1. No. 2 Texas (15–1)

The Longhorns avoided what probably would have been the biggest upset in college volleyball by beating Texas Tech after losing the first set last Wednesday. After what should be a win against Kansas State, Texas will probably see some resistance from Baylor on Saturday.

2. No. 8 Iowa State (14-3)

Convincing wins against Texas A&M and Kansas State have given Iowa State its swagger back. The Cyclones return home for the first time in two matches to take on Kansas, who they easily handled first time around. The Cyclones certainly have the momentum to win out and seal a second-place finish in the Big 12.

3. No. 9 Nebraska (12-4)

The Huskers are coming off of a sweep against A&M and are looking the strongest they have been all season. Their Wednesday match with Baylor should be their last true test of the season. If Nebraska can get past the Bears, it’ll force Iowa State to keep winning in order to preserve its small lead for second in the Big 12.

4. Oklahoma (11-6)

Although they got swept by Missouri last week, the Sooners have been showing that they are capable of playing with the big dogs. A win against A&M on Wednesday is crucial to their conference standing as they face Texas and Iowa State in their two final matches.

5. No. 24 Baylor (10-7)

The Bears somehow kept their national ranking despite losing 3-1 to Kansas on Saturday. They could slip even farther down the Big 12 ladder if they lose to Nebraska on Wednesday and Oklahoma picks up a win against A&M at home. After being as high as third in the conference standings, the Bears are in danger of slipping to sixth.

6. Missouri (8-8)

After playing Texas Tech on Wednesday, the Tigers will not have an easy road for the rest of the season. However, they are riding a two-match win streak with a sweep of Oklahoma and a 3-1 win against Colorado. If there is any time for the Tigers to show they’re worthy of the top half of the Big 12, it’s the next two weeks.

7. Kansas (7-9)

The Jayhawks might have a hot hand after beating Baylor 3-1 on Saturday. However, a midweek trip to Ames might cool them off a bit. The Jayhawks were dominated in the previous meeting with Iowa State, being swept and out-blocked 13-2.

8. Texas A&M (7-9)

The Aggies had a pretty tough week, getting swept by Iowa State and Nebraska in back-to-back matches. With Missouri and Texas Tech coming up, A&M should be able to get back in the win column and shoot its Big 12 record back to .500 before the final week of the season.

9. Kansas State (4-12)

After getting swept in its last two matches, expect Texas to make it three on Wednesday. They get a shot at a win when they take on Colorado on Saturday in Manhattan, but will be thrown right back into the fire against Nebraska next week.

10. Colorado (2-15)

Last week they took a set from Missouri, and that’s about it. With a day off this Wednesday, the Buffs will head to Manhattan for what is most likely going to be a barnburner with nothing but dignity on the line.

11. Texas Tech (0-16)

The Red Raiders might as well have celebrated like it was their first victory when they somehow took a set from Texas last Wednesday in Austin. The magic didn’t last long, however, as they were swept by Oklahoma at home on Saturday.