Pac-12 Conference

Washington State Cougars

Washington State

Women's Volleyball

Big Ten

Washington State Cougars Women's Volleyball team

Washington St. at Washington | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Box Score

Seattle, WA

Washington Huskies

Washington Huskies Women's Volleyball team

2026-09-13 | Women's Volleyball | Washington State Cougars vs Washington Huskies | #234874 | COMPLETE

Big Ten Conference

Washington

Washington St. at Washington | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (h7hyID4UNS0)

Oregon State Beavers

Oregon State

Oregon State Beavers Women's Volleyball team

Oregon St. at USC | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Los Angeles, CA

USC Trojans

USC Trojans Women's Volleyball team

2026-09-13 | Women's Volleyball | Oregon State Beavers vs USC Trojans | #232036 | COMPLETE

Southern California

Oregon St. at USC | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (ZZYEOSUkhgE)

Big East Conference

Marquette Golden Eagles

Marquette

Marquette Golden Eagles Women's Volleyball team

Marquette at Illinois | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Champaign, IL

West

Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois Fighting Illini Women's Volleyball team

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Illinois

Marquette at Illinois | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (cYm_JuYF8WE)

Horizon League

Green Bay Phoenix

Green Bay

Green Bay Phoenix Women's Volleyball team

Green Bay at Northwestern | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Evanston, IL

Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern Wildcats Women's Volleyball team

2026-09-13 | Women's Volleyball | Green Bay Phoenix vs Northwestern Wildcats | #228692 | COMPLETE

Northwestern

Green Bay at Northwestern | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (L1nL9SWTiy8)

Penguins

Youngstown State

Youngstown St. Penguins Women's Volleyball team

Youngstown St. at Ohio State | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Columbus, OH

East

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball team

2026-09-13 | Women's Volleyball | Penguins vs Ohio State Buckeyes | #223373 | COMPLETE

Ohio State

Youngstown St. at Ohio State | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (1lClw-yoTIY)

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State

Penn State Nittany Lions Women's Volleyball team

Who Is Your Go-To Seat Buddy on an Away Trip? | Penn State Volleyball

Who Is Your Go-To Seat Buddy on an Away Trip? | Penn State Volleyball (lHdCyam9bx8)

Naomy Govou Kills | Ohio State Women's Volleyball

Naomy Govou Kills | Ohio State Women's Volleyball (SQNun3CQrtU)

Naomy Govou Kill vs. Youngstown St. | Ohio State Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Naomy Govou Kill vs. Youngstown St. | Ohio State Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (0fiXIHzrVhY)

Top Plays: Simona Mateska vs. Washington St. | Washington Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Top Plays: Simona Mateska vs. Washington St. | Washington Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (fdHfO2TaGhY)

Top Plays: Alyssa Aguayo vs. Marquette | Illinois Volleyball | 09/13/2026

Top Plays: Alyssa Aguayo vs. Marquette | Illinois Volleyball | 09/13/2026 (raXhCieWdZ0)

Purdue Volleyball

Purdue

Tweet 2099909610346102892

Purdue Volleyball(41114541)

Penn State Women’s Volleyball

𝐼𝓃-𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒷𝒶𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝒶𝓉 𝑅𝑒𝒸 𝐻𝒶𝓁𝓁

🆚 Villanova
📍 Rec Hall
⌚️ 7 p.m.
📺 @FS1 
📊 https://t.co/L8wCCUTI9w
🎟️ https://t.co/wXkIIMfMBP

#WeAre https://t.co/rBkyAfDx5g

Tweet 2099894341435076782

Penn State Women’s Volleyball(38030330)

Wisconsin Volleyball

Wisconsin

Wear White on Thursday Badger fans! https://t.co/B4yBdarxte

Tweet 2099891343594033395

Wisconsin Volleyball(31512987)

The Cinematic Recap vs. SMU.📽️ 🍿 https://t.co/TPi3ucCYZB

Tweet 2099867592852656170

Iowa Volleyball

Iowa

Celebrating Kenzie today! Have the best birthday! 🎉💛 https://t.co/7p4Zme1eEr

Tweet 2099860881223889250

Iowa Volleyball(47741202)

.@RyanMcAleer_'s passing has been on 📌 

Last four matches (12 sets):
✅ 51 receptions
💥 38 digs
🔥 Just one reception error https://t.co/BB099urloI

Tweet 2099837384917749921

Oregon Women's Volleyball

Oregon

Back Under the 𝐎 at MKA🦆

Thursday vs Portland State - 6 p.m.
Sunday vs Oregon State - 1 p.m.

