MSU sophomore Malayah Long celebrates goal with teammates at Breslin Center during the MSU vs. Penn State Volleyball game in East Lansing, Mich., on Sunday, Sep. 27th, 2026.
After nearly a decade outside the national rankings, Michigan State volleyball is back to national prominence. The Spartans were ranked No. 22 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Top 25 Coaches Poll Monday afternoon, after three straight conference wins.
The Spartans' return comes after opening their season 13-1 and posting a 3-1 record in Big Ten play. MSU has won four of its last five games, with major wins against Penn State, UCLA and USC.
MSU’s sole loss came against No. 20 Washington on Sept. 25, its first conference game of the season. The Spartans bounced back two days later, upsetting No. 18 Penn State in four sets to take their first conference win of the season.
The Spartans' 13-1 record is their best start since 2013, when they started 17-1. Eight years ago, MSU was ranked No. 22 in the AVCA preseason poll released on Aug. 8, 2018.
The last time the Spartans were ranked in a regular-season poll was in 2017, when they came in at No. 12. That year, MSU advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight, where it finished No. 8 overall. It was the program's most recent NCAA Tournament appearance.
Ten Big Ten teams are ranked in the Week 6 AVCA poll.
For MSU, the ranking represents more than just individual success. It is about contributing to the culture of MSU Athletics.
“Being a Spartan means being something bigger than yourself,” head coach Kristen Kelsay said. “While I want our athletes to be successful for our program and for them, we also know that we want to be part of an athletic department and part of the Spartan family that is winning.”
That mentality has followed the team into its 2026 season as they look to build on their 13-1 start. The Spartans' next challenge comes at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 9, as they return to Breslin Center to host No. 13 Oregon. The match will stream live on Big Ten Plus.
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