NPI Rankings | NPI Homepage

INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA released its first power index (NPI) rankings of the 2026 volleyball season Monday morning, and Mines debuted as the second-ranked team in the South Central Region while sitting 15th overall.
 
The NCAA Power Index, or NPI, is a ranking system used to evaluate team performance. It is taking the place of Regional Advisory Committees (RACs), which previously determined regional rankings and championship selection. The RACs were comprised of coaches and administrators of member schools within each region. The NPI is new this year to Division II, while Division III has been using NPI since the 2024-25 academic year.
 
The formula considers match results and the strength of opponents to calculate a team's NPI value and ranking. Calculations update throughout the season as teams play additional contests and opponent values change. A team's final NPI is not determined until the final games and rankings of the season are complete. The primary purpose is to compare teams for rankings and NCAA championship selection. Once automatic qualifiers are determined, remaining teams are considered for at-large selection based on NPI ranking until the championship field is filled. More information about the NPI system, calculations and records and dials can be found here.
 
Monday's preliminary rankings for the South Central Region featured Angelo State from the Lone Star Conference (LSC) in first, Mines in second, Colorado Mesa third, Dallas Baptist fourth, MSU Denver fifth, UT Tyler sixth, UCCS seventh, and South Dakota Mines eighth. As referenced above, the winners of the RMAC and LSC tournaments will earn automatic qualification with six more selected from the NPI rankings as at-large teams. Currently, St. Edward's and West Texas A&M are on the outside looking in at ninth and 10th.
 
The next NPI rankings for volleyball will be published Oct. 26 and then Nov. 2. After Nov. 2, rankings will be updated daily. Meanwhile, Mines volleyball is back in action this Thursday and Saturday as the Orediggers' host Colorado Mesa and Westminster in the RMAC Power Pod.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines volleyball on "X" (formerly Twitter) at @MinesVolleyball and on Instagram at @mines.volleyball. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, "X" and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.