🎟️ https://t.co/hd0h7qbt3Q

Final week of non-conference play. #GoDucks https://t.co/UR41C8019Z

Tweet 2099633070207070719

Stepping up in Paradise. 📊🌴 https://t.co/RjVNmnOgyG

Tweet 2099630521428893870

Minnesota Volleyball

Minnesota

@PNCBank showing us some awesome hits from an awesome weekend 🤩〽️ https://t.co/afW8ZxytTF

Tweet 2099615779213681113

Minnesota Volleyball(49665751)

In-state battle up next 😤

Notes: Drake
📒 https://t.co/WcHCcoPgME https://t.co/a8ueKnapQ9

Tweet 2099614551708766644

<div class="payload-richtext">Player of the Week  Manaia Ogbechie, Nebraska  So. – MB – Santa Rosa Valley, Calif.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Led the No. 1 Huskers to a 3-0 week, totaling 33 kills on 53 swings, hitting .547 and recording 3.30 kills per set  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Tallied nine kills on .538 hitting with five blocks against New Mexico </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Posted a career-high 12 kills on .571 hitting with two blocks vs. No. 20 Baylor  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Matched her career-high with 12 kills on .526 hitting and five blocks in Nebraska’s win against Georgia Tech </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Last Nebraska Player of the Week: Andi Jackson (Nov. 10, 2025) </li></ul>Defensive Player of the Week  Dior Charles, Purdue  Sr. - MB – Los Angeles, Calif.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Ranked second in the Big Ten last week averaging 1.88 blocks/set in Purdue’s 3-0 week, which included a Paradise Invitational title in the Bahamas and a trio of sweeps </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Helped hold opponents to .147 average hitting percentage, leading the blocking effort that saw Purdue lead the Big Ten last week in team blocks per set (3.22) </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Totaled 15 blocks across three matches, including five vs. No. 8 SMU to give the Boilermakers their first top 10 win of the season </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Purdue Defensive Player of the Week: Ryan McAleer (Oct. 6, 2025) </li></ul>Setter of the Week  Teodora Kričković, Indiana  So. – S – Novi Sad, Serbia <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Led Indiana to a 3-0 week, which included a pair of sweeps  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Averaged 11.60 assists per set in three wins, adding 11 kills, 18 digs, six blocks and five aces </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Set the Hoosiers to a combined .338 hitting percentage, which included a season-high .391 against Eastern Illinois. With Kričković leading the offense, all five of Indiana’s primary hitters had at least five kills in each match  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Indiana Setter of the Week: Teodora Kričković (Sept. 8, 2025) </li></ul>Freshman of the Week  Haley Burgdorf, Penn State  OH – St. Charles, Ill.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Hit .463 while averaging 2.67 kills per set and 1.67 digs per set in Penn State’s sweeps over DePaul, No. 4 Stanford and Ohio </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Hit .450 with 10 kills, nine digs and two aces against the nationally ranked Cardinal, scoring match point on her second ace of the evening </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Hit .545 with eight kills and five digs in the win against DePaul, adding six kills (.400 hitting) against Ohio </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Penn State Freshman of the Week: Caroline Jurevicius (Dec. 2, 2024) </li></ul>2026 Big Ten Players of the Week  Aug. 31  P: Marianna Singletary, Fifth-Year, UCLA  D: Maija Howse, So., WASH  S: Bergen Reilly, Sr., NEB  F:  Kylie Kleckner, WASH  Sept. 7  P: Mckenna Wucherer, Fifth-Year, MINN  D: Anna Bardaro, Fr., WIS  S: Marina Crownover, Fifth-Year, ORE  F: Meredith Martin, MICH  Sept. 14  P: Manaia Ogbechie, So., NEB  D: Dior Charles, Sr., PUR  S: Teodora Kričković, So., IND  F: Haley Burgdorf, PSU </div>

