Volleyball Takes Center Stage as Basketball Rosters Continue to Shift
By Jeff Beck | August 20, 2026
College athletics is moving into its fall rhythm this week, with women’s volleyball preparing for a nationally televised opening showcase, women’s soccer already producing early surprises and the transfer portal continuing to reshape basketball rosters.
Away from competition, athletic departments are also searching for new revenue streams as direct athlete compensation and rising operating costs transform the economics of college sports.
Volleyball opens with heavyweight showcase
The women’s volleyball season begins Friday with four prominent programs gathering at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee for the AVCA First Serve Showcase.
Defending national champion Texas A&M will face No. 7 Louisville at 6 p.m. Eastern, followed by a meeting between 2025 national runner-up Kentucky and Wisconsin. The event continues Sunday with Texas A&M playing SMU and Kentucky facing Pittsburgh.
The opening weekend offers an immediate measuring stick for several national-title contenders. ESPN says its 2026 coverage will include more than 2,400 matches, with 106 scheduled for its traditional television networks—the company’s largest women’s college volleyball package to date. The network will also carry the entire NCAA Tournament, culminating with the national championship match Dec. 20 in San Antonio. NCAA and ESPN Press Room
Women’s soccer season produces an early rankings shake-up
The opening week of women’s soccer has already altered the national picture.
Washington climbed to No. 3 in the latest coaches poll after opening 2-0, then maintained its unbeaten start with a 1-0 victory over San Diego State on Wednesday. Kansas rose to No. 12, while Alabama entered the poll at No. 18 following a 2-0 start.
Several traditional powers have encountered early resistance. UCLA fell to No. 20 after beginning 0-1-1, while Ohio State, Penn State, Clemson and Georgia all entered the week still searching for consistent winning form.
The schedule intensifies Thursday with No. 7 North Carolina visiting Arkansas. The Tar Heels began the season 2-0, while the Razorbacks entered the matchup at 0-1-1. United Soccer Coaches and Arkansas Athletics
Eligibility rulings create another basketball roster scramble
College basketball’s offseason movement is continuing unusually late as court decisions involving fifth-year eligibility create opportunities—and uncertainty—for veteran players.
Former Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler has committed to BYU after receiving another season of eligibility. Kohler averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds last season while shooting 39% from 3-point range. His combination of rebounding and perimeter shooting gives BYU another experienced piece for its Big 12 lineup.
AJ Storr, who previously played at St. John’s, Wisconsin, Kansas and Ole Miss, is reportedly headed to UNLV. Storr’s addition could provide the Rebels with an experienced scorer, but his extensive movement also illustrates how eligibility litigation and the transfer portal have changed conventional roster building.
Arizona transfer RJ Godfrey, meanwhile, reportedly faces a four-game NCAA suspension related to his participation in an exhibition event and an agreement with an agent. Godfrey has been traveling with Arizona during its European tour but has not played while his status is being finalized.
The Wildcats still recorded an encouraging result overseas, defeating the Ukrainian national team 107-85. Ivan Kharchenkov scored 24 points, Ugnius Jarusevicius added 20 and freshman Caleb Holt collected 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Women’s basketball portal remains active
The eligibility debate is affecting the women’s game as well.
Former Connecticut and Gonzaga guard Inês Bettencourt has re-entered the transfer portal while pursuing another season of eligibility. Her ability to play this fall could depend on continuing litigation and whether athletes receive an additional opportunity to enter the portal.
Elsewhere, Illinois players are making an impact in international competition. Aaliyah Guyton scored 18 points as Brazil defeated New Zealand 56-53 in an Olympic pre-qualifying tournament. Illini teammate Cearah Parchment contributed nine points, six rebounds and two blocks in only nine minutes during Canada’s 85-38 victory over the Philippines.
Schools search for revenue beyond tickets and television
The largest story surrounding college athletics may be unfolding away from the playing surface.
Division I athletic departments collectively generated nearly $20.5 billion during 2024, yet many prominent programs still reported operating losses. Schools are now exploring mixed-use entertainment districts, corporate uniform patches, facility naming agreements, concerts and public-private development partnerships.
Tennessee and Iowa State are among the universities pursuing entertainment developments designed to make athletic facilities productive throughout the year rather than only on game days. Washington has borrowed against future media revenue while examining sponsorships and spending reductions.
Other schools are changing their organizational structures. Kentucky has moved its athletic operations into a limited-liability company, while Louisville and several other universities have established affiliated nonprofit groups intended to pursue commercial projects with greater flexibility.
The changes underscore the central tension in modern college sports: athletic departments are collecting more money than ever, but direct athlete payments, facility demands, staffing expenses and competitive pressure are pushing costs upward just as quickly. Associated Press
For athletes and fans, the coming days will shift attention back toward competition. Volleyball’s high-profile opening weekend and a growing women’s soccer schedule will provide the first sustained wave of fall action, while basketball programs continue assembling rosters under rules that remain far from settled.
