Hailey
The Kansas Jayhawks volleyball team is heading into another exciting matchup with confidence.
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks (6-4) will face the Wichita State Shockers (6-2) at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita. The match begins at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
This is more than just a regular game. It’s an in-state rivalry where pride, history, and preparation all come together. Kansas has been dominating the series for years, but Wichita State has been strong this season and will not go down easily.
Head-To-Head Record
Kansas holds a clear advantage over Wichita State when looking at their past meetings.
Kansas vs. Wichita State Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| All-Time Series | Kansas leads 45–13 |
| Last 9 Meetings | Kansas won 8 |
| Last 12 Games in Wichita | Kansas leads 8–4 |
This shows that the Jayhawks have had the upper hand, especially in recent years.
Kansas Jayhawks’ Recent Performance
The Jayhawks are entering this game with strong momentum after an excellent weekend at the Coyote Invitational.
- Kansas swept Florida Gulf Coast, Green Bay, and South Dakota in straight sets.
- It was the first time this season they won every match without dropping a single set.
- Earlier in the season, Kansas had to battle through four straight five-set matches, so this improvement is a big confidence boost.
Coach Matt Ulmer praised the team’s progress and noted that facing Wichita State will be a tough but valuable test as they get ready for Big 12 Conference play.
Key Players To Watch
Rhian Swanson – Senior Outside Hitter
- Leads the team with 127 kills this season
- Averages 3.53 kills per set
- Has scored double-digit kills in 7 of 9 matches
- Reached a season-high 22 kills against Purdue
Reese Ptacek – Sophomore Middle Blocker
- Ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 with 44 total blocks
- Strong defensive presence at the net
Ryan White – Senior Libero
- Leads the defense with 147 digs
- Averages 3.5 digs per set
- Key player in controlling the back row
These three players have been vital to Kansas’ success, balancing strong attack with solid defense.
Team Strengths
The Jayhawks are not just winning—they are among the top teams in the country in key stats:
- 542 kills → 3rd nationally, 1st in the Big 12
- 502 assists → 4th nationally, 1st in the Big 12
- 99 blocks → 6th nationally
This balance between offense and defense makes Kansas a tough team for any opponent.
What’s Next for Kansas
Once the Jayhawks finish their battle with Wichita State, they will head to the Omaha Tournament, where they will face:
- Omaha
- South Florida
- No. 18 Creighton (their second meeting this season)
These matches will further prepare Kansas before entering Big 12 play, which will bring even tougher competition.
The upcoming volleyball match between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Wichita State Shockers promises excitement, energy, and rivalry. Kansas has history on their side, winning most of the recent meetings, and they are riding high after dominating the Coyote Invitational.
With stars like Rhian Swanson, Reese Ptacek, and Ryan White, the Jayhawks are aiming to keep their momentum alive. Wichita State, however, will try to use their home advantage to break Kansas’ rhythm.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ or follow along on @KUVolleyball on X (Twitter). No matter the outcome, this is set to be a thrilling battle between two strong teams from Kansas.