VB Weekly Awards - 9.14

B1G_News_Feed_Logo.svg

Nebraska

Indiana

Indiana, Nebraska, Penn State and Purdue Share Big Ten Volleyball Weekly Awards 

<div class="payload-richtext">Iconic venues and marquee matchups took center stage in Big Ten volleyball country. Highlighting a big weekend, No. 12 Penn State conquered the Palestra while No. 1 Nebraska defended home court in its new-look venue. <h2>Penn State Sweeps No. 4 Stanford in Philly </h2>In its first match at The Palestra in 41 years, No. 12 Penn State delivered one of its biggest wins of the season, sweeping No. 4 Stanford (27-25, 25-20, 25-21) on Friday night. Freshman star Haley Burgdorf fueled the win, hitting .450 with 10 kills, nine digs, and two aces. Double-doubles from Kennedy Martin and Alexis Stucky, plus 11 kills from Whitney Lauenstein, capped off a dominant team performance. The Nittany Lions held Stanford to just a .206 hitting percentage in the win. <a href="https://gopsusports.com/news/2026/09/12/no-12-womens-volleyball-sweeps-no-4-stanford-at-the-palestra" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Read Penn State’s full recap here.
 </a> <h2>Wisconsin Downs Defending Champs in Texas </h2>Coming off a flawless 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, No. 6 Wisconsin outlasted defending champion No. 19 Texas A&M in a five-set clash on Friday in College Station. Charlie Fuerbringer notched her 21st career double-double with 43 assists, 19 digs, and a career-high eight kills, anchoring a Wisconsin defense that recorded a season-high 17 blocks. When the Aggies jumped to an early lead in the fifth set, the Badgers didn't flinch. Senior Eva Travis sparked the comeback with consecutive kills, and freshman Anna Bardaro dropped in a clutch ace to snatch the lead before Wisconsin rattled off three straight points to seal the win. <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2026/9/11/volleyball-no-6-badgers-outlast-no-19-texas-am-in-five-sets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Read more about the Badgers here.
 </a> In the finale of their Lone Star State tour, the Badgers fell to No. 9 Texas on Sunday, 3-1. <h2>New Look, Same Dominance: No. 1 Nebraska Sweeps Renovated Home Openers </h2>No. 1 Nebraska kicked off a new era in Lincoln, opening the newly renovated John Cook Arena with wins over New Mexico, No. 20 Baylor and Georgia Tech. After <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2026/09/10/no-1-huskers-roll-to-sweep-in-home-opener" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 sweeping New Mexico
 </a> Thursday, the top-ranked Huskers swept Baylor on Friday (25-20, 25-22, 26-24), driven by 12 kills from Harper Murray, 41 assists from Bergen Reilly, and 13 digs apiece from Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch (season highs for each). On Saturday, Georgia Tech stole the opening frame — Nebraska’s first set loss of the season — before the Husker defense took complete control. Nebraska stormed back for a 3-1 victory while holding the Yellow Jackets to a staggering .027 hitting percentage. Read about the Huskers’ wins against <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2026/09/11/no-1-huskers-prevail-in-top-20-tussle-with-baylor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Baylor
 </a> and <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2026/09/12/no-1-nebraska-battles-to-3-1-win-over-georgia-tech" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Georgia Tech.
 </a> Up next is an in-state rivalry clash with No. 15 Creighton on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Though the Bluejays lost 2025 Big East Player of the Year Ava Martin, Brian Rosen’s squad still packs plenty of punch with Trinity Shadd-Ceres, Ayden Ames, and Saige Damrow. The Huskers will look to extend their winning streak to eight and secure state bragging rights in front of a sold-out crowd. <h2>Purdue Sweeps SMU in Bahamas </h2>After making history as the <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/12/history-made-in-the-bahamas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 first team to win an NCAA volleyball match played outside the United States
 </a> with a win over Houston on Saturday, No. 14 Purdue defeated No. 8 SMU in straight sets (30-28, 25-23, 25-22) to be crowned the Paradise Invitational Champions. In the first ever NCAA volleyball tournament played internationally, three Boilermakers reached double-digit kills in the championship; Grace Heaney led with 12, along with seven digs and three assisted blocks. The victory extends Purdue’s streak to 12 consecutive seasons with a top-10 win. <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/13/champions-of-paradise" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 More from the Boilers.
 </a> The action does not slow down this week. Check out the <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 complete schedule here.
 </a>  Photo via <a href="https://gopsusports.com/news/2026/09/12/no-12-womens-volleyball-sweeps-no-4-stanford-at-the-palestra" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 gopsusports.com
 </a> </div>

