The Minnesota Golden Gophers volleyball team has been ranked 14th in the AVCA Preseason Poll for the 2026 season. This marks the 11th consecutive year the team has featured in the preseason rankings and the 25th time in the last 27 years. Under new head coach Keegan Cook, the Gophers finished with a 17-13 record last year, winning an NCAA Tournament match before getting eliminated in the Round of 32. Despite a strong season, they finished unranked for the first time since 2014. This season, they are set to play nine matches against top-25 opponents, beginning with No. 12 Arizona State and No. 13 Creighton.

By the Numbers
  • Gophers ranked 14th in the AVCA Preseason Poll for 2026.
  • Last season鈥檚 record: 17-13 (12-8 Big Ten).
  • Eight Big Ten teams are ranked in the preseason, with four in the top 10.
Yes, But

While the Gophers have a strong history in the AVCA polls, their unranked finish last season after falling to Creighton poses questions about their competitiveness this year, especially in advance of facing several top-ranked teams.

State of Play
  • Gophers scheduled matches against No. 2 Texas and Iowa State in exhibition games.
  • Season opener against No. 12 Arizona State is set for August 28 at the Sanford Pentagon.
  • Picked to finish fifth in the Big Ten Preseason poll, trailing Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin.
What's Next

As the season gets underway, the Gophers will face tough competition early on, which could be pivotal for establishing their standing in the Big Ten and nationally. Continued improvement under Cook could see the team rebound from last year's challenges.

Bottom Line

The Gophers' return to the AVCA Preseason Poll reaffirms their historical standing, but performing against elite competition will be crucial for reshaping their trajectory this season and restoring their ranking after a disappointing finish last year.