SEC Volleyball: Opening Week Predictions

Conference play is finally here. After weeks of non-conference tune-ups, SEC volleyball now shifts into its most action-packed stretch yet. This week’s slate features heated rivalries, tough road tests, and the first real look at who might separate themselves in the SEC race. These opening games could set the tone for the weeks ahead. Here’s how I see 5 matchups this week playing out.

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South Carolina at Kentucky (Sept. 24th)

Kentucky enters conference play with major momentum after upsetting No. 3 Louisville in 5 sets on Thursday night, and they’ll look to keep that energy rolling in front of a home crowd. South Carolina has shown it can compete against ranked opponents, but will it be enough to slow down the momentum of key Wildcats like Eva Hudson or Brooklyn DeLeye? 

Prediction: Kentucky in four sets 

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Missouri at Texas A&M (Sept. 24th) 

Missouri enters SEC play off a strong non-conference showing with an 8-3 record and will be looking to make an early conference statement on the road. The Tigers’ defense, led by libero Maya Sands, last week's co-Defensive Player of the Week, will be tested by Texas A&M’s powerful trio of seniors: setter Maddie Waak,  middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, and outside hitter Emily Hellmuth.

Prediction: Texas A&M in five sets

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Vanderbilt at Texas (Sept. 24th) 

Vanderbilt volleyball, newly reinstated for the 2025 season, opens SEC play with a tough matchup on the road against powerhouse Texas. The Commodores will be looking to find their footing, but the Longhorns’ experienced duo of Torrey Stafford and Ella Swindle paired with freshman standout Cari Spears is likely to carry Texas to a 3-0 victory.

Prediction: Texas in 3 sets 

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Alabama at Auburn (Sept. 25th) 

The Iron Bowl rivalry takes the court as Auburn hosts Alabama in a match loaded with emotion. Auburn has leaned on the scoring duo of outside hitters Lauren Dreves and Liz Markovska who have shown consistency in pre conference matches. Alabama counters with two effective outside hitters of their own in Victoria Barrett and Sophie Agee, but Auburn’s defensive balance and depth may prove too much at home.

Prediction: Auburn in 4 sets

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Florida at Mississippi State (Sept. 26)

Mississippi State rolls into SEC play with serious momentum, finishing non-conference play with a perfect 10-0. Freshman outside hitter Lindsey Mangelson leads the SEC in average kills per set heading into conference play, while sophomore libero Mckenna Yates has been a steady anchor for the Bulldogs’ defense. Florida, meanwhile, showed in pre-conference play that they can hang in tight matches against tough opponents. With a 5-4 standing the Gators’ are looking for an early win to prove they deserve to remain ranked. Outside hitter Jordyn Byrd has shown career highs early into this season and is likely, when paired with middle blocker Jaela Auguste, to produce a legitimate threat to challenge the Bulldog’s undefeated start.

Prediction: Florida in 4 sets