Haley Burgdorf pumps her first after a point won by Penn State Volleyball

Big Venues, Bigger Wins: Ranked Programs Rolling

<div class="payload-richtext">Big Ten volleyball is in full swing after going 16-13 in the 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, capped off by an <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/article/60330/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 unforgettable night at Wrigley Field
 </a>. The action doesn’t slow down, with contenders bracing for an action-packed slate of non-conference clashes across the country.  With top-25 teams testing their mettle, here’s a preview of the biggest matches to watch this weekend. <h2>No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 12 Penn State </h2>Two volleyball titans collide at The Palestra in Philadelphia. No. 12 Penn State will rely on All-American hitter Kennedy Martin, who leads the team with 61 kills, to set the physical tone at the net. On the other side, No. 4 Stanford counters with fellow AVCA Player of the Year Watchlist member and middle blocker Lizzy Andrew, who leads the Cardinal with 28 blocks. Expect to see extended rallies and heavy reliance on transition scoring to decide tight late-set scenarios in this matchup. Watch on Friday at 6 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. <h2>No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 19 Texas A&M & No. 9 Texas </h2>No. 6 Wisconsin embarks on a demanding Lone Star State swing, visiting No. 19 Texas A&M in College Station before heading to Austin for a top-10 showdown against No. 9 Texas. Led by the playmaking of star setter Charlie Fuerbringer and the aggressiveness of freshman outside hitter Audrey Flanagan, the Badgers look to impose their attack against a physical Aggies squad hoping for its first 2026 win over a Big Ten opponent after losing to both Purdue and Indiana.  Then we’ll have an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight rematch in Wisconsin’s duel against the Longhorns. Last season, Fuerbringer’s 57 assists helped the Badgers eliminate Texas and advance to the national semifinals. She’ll have to get everyone involved to top a Longhorn squad that's sat with the sting of that loss since December. Watch the battle against the Aggies on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on SEC Network before the postseason rematch with Texas on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN. <h2>No. 20 Baylor vs. No. 1 Nebraska </h2>Top-ranked Nebraska welcomes No. 20 Baylor to Lincoln for the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEt0ZluNvQ/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 renovated Bob Devaney Sports Center’s
 </a> first ranked volleyball match of the season. The unanimous Big Ten favorite Cornhuskers boast a loaded lineup anchored by their senior trio of reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Bergen Reilly, outside hitter Harper Murray, and middle blocker Andi Jackson. Baylor brings a fast-tempo offense to Lincoln with star sophomore Ksenia Rakhmanchik, but disrupting No. 1 Nebraska on its home floor requires nearly flawless ball control from start to finish. The Huskers look to continue their perfect start against the Bears on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. <h2>No. 24 Oregon vs. No. 7 Arizona State </h2>West Coast powers clash in Tempe as No. 24 Oregon takes on No. 7 Arizona State in the Snyder-Park Classic. The Ducks are riding an undefeated start to the season at 5-0 and have yet to drop more than one set in a match. Oregon is powered by Valentina Vaulet and Alanah Clemente, who combined average over 6.5 kills per set. Now, the Ducks run into a Sun Devils squad that swept three straight matches until losing to UC Davis Thursday night. Arizona State is led by former Wisconsin Badger Una Vajagić and her 85 kills. We’ll see how the Ducks defense responds on Friday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+.<h2>No. 14 Purdue vs. No. 8 SMU / No. 3 Kentucky </h2>No. 14 Purdue travels to the Bahamas for the Paradise Invitational, where it will take on Houston on Saturday and a top-10 opponent in either No. 8 SMU or No. 3 Kentucky on Sunday. Purdue’s offensive firepower from Addy Tindall (73 kills) and steady net play behind Dior Charles (22 blocks) make the Boilers a tough matchup. We’ll see if they can pull off an upset against either SMU’s fast-paced front row or Kentucky’s high-octane offense. Tune in on Sunday at either 1 p.m. ET (ESPN) or 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2). <h2>No. 16 USC vs. No. 23 Colorado </h2>Former conference foes clash in Los Angeles at the Galen Center as USC hosts Colorado on Saturday. USC features redshirt junior London Wijay and sophomore Abigail Mullen, who are averaging a combined 6.77 kills per set through four matches. The Buffaloes are rolling at 6-0 behind a defense holding its opponents to a .139 hitting percentage and ranking sixth in the nation with 3.27 blocks per set. We’ll see if the Trojans can overpower it on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on B1G+. The action does not stop there — both Michigan and UCLA have the chance to pull off upsets. Check out the full schedule <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a>  Photo credit: <a href="https://goducks.com/news/2026/9/6/womens-volleyball-ducks-beat-wsu-improve-to-5-0">
 goducks.com
 </a></div>

