SEC Volleyball: Heavyweight 25′ Clash Set Sunday In Austin

The Longhorns have a key upcoming challenge is their match against number nine ranked Texas A&M on Friday, October 31, 2025. This is a historical rivalry match that will be played in College Station. 

Rivalry Re-emerges With National Implications

The rivalry between these volleyball powerhouses is long-standing, with Texas holding a 14-4 all-time series advantage. The most memorable recent matchup was the 2020 NCAA National Championship, where Kentucky upset Texas for its first-ever title. Now, with both teams in the same conference, this on-court battle takes on even greater significance.

Top-tier Talent On Full Display

This matchup features some of the nation’s best players. Keep an eye on Texas’s Torrey Stafford, a 2024 AVCA All-American who was named to the 2025 AVCA National Player of the Year watch list. Freshman standout Abby Vander Wal, who plays outside hitter, was ranked as the #2 overall recruit for 2025 and is a key player in the starting lineup.

Kentucky’s Brooklyn DeLeye, the 2024 the SEC Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year in 2023. Has been one of the best players in the country this season. Freshman Kassie O’Brien has recently won multiple SEC awards for Kentucky volleyball, including the overall Player of the Week and Setter of the Week on October 27, 2025. She also has received the SEC Freshman of the Week award multiple times.

A Clash Of Titans For SEC Volleyball

This game is a significant test for both teams. Kentucky, the preseason favorite to win the SEC, will have a chance to prove they can still hang with the best in the league. Texas, after moving from the Big 12, can solidify its status as the team to beat for SEC volleyball. This high-stakes match will likely serve as a preview of the SEC Tournament and showcase which team has the inside track on the regular-season crown.

Both teams having their sights set on a national title run in Kansas City in December. This match represents a passing of the torch or a confirmation of Kentucky’s enduring SEC volleyball dominance. One team will leave the floor with a major statement win, while the other will be left with a major obstacle in their path to a title

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