The Kansas Jayhawks volleyball team kicked off their 2026 season with a challenging schedule, facing off against two of the top teams in the nation, the #4 Pittsburgh Panthers and the #5 Stanford Cardinal, at the Opening Spike Classic. Under the leadership of head coach Matt Ulmer, who is entering his second year, Kansas unfortunately fell short in both matches, leaving them with an early 0-2 record. While this start is not ideal, it does not necessarily reflect the team's potential for the season.
Despite the losses, Kansas remains ranked #16 in the nation, only dropping one spot from their preseason ranking. The Jayhawks managed to take a set from both Pittsburgh and Stanford, showcasing their competitive spirit and hinting at the talent within the squad. The early-season challenges are significant, but they also provide valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses.
Expectations for Kansas volleyball are notably high this season. The Jayhawks were picked to finish third in the Big 12 preseason coaches poll, trailing behind the defending champions, Arizona State, and TCU. Last year, Kansas finished with a commendable 24-11 record and made their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. In Ulmer's inaugural season, the team demonstrated resilience by advancing to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament after defeating High Point and Miami, before being eliminated by the undefeated #1-ranked Nebraska.
As Kansas embarks on the 2026 season, the focus is on maintaining their status as a competitive force in collegiate volleyball. The program has made five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and simply qualifying for the tournament has become a baseline expectation rather than the ultimate goal. Ulmer's tenure is marked by a commitment to building on the program's success, and he has a proven track record from his time at Oregon, where he led the team to seven NCAA Tournaments in eight seasons.
However, the Jayhawks face the challenge of replacing significant production lost from last year's roster. Key players such as Jovana Zelenovic and Rhian Swanson, who accounted for a combined 727 kills, are no longer with the team. Additionally, the departure of senior libero Ryan White, who led the team with 513 digs, and setter Katie Dalton, who recorded 780 assists, leaves gaps that need to be filled. Yet, Kansas does retain some crucial talent, including junior middle blocker Reese Ptacek, who was an honorable mention AVCA All-American and a first-team All-Big 12 selection last year.
A standout player to watch this season is freshman Taylor Stanley, who has already made a significant impact. Named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year, Stanley had an impressive debut, recording 15 kills against Pittsburgh and following it up with 21 kills against Stanford. Her ability to step into a primary offensive role is crucial for Kansas as they navigate the early part of the season. Alongside her, Ptacek is expected to provide stability and leadership, while sophomore setter Reese Messer, who transferred from USC, brings valuable experience and skill to the position.
As the Jayhawks look to rebound from their initial losses, they will have the opportunity to build confidence in upcoming matches against Lipscomb and Florida State before returning home to face Wichita State. These matches will be critical for Kansas to establish their rhythm and solidify their rotations before entering the more competitive phase of the season with Big 12 play beginning on September 25 against Houston.
The Big 12 race is shaping up to be competitive, with Arizona State and TCU leading the pack. Kansas aims to remain in contention for a top finish while adapting to their new lineup. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Jayhawks are poised to learn and grow from their early-season experiences, setting the stage for what could be another successful campaign in Lawrence.
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