Oregon Volleyball players huddle after winning a point

Heavy Hitters & High Stakes: Volleyball Matchups to Watch This Weekend 

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/">
 Big Ten Volleyball   
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/standings/">
  Big Ten Standings  
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/?seasonFilter=2024">
  Big Ten Composite Schedule
 </a><a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/stats/">
 Big Ten Statistics 
 </a>| <a href="https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings?sport_code=WVB&division=1">
  NCAA Statistics  
 </a> |<a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/09.09.26BigTenVBWeeklyRelease-2.pdf">
 Big Ten Weekly Release - Sept. 9 
 </a> <ul class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Eight Big Ten volleyball programs were among this week’s AVCA/TARAFLEX Top 25: #1 Nebraska, #6 Wisconsin, #12 Penn State, #13 Minnesota, #14 Purdue, #16 USC, #21 Indiana and #24 Oregon. Michigan and UCLA received votes in the poll.  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >The Big Ten won the inaugural Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, compiling a 16-13 record against SEC foes. No. 14 Purdue swept No. 12 Texas A&M, No. 5 Wisconsin rallied past No. 17 Florida in five sets, Michigan State swept both LSU and South Carolina, while No. 21 Indiana beat Georgia and the nationally ranked Aggies. Washington clinched the Challenge title for the conference with a four-set win against Oklahoma at the Sooners’ McCasland Field House.   </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Iowa swept Iowa State on Tuesday for its first win in Ames since 1994. It was the Hawkeyes’ first win over the Cyclones since 2021. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Michigan State earned its fifth-straight sweep and sixth-consecutive victory on Tuesday with a 3-0 win over Western Michigan. The Spartans have won 17-straight sets, their highest total since winning 23-straight sets during the 2018 season. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Oregon’s Marina Crownover became the program’s first Big Ten Setter of the Week, leading Oregon to a 3-0 week to improve to 5-0 on the season. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="6"
 >Michigan’s Ella Demetrician was named the Valpo Popcorn Classic MVP after recording double-doubles in both matches. She posted 13 kills, 16 digs and five blocks against Cincinnati before registering a career-high 21 kills with 16 digs and five blocks against Valparaiso.</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="7"
 >Minnesota’s Mckenna Wucherer earned her first career Big Ten Weekly Honor, being named Big Ten Player of the Week after she combined for 42 kills, averaging 5.25 kills per set and hit .350 in Minnesota’s pair of matches against Auburn (W, 3-1) and #17 Florida (L, 1-3).</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="8"
 >Nebraska at DePaul drew 8,786 fans to Wintrust Arena on Friday night, setting the single-match indoor attendance record in the state of Illinois for a women’s college volleyball match. Two days later, 43,067 fans filled Wrigley Field for Penn State vs. Kentucky and Nebraska vs. Missouri, becoming the second-largest attended volleyball event in Big Ten history. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="9"
 >Purdue will play in the first of its kind destination tournament in Nassau, Bahamas, for the Paradise Invitational, Sept. 11-13. The Boilermakers are set to make history as part of the first internationally played NCAA volleyball match, and the first collegiate volleyball match ever played in the Bahamas. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="10"
 >Wisconsin plays two more opponents in the Top 25 this week, visiting No. 19 Texas A&M and No. 9 Texas. Five of the Badgers’ six opponents so far this season have been among the Top 25, four of which were among the Top 10. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="11"
 >The Big Ten Conference will usher in a new era of collegiate volleyball this fall with the launch of its inaugural tournament November 20-25, 2026, at Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Ind. The top 15 teams in the regular-season standings will qualify for the tournament, bringing the nation’s premier volleyball programs together in one venue for the first time. Three matches will be played in the opening round of the tournament, followed by four second-round matches. The competition will then progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating with the championship match slated for November 25 on FOX. One off day will be built into the tournament schedule. The Big Ten regular-season schedule will decrease from 20 to 17 matches, in a single, round-robin format to account for the tournament.</li></ul></div>

