With the Big Ten Championship and byes in the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament still up for grabs, we have a handful of matches on this weekend’s slate that are pivotal to the top team’s title hopes and postseason aspirations. Take a look.
Title Implications in the Pacific Northwest
We’ll have a first vs. third-place matchup in Eugene when No. 1 Nebraska (first, 12-0 B1G) takes on No. 12 Oregon (third, 10-2 B1G). The Saturday night showdown will feature two of the Big Ten’s most potent offenses; the Huskers and Ducks lead the league in kills per set, averaging 14.35 and 14.30, respectively. Nebraska’s attack — powered by the likes of Andi Jackson and Manala Ogbechie — is more efficient. But Ducks Alanah Clemente and Sjakkie Donkers can’t be underestimated. The duo averages a combined 7.14 kills per set and has led Oregon to victories in 10 of the last 11 matches and four ranked wins this season; the Ducks also boast a 10-0 record at home. Our eyes will be on this one on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
The Huskers will turn around and do it again against No. 18 Washington (t-fifth, 8-4 B1G). The Huskies have pulled off a couple surprises already this season, triumphing over then-No. 6 Wisconsin and No. 10 Purdue on the road. We’ll see if they can get it done in Seattle on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
There’s an outside shot that Nebraska could clinch the Big Ten Championship over the weekend, pending their performance as well as the outcomes in Penn State’s, Wisconsin’s, and Oregon’s contests this weekend.
Penn State vs. Minnesota, Wisconsin
There are two more battles near the top of the table this weekend. No. 11 Penn State (fourth, 9-3 B1G) hits the road to take on both No. 19 Minnesota (t-fifth, 8-4 B1G) and No. 7 Wisconsin (second, 11-2 B1G) with byes and double byes in the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament hanging in the balance. The league’s top four finishers all advance straight to the inaugural contest’s quarterfinals, making these possible make-or-break matches for their tournament championship hopes.
Kennedy Martin continues to be the driving force for the Nittany Lions, leading the Big Ten in kills per set (4.58) and points per set (5.32). Paired with the playmaking of Alexis Stucky (10.44 assists/set, ninth B1G) and net presence from Gabrielle Nichols (1.35 blocks/set, second B1G), Penn State packs a lethal punch on offense.
They’ll need their stars to show out against Mckenna Wucherer (4.33 kills/set, second B1G) and a Minnesota attack that ranks in the Big Ten’s top five in points, hitting percentage, and aces. Sames goes for their bout with a battle-tested Badgers squad that has an offensive arsenal of its own. Setter Charlie Fuerbringer (11.26 assists/set, second B1G) has plenty of options at her disposal, including 17-year-old breakout star Decelise Champion, who’s fourth in the league in points per set (4.38).
Every match matters now that we’re in the home stretch of the race for a Big Ten title. Check out the full schedule.
Your next chance to witness Big Ten history is coming up — single-session tickets for the 2026 Big Ten Volleyball Tournament go on sale at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 10. Get notified when they’re available.