and reigning player of the year Olivia Babcock has now fallen just short of the championship five years in a row.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s stellar postseason run continues by knocking out another No. 1 seed with a 16-kill performance by Kyndal Stowers. The Aggies also upset No. 1 overall seed Nebraska in a thrilling five-set match in the Elite Eight. Texas A&M will face the winner of No. 1 Kentucky and No. 3 Wisconsin.

NCAA VOLLEYBALL FINAL FOUR: Schedule, scores, highlights

Pitt ‘pissed’ after Final Four loss to Texas A&M

Pitt volleyball made it to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive year, but the Panthers are on the losing side once again. Panthers head coach Dan Fisher said he’s ‘pissed’ after losing in the national semifinal for the fifth year straight.“I don’t have great perspective on that right now,’ he said. ‘I’m proud of being consistently good, consistently in the hunt, but I’m pretty pissed off right now.”

NCAA women’s volleyball score: Texas A&M 2, Pitt 0

3rd set final: Texas A&M 25, Pitt 20

Texas A&M took a 17-13 lead in the third set, tying their largest lead. Pitt responded with a 5-1 run to tie it up at 18-all. But the Aggies won seven of the nine points to take the third set and sweep Pitt.

Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers had 16 kills on .433 hitting, while Logan Lednicky had 14 kills on .323 hitting.

Olivia Babcock had 22 kills on .463 hitting in the loss.

2nd set final: Texas A&M 25, Pitt 21

It may be Texas A&M’s first semifinal appearance in program history, but the Aggies have looked far from inexperienced. They took the second set over Pitt, 25-21, and are one set from the national championship.

Texas A&M trailed by four points, but the Aggies won 14 of the next 20 points to take the set. Kyndal Stowers (11 kills on .450) and Logan Lednicky (9 kills on .208) have combined for 20 kills.

Pitt must win the next set to keep their playoff hopes alive. Olivia Babcock has a game-high 14 kills on .379 hitting.

2nd set: Pitt 15, Texas A&M 15

Pitt went on a 8-0 run to take a 15-11 run. Texas A&M responded with a 4-0 run to tie it up at 15-all.

1st set final: Texas A&M 29, Pitt 27

Texas A&M is picking up where they left off. The No. 3 Aggies took the tightly-contested first set against Pitt, which included seven lead changes and 16 ties. No team had led by more than three points in the first set.

The Aggies had a 24-22 lead. A kill from Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky was initially ruled in to give the Aggies the first set 25-23, but Pitt head coach Dan Fisher used a challenge and the call was reversed to keep Pitt in the set and tie it at 24-all. The Panthers fought off four set points and even earned a set point of their own, but Texas A&M was able to cash in on their fifth set point.

Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers is up to nine kills hitting .727 with no errors.

Pitt’s Olivia Babcock has seven kills hitting .353. Blaire Bayless added six kills hitting .545.

What is Kyndal Stowers wearing on her neck?

The sophomore outside hitter was forced to medically retire her freshman season with the Baylor Bears after suffering four concussions in a matter of months. After taking a season off, she eventually entered the transfer portal, joining head coach Jamie Morrison and the Aggies in College Station, Texas.

Stowers was happy to have a chance at playing volleyball again, but she knew the concerns about her concussions would surface. That’s when she decided to bring in reinforcement, as part of a reenvisioned approach to her health and recovery. While practicing and in games, Stowers wears a Q-Collar.

Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M underway

The first national semifinal matchup between Pittsburgh and Texas A&M is underway at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

When is Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball?

No. 1 Pitt (30-4) faces No. 3 Texas A&M (27-4) on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball: Channel, streaming

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
• Time: 6:30 p.m ET (5:30 p.m. CT)
• Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Channel: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN, Fubo

NCAA volleyball Final Four TV schedule

Both national semifinal matchups will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18:

• Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball: 6:30 p.m ET (5:30 p.m. CT) | ESPN
• Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball: 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT) | ESPN

Pittsburgh Panthers starting lineup

Head coach: Dan Fisher

• 3 Emery Dupes | L/DS 5-6 – Redshirt Senior
• 5 Olivia Babcock | RS 6-4 – Junior
• 8 Blaire Bayless | OH 6-2 – Junior
• 10 Marina Pezelj | OH 6-1 – Freshman
• 13 Mallorie Meyer | L/DS 5-7 – Sophomore
• 17 Brook Mosher | S 6-0 – Redshirt Senior
• 20 Abbey Emch | MB 6-4 – Freshman
• 21 Bre Kelley | MB 6-4 – Redshirt Senior

Texas A&M Aggies starting lineup

Head coach: Jamie Morrison

• 37 Kyndal Stowers | OH 5-11 – Sophomore
• 1 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla | MB 6-2 – Senior
• 2 Addi Applegate | L/DS 5-5 – Freshman
• 9 Logan Lednicky | OPP 6-3 – Senior
• 12 Ava Underwood | L/DS 5-7 – Senior
• 16 Maddie Waak | S 5-10 – Senior

Olivia Babcock stats

The 6-foot-4 right side hitter already won 2025 ACC player of the year for the second straight season after setting career highs in kills per set (5.11) and digs per set (2.11) this season. She set a new program record with 45 kills vs. North Carolina on Nov. 2.

Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers shares personal triumph after 4 concussions

KANSAS CITY, MO ― On any given day, Texas A&M outside hitter Kyndal Stowers brings three different versions of herself to the court.

One version is very relaxed. The goal is simple: get out on the court, win and leave. Another version of Stowers is more stealthy, unsuspecting. She wins, but the opponents never see it coming. Then, there’s the version that boldly claims victory and lets the opponent know all about it. Every version of Stowers has been seemingly influenced by her journey back to the volleyball court.

NCAA volleyball player of the year finalists

The 2025 AVCA Player of the Year shortlist was narrowed to four finalists on Monday: Pitt junior right side hitter Olivia Babcock, Wisconsin senior outside hitter Mimi Colyer, Kentucky senior outside hitter Eva Hudson and Nebraska junior setter Bergen Reilly.

The winner will be announced on Friday, Dec. 19, ahead of the national championship game on Sunday, Dec. 21 (ABC). Babcock, the reigning 2024 Player of the Year, could become the fifth player to win the award in back-to-back seasons and first since Stanford’s Kathryn Plummer in 2017-2018.

Pitt volleyball in Final Four: Can Panthers finally get over hump?

KANSAS CITY, MO ― Upon arriving at last year’s NCAA volleyball Final Four in Louisville, Kentucky, Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Dan Fisher received several commemorative Louisville Slugger bats.

Texas A&M’s Jamie Morrison wins coach of the year

Morrison, who is in his third season with the program, led the Aggies to a 27-4 regular-season record and a second-place finish in the SEC with a 14-1 conference record. Under his leadership, four Texas A&M players (Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Logan Lednicky, Maddie Waak, Kyndal Stowers) earned AVCA All-American honors this season. — Meghan Hall

NCAA volleyball transfer portal 2026

The 2025 NCAA women’s college volleyball tournament is down to the Final Four with Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Texas A&M advancing to the semifinals, but it’s never too early to look ahead to next season.

LOVB pro volleyball to add expansion franchise in San Francisco

On Thursday, the women’s professional indoor volleyball league announced it’s expanding to the Bay Area with the LOVB San Francisco franchise, bringing the total number of teams in the league to nine by 2027.

The second season will begin on Jan. 7, 2026, but the field of teams will expand from six to nine in 2027 during the league’s third season, with the addition of LOVB Los Angeles, LOVB Minnesota and LOVB San Francisco.

Who won NCAA volleyball championship 2024?

In 2024, Penn State hoisted their first NCAA national championship since 2014 after defeating No. 1 Louisville 25-23, 32-34, 25-20, 25-17 on Dec. 22, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Penn State coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley became the first woman head coach to win a Div. I volleyball championship in NCAA history. The Nittany Lions weren’t able to defend their title and were ousted in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament.

NCAA volleyball champions by year

• 2024: Penn State
• 2023: Texas
• 2022: Texas
• 2021: Wisconsin
• 2020: Kentucky
• 2019: Stanford
• 2018: Stanford
• 2017: Nebraska
• 2016: Stanford
• 2015: Nebraska
• 2014: Penn State
• 2013: Penn State
• 2012: Texas
• 2011: UCLA
• 2010: Penn State
• 2009: Penn State
• 2008: Penn State
• 2007: Penn State
• 2006: Nebraska
• 2005: Washington
• 2004: Stanford
• 2003: Southern California
• 2002: Southern California
• 2001: Stanford
• 2000: Nebraska
• 1999: Penn State
• 1998: Long Beach State
• 1997: Stanford
• 1996: Stanford
• 1995: Nebraska
• 1994: Stanford
• 1993: Long Beach State
• 1992: Stanford
• 1991: UCLA
• 1990: UCLA
• 1989: Long Beach State
• 1988: Texas
• 1987: Hawaii
• 1986: Pacific
• 1985: Pacific
• 1984: UCLA
• 1983: Hawaii
• 1982: Hawaii
• 1981: Southern California

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