Iowa VB

UCLA

Rutgers

Michigan State

Michigan

Maryland

Big Ten Weekly Volleyball Central - Sept. 9-15

<div class="payload-richtext">The Big Ten claimed bragging rights in the 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, asserting its prowess across the crossover showcase with a record of 16-13. Powered by gritty five-set thrillers and dominant sweeps, the conference displayed deep talent against some of the nation's top contenders.  We wouldn't have expected it all to end with Nebraska Volleyball leading a crowd of over 43,000 fans in belting Kelly Clarkson. But that's exactly what happened at Wrigley Field on Sunday, and boy, was it special. Let's take a look.<h2>Notable Challenge Week Wins </h2><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >No. 14 Purdue made a statement in West Lafayette, <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/1/shondell-dubbed-winningest-head-coach-of-all-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 sweeping No. 12 Texas A&M
 </a> behind Addy Tindall’s 16 kills before surviving a five-set thriller against Georgia <a href="https://x.com/B1GVolleyball/status/2095358462364389795" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 sealed by setter Taylor Anderson's clutch dump
 </a>. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >No. 5 Wisconsin rallied past No. 17 Florida in a heart-stopping 15-13 fifth set in front of a sold-out crowd — claiming its first UW Field House win of the season Later, the Badgers took care of business with a sweep of Auburn behind freshman Halle Thompson’s first career double-double. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Washington showcased early-season grit by fending off a ferocious comeback attempt from Ole Miss to secure a five-set victory. Then, the Huskies followed it up with a clutch performance on Friday over Oklahoma, clinching the challenge victory for the Big Ten and continuing their undefeated start to the season. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Michigan State swept both LSU and South Carolina in decisive fashion. <a href="https://x.com/B1GVolleyball/status/2095270472027910223" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Led by senior Alanna Bankston’s career-high 18 kills
 </a> against the Gamecocks, the Spartans never let the SEC balance the floor and are 5-0 overall for the second straight season. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >After defeating Georgia following pivotal kills from Jaidyn Jager and decisions from setter Teodora Krickovic, No. 21 Indiana surged behind <a href="https://x.com/B1GVolleyball/status/2095294025334923510" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Ella Boersema’s career-high 21-kill performance
 </a> to top the defending champion Aggies.  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="6"
 >No. 11 Minnesota bounced back against Auburn to pick up its second win of the season. <a href="https://x.com/B1GVolleyball/status/2095292282857464001" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Junior Stella Swenson had a nasty no-look kill
 </a> in the first set as the Gophers took control. </li></ul>All of that set the stage for Sunday and the first-ever volleyball matches at the Friendly Confines. <h2>"This turnout is absolutely incredible”: College Volleyball makes history, memories at Wrigley Field </h2>
 <img
 alt="Wrigley Field B1GSEC Volleyball Challenge aerial view 9-8-26.jpg"
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 Under a September sky and the lights of Wrigley Field, baseball gave way to history to cap off the 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week.  While No. 13 Penn State fell 3-1 to No. 3 Kentucky in the opener, the energy inside the Friendly Confines never wavered. Kids lined the railings holding signs that told the story of the night: “Is this heaven? No, it’s Big Ten volleyball at Wrigley Field!” One simply read, “This is the best day of my life.”
 <img
 alt="Kids hold up signs at Wrigley saying This is the best day of my life 9-8-26.jpg"
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 The weight of the moment wasn't lost on Penn State head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley. Returning to her hometown (where she previously coached UIC), the Chicago native marveled at the atmosphere. “Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. There’s a reason why it’s a great sports town,” Schumacher-Cawley said. “(It’s) nice to see a lot of people, a lot of Penn State alum and a lot of great volleyball fans.” 
 <img
 alt="Katie Schumacher Cawley at Wrigley Field 9-8-26.jpg"
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 After Schumacher-Cawley's Nittany Lions faced Kentucky, the spotlight shifted to No. 1 Nebraska's showdown with Missouri. The sea of Husker red roared throughout the starting lineups, its reverberations shaking the stadium after Harper Murray, Andi Jackson, and Bergen Reilly were announced over the speakers. When moisture forced the match to be suspended just a few rallies in, the young aspiring athletes, families, and volleyball fans in the crowd brought the lifeblood of sports culture into the ballpark. As staff used everything from towels to leaf blowers to dry the court, the players took the energy into their own hands, leading over 43,000 fans in serenading the stadium with a full-throated chorus of the Backstreet Boys' “I Want It That Way.” Hearing the first few notes of Justin Bieber’s “Baby”, Ryan Hunter took center stage for a dance off on the court, and the student-athletes' evident joy spread throughout the dancing crowd. The energy in the air at Wrigley, where tens of thousands of people gathered in one of the most historic venues in all of American sports, reminded us how the moments singing in the stands, dancing with teammates, and conga lining through the concourse—yes, really! —are often the stories we tell for the rest of our lives. 
 <img
 alt="Fans at the Wrigley VBCW 9-8-26.jpg"
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 When safety concerns ultimately called the match, Reilly, Murray, Jackson, and Laney Choboy came out to address the crowd.  "We’re so lucky we get to experience something like this,” Murray said. “We’re so sorry from the bottom of our hearts, but thank you guys for being the best fans in the country. Go Big Red — we love you.” “None of this would be possible without you [fans],” Reilly said. “We want to give you guys our all and we couldn’t do that tonight, so we’ll keep doing it the rest of this season. We love you all.” “Nothing that we do would be possible without all of you guys,” Choboy said. “You show up every single game, all the time, no matter where we’re playing, and we could not be more thankful for a fan base that is willing to do anything for us.” Jackson then hurried over to Mizzou on the other side of the court, leading the teams and fans alike in a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc_nlNJkcCA/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 sing-along of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”
 </a> It wasn't an ending written in the scorebook, but it was undoubtedly an inimitable, unforgettable night for volleyball fans at the Friendly Confines. Schumacher-Cawley put it best: "I think it's amazing for not only these four teams, but for women's volleyball and the city of Chicago." 
 <img
 alt="Nebraska volleyball singing at Wrigley Field 9-8-26.jpg"
 height="1080"
 src="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/Nebraska volleyball singing at Wrigley Field 9-8-26.jpg"
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 With the challenge victory clinched, the league turns its attention to the remainder of non-conference play before Big Ten matchups and, later, the <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/tournament/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament
 </a>. We’ve seen upsets, thrillers, and stars emerge already — and the season is just getting started. </div>

