LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Washburn volleyball begins the 2026 season ranked No. 8 nationally in the American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason poll released by the organization on Monday afternoon.  

The Ichabods, who ended the 2025 season ranked No. 8 in the nation as well, went 27-5 last season. They reached the NCAA Central Region Semifinals and were ranked nationally in every poll a season ago, reaching as high as No. 2. 

Washburn received 793 total points in the poll. Leading the poll is last season's national runner-up Concordia-St. Paul with 1,142 points and 18 first-place votes. Tampa sits at No. 2 with 10 first-place votes and the defending national champions MSU Denver ranks third with 18 first-place nods. Point Loma and St. Cloud State round out the top-five respectively. Barry sits at No. 6 and got the final first-place vote.  

Around the MIAA, Nebraska Kearney ranks No. 7 in the nation with Central Oklahoma at No. 12 and Missouri Western is tied for 16th in the first poll. Central Missouri and Emporia State are each receiving votes.  

The Ichabods begin the 2026 season at the Washburn Invitational on August 27 facing Oklahoma Christian in Lee Arena at 6 p.m.