Hailey
The Kansas Jayhawks volleyball team is set for an exciting 2025 season with a new head coach, national attention, and high expectations.
Under the leadership of Matt Ulmer, the Jayhawks will not only host four nationally televised home matches but will also appear eight times on national TV throughout the season.
This gives fans across the country the chance to watch the team in action and see their unique style of play.
A New Era for Kansas Volleyball
The 2025 season will mark the start of the Matt Ulmer era, beginning on August 23. ESPN and FOX recently released their national TV schedules for the Big 12 volleyball season, confirming that the Jayhawks will enjoy more national exposure than ever before.
Coach Matt Ulmer shared his excitement, saying:
“We want to play in big-time matches and environments. Exposing our team to national TV matches and allowing the country to see our style of play is exciting, and we’re very thankful.”
Full Schedule of National TV Matches
The Jayhawks’ four home nationally televised matches will be played at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. They will also play four other national TV games on the road, making a total of eight televised matches.
Home National TV Matches – 2025
| Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 26, 2025 | Arizona State | 7:00 PM | ESPNU |
| Sept. 28, 2025 | Arizona | 12:00 PM | ESPN |
| Oct. 22, 2025 | TCU | 6:00 PM | FS1 |
| Oct. 24, 2025 | Kansas State (Dillons Sunflower Showdown) | 8:00 PM | ESPNU |
Season Kickoff at the AVCA First Serve Tournament
The Jayhawks will start their season on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, facing Vanderbilt at 3:00 PM CT on FS1 in Lincoln, Nebraska. They will then play Penn State on Monday, Aug. 25, at 5:30 PM CT on Big Ten Network.
Tough Road Matches on National TV
After the First Serve Tournament, Kansas will travel to Madison, Wisconsin, for two challenging matches:
- Wisconsin – Aug. 29 (Big Ten Network)
- Creighton – Aug. 31 (Big Ten Network)
These early-season matches will be key in testing the Jayhawks against top national opponents.
Strong Preseason Ranking and Honors
The Big 12 Conference Preseason Poll ranked Kansas No. 2, giving them four first-place votes and 170 points in total.
The Jayhawks also received three Big 12 preseason individual honors:
- Cristin Cline – All-Big 12 Preseason Team
- Reese Ptacek – Unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection
- Jovana Zelenovic – All-Big 12 Preseason Team
National Recognition
The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) preseason poll placed Kansas at No. 14 for 2025. This follows a successful 2024 season, where the Jayhawks finished No. 12 in the final AVCA rankings and spent the entire season in the Top 25 for the second consecutive year.
Why This Season Matters
The 2025 season is not just about the number of televised matches—it’s about exposure, competition, and building momentum under a new coach. Playing in high-profile matches allows Kansas to:
- Attract more national attention
- Challenge themselves against top-ranked opponents
- Showcase their team spirit and playing style to a wider audience
The Kansas Jayhawks volleyball team is entering one of its most highly anticipated seasons in recent history. With a new head coach, multiple nationally televised games, and a strong preseason ranking, the Jayhawks are set to make a big impact in 2025.
Fans can expect thrilling home games, intense rivalries, and plenty of moments that will make this season unforgettable. Whether watching in person at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena or tuning in on TV, supporters will be part of a special journey for Kansas volleyball.