Nebraska Volleyball high fives at Wrigley 9.8.26

Lifelong Memories, History Made at Wrigley

<div class="payload-richtext">Player of the Week  Mckenna Wucherer, Minnesota  Fifth-Year – OH – Brookfield, Wis.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Combined for 42 kills, averaging 5.25 kills per set and hit .350 in Minnesota’s pair of matches against Auburn (W, 3-1) and #17 Florida (L, 1-3) </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Added six aces, 20 digs and five blocks on the week  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Tied a career-high with 21 kills to lead Minnesota to a 3-1 win (25-12, 21-25, 25-16, 26-24) over Auburn, also recording 21 kills against the nationally ranked Gators </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Against Auburn, her 21 kills was a match high, hitting .312 in 51 swings. Wucherer also produced a career-high four aces in the win, including two in the fourth set </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Wucherer earns her first career Big Ten weekly honor </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="6"
 >Last Minnesota Player of the Week: Julia Hanson (Sept. 1, 2025) </li></ul>Defensive Player of the Week  Anna Bardaro, Wisconsin   Fr. - DS/L – Montebelluna, Italy  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Recorded back-to-back, double-digit digs last week in Wisconsin’s pair of wins against No. 17 Florida and Auburn, averaging 4.50 digs per set </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Tied a career-best with 19 digs against Florida and followed-up with 17 digs in three sets against Auburn the next day </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Bardaro’s defensive efforts helped the Badgers limit the Auburn offense to a .196 hitting efficiency </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Week: Carter Booth (Sept. 22, 2025) </li></ul>Setter of the Week   Marina Crownover, Oregon  Fifth-Year – S – Austin, Texas <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Averaged 10.91 assists per set and 4.09 digs per set to go along with two double doubles in Oregon’s 3-0 week </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Dished out a season-high 48 assists, leading the Oregon offense to a .339 team hitting percentage, adding 11 digs, two aces and two blocks in a four-set win at Missouri  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Tallied 27 assists, eight digs and three aces as Oregon hit .277 in the sweep of Long Island </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Capped the week with 45 assists, 26 digs and six kills in a four-set win over Washington State  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Last Oregon Setter of the Week: Marina Crownover (Sept. 7, 2026) </li></ul> Freshman of the Week  Meredith Martin, Michigan  L – Northville, Mich. <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Recorded 74 digs during Michigan’s 3-1 week, earning Valpo Popcorn Classic All-Tournament team honors </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Averaged 4.63 digs per set in Michigan’s wins over LSU, Cincinnati and Valparaiso and five-set loss to South Carolina </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Recorded 20 digs for the first time in her career in the sweep over Cincinnati, adding 21 assists, three aces and her first two career kills </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Michigan Freshman of the Week: May Pertofsky (Oct. 7, 2019) </li></ul>2026 Big Ten Players of the Week  Aug. 31  P: Marianna Singletary, Fifth-Year, UCLA  D: Maija Howse, So., WASH  S: Bergen Reilly, Sr., NEB  F:  Kylie Kleckner, WASH  Sept. 7  P: Mckenna Wucherer, Fifth-Year, MINN  D: Anna Bardaro, Fr., WIS  S: Marina Crownover, Fifth-Year, ORE  F: Meredith Martin, MICH</div>

VB wee

Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin Claim Big Ten Volleyball Weekly Honors 

<div class="payload-richtext">Due to weather conditions affecting the court surface, Sunday's volleyball match between Nebraska and Missouri has been suspended.  Despite best efforts and in collaboration with all parties, rescheduling at Wrigley Field is not possible.  A decision on match continuation at the point of suspension will be announced at a later date.</div>

Allstate VBC

Big Ten Statement Regarding Nebraska/Missouri Match at Wrigley Field

2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week Central 

<div class="payload-richtext">The 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Challenge Week is well underway, with conference heavyweights going head-to-head across the country. With five matches remaining, the Big Ten holds a 15-10 advantage. Take a look at how we got here and what’s up next. <h2>Purdue Sweeps Defending Champions in West Lafayette </h2>No. 14 Purdue kicked off its 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week with a sweep of defending champion No. 12 Texas A&M at Mackey Arena on Tuesday. With the win, Dave Shondell became <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/1/shondell-dubbed-winningest-head-coach-of-all-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Purdue's all-time winningest head coach
 </a>, passing men’s basketball icon Gene Keady. Since taking over in 2003, he has guided the Boilermakers to at least one top-25 victory in every single season. The Boilermakers got their first win of the season in straight sets (27-25, 25-23, 25-20), with outside hitters Addy Tindall and Lameen Mambu combining for 28 kills and three attack errors on 58 attacks. As a team, Purdue hit at a .388 clip while holding the Aggies’ AVCA Player of the Year Watch List honorees each under a .215 hitting %. Read the complete recap <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/1/shondell-dubbed-winningest-head-coach-of-all-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a> Purdue <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/3/boilers-gut-out-3-2-win-in-mackey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 hung on to top Georgia
 </a> the next night and beat both of its SEC opponents for the week.  <h2>Indiana Defeats Texas A&M in Thriller </h2>A day after Purdue swept the Aggies, the No. 21-ranked Hoosiers earned a statement victory of their own at Mackey, defeating Texas A&M in five sets (26-24, 26-28, 25-23, 17-25, 15-9). Third-year hitter Ella Boersema had a career-high 21 kills while hitting nearly .500 on the night. Jaidyn Jager registered 17 kills and Teodora Krickovic added seven in a complete team effort. Indiana will now head to Nashville to face No. 22 Tennessee as it looks to finish the week 3-0 against SEC teams. Read the complete recap <a href="https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2026/9/2/womens-volleyball-texas-am-recap-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a> <h2>Wisconsin Claims First Home Win of the Season in Five-Set Battle vs. Florida </h2>In their first regular season game at UW Field House, the fifth-ranked Badgers beat No. 17 Florida in five sets (25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 24-26, 15-13) in front of a sold-out crowd. Freshman Audrey Flanagan continued the strong start to her career, leading Wisconsin with 18 kills. Junior Charlie Fuerbringer posted a double-double with a season-high 55 assists and 15 digs. In the final set, Wisconsin took control at the end, pulling away to seal the 15-13 win over the Gators. Read the complete recap <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2026/9/2/volleyball-no-5-badgers-down-no-17-florida-in-five-set-thriller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a> The Badgers also swept Auburn Thursday night to finish challenge week 2-0. <h2>2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week Concludes at Wrigley Field </h2>The challenge finishes up at one of America’s most famous stadiums, the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, with an iconic double-header. First, No. 13 Penn State battles No. 3 Kentucky in the opening match. The Nittany Lions are riding a three-game winning streak into Chicago, two of those being sweeps over UConn and Hofstra. They will now face a Kentucky squad that has won three straight games via 3-0 sweeps, giving Penn State its biggest test of the young season so far.  To close out the week, No. 1 Nebraska takes on Missouri. The Huskers (3-0) have yet to lose a set this season, including a ranked sweep over No. 2 Texas and 2-0 sweeps of No. 11 SMU and No. 17 Florida at the Spikes Under the Lights exhibition. With senior Bergen Reilly — who was named the <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/article/60299/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Big Ten Setter of the Week
 </a> — leading the way, Nebraska looks to add another impressive win to its resume at the Friendly Confines. <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Check out the full volleyball schedule
 </a> for all the dates, times, and broadcast information.  Photo from <a href="https://purduesports.com/news/2026/09/1/shondell-dubbed-winningest-head-coach-of-all-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 purduesports.com
 </a> </div>

