Pittsburgh women's volleyball has stormed to the top of the NCAA.com Power 10, jumping from sixth to first after an unbeaten opening week that included a win over a top-three opponent.

Texas, meanwhile, fell to ninth in the same rankings, compiled by NCAA.com analyst Michella Chester following the completion of Week 1 action.

Chester described the post-top-four portion of the list as the most difficult she has ever assembled, noting that teams produced wildly different results against quality competition.

Pitt's case rested on a 4-0 record and two victories over top-15 programs, one of which came against Kentucky, ranked third in the updated poll.

Pitt's Case for the Top Spot

Outside hitter Olivia Babcock posted double-digit kills in all four of Pitt's opening matches, and setter Izzy Starck drew specific praise from Chester for turning the Panthers' offense into something she described as limitless.

Chester added that Pitt's defensive performance was even more striking than the offensive output.

Nebraska remained the team Chester considered most complete overall, but Pitt's results gave the Panthers the edge for the week .

Nebraska and Kentucky Hold Firm

Nebraska dropped one spot to No. 2.

Chester noted that middle blocker Andi Jackson has already re-established herself among the country's best players and that exhibition results, played in best-of-three sets to 21 points, were factored only lightly given the format difference.

Kentucky stayed at No. 3 after Chester called the Wildcats' performance against Wisconsin unstoppable, crediting a fully healthy Brooklyn DeLeye as central to that dominance.

Stanford, SMU and Arizona State Round Out the Top Six

Stanford held at No. 4, with Chester pointing to the return of most of its production from the prior season and highlighting the emerging role of outside hitter Jordyn Harvey alongside standout Lizzy Andrew.

SMU rose from ninth to fifth on the strength of a sweep over Texas A&M and strong performances from opposite Suli Davis, middle blocker Gabi Placide, and outside hitter Favor Anyanwu, though Chester acknowledged the Mustangs were pushed harder than expected by UC Davis.

Arizona State entered the rankings at No. 6 after defeating Texas and Minnesota in the same week.

Opposite Una Vajagić averaged 5 points per set and was singled out alongside the expected contributor Noemie Glover.

Arizona State's only loss came to USC, a team Chester characterized as a strong program.

Wisconsin Stays In Despite Early Losses

Wisconsin landed at No. 7 despite three defeats to open the season.

Chester kept the Badgers in the top ten based on the roster's youth and what she assessed as a high ceiling for the program as it develops cohesion.

Texas, which fell to Arizona State among others, settled at No. 9 after beginning the year with higher expectations .

The Power 10 will be updated following Week 2 action as conference play begins to take shape.