Dave Shondell celebrates becoming the winningest head coach in Purdue Athletics history

Shondell’s Record-Breaking Win, Indiana and Wisconsin Knock Off National Champ in Allstate Big Ten/SEC Challenge Week

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/">
 Big Ten Volleyball   
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/standings/">
  Big Ten Standings  
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/?seasonFilter=2024">
  Big Ten Composite Schedule
 </a><a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/stats/">
 Big Ten Statistics 
 </a>| <a href="https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings?sport_code=WVB&division=1">
  NCAA Statistics  
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/article/60286/">
 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week
 </a> | <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/09.01.26BigTenVBWeeklyRelease-1.pdf">
 Big Ten Weekly Release - Sept. 1 
 </a> <ul class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Eight Big Ten volleyball programs were among this week’s AVCA/TARAFLEX Top 25: #1 Nebraska, #5 Wisconsin, #11 Minnesota, #13 Penn State, #14 Purdue, #15 USC, #21 Indiana and #25 Oregon. Michigan and UCLA received votes in the poll.  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >The 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Challenge Week begins on Tuesday, September 1. All 18 Big Ten schools and all 16 SEC institutions will match up across various campuses throughout the week, culminating with a historic outdoor doubleheader at Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 6. The Wrigley Field event will feature three national champions with Nebraska vs. Missouri and Penn State vs. Kentucky. The matches will mark the first time volleyball has been played at Wrigley Field, creating a unique experience for teams and fans alike and adding a new chapter to one of the most recognizable venues in sports. Challenge week showcases elite competition while elevating women’s sports on the national stage. Multiple campus sites will serve as hosts to two Big Ten teams and two SEC teams, while Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas will host standalone home matches against Big Ten foes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Linear coverage will be available across FOX, FS1, Big Ten Network, ESPN and SEC Network, with additional coverage streamed on B1G+ and SECN+.</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Iowa head coach Jim Barnes reached the 500-career-win milestone. Barnes is one of 28 active Division I head coaches to reach 500 career wins. Barnes led the Hawkeyes to a 3-0 opening weekend at the Black Knight Invitational.</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Nebraska was ranked No. 1 in the latest AVCA Coaches Poll released on Aug. 31. It marks Nebraska’s 125th week all-time at No. 1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, the most of any program in the nation. The Huskers began the 2026 campaign with sweeps of UNLV and then-No. 2 Texas at the Players Era Showcase in Las Vegas. Bergen Reilly was named the Most Valuable Player at the showcase. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Penn State went 3-0 at the Penn State Invitational with wins over UConn, High Point and Hofstra. Kennedy Martin was named MVP of the Invitational. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="6"
 >With the first win of the 2026 season, Purdue head coach Dave Shondell will become the outright all-time winningest head coach in Purdue Athletics history, surpassing men’s basketball legend Gene Keady’s 512 wins. The No. 14-ranked Boilermakers host No. 12 Texas A&M inside Mackey Arena on Tuesday on FS1. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="7"
 >Washington won the Husky Invitational to start the year 3-0 with wins against UC Irvine, San Diego State and IU Indy. Big Ten Freshman of the Week Kylie Kleckner was named MVP of the tournament. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="8"
 >The Big Ten Conference will usher in a new era of collegiate volleyball this fall with the launch of its inaugural tournament November 20-25, 2026, at Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Ind. The top 15 teams in the regular-season standings will qualify for the tournament, bringing the nation’s premier volleyball programs together in one venue for the first time. Three matches will be played in the opening round of the tournament, followed by four second-round matches. The competition will then progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating with the championship match slated for November 25 on FOX. One off day will be built into the tournament schedule. The Big Ten regular-season schedule will decrease from 20 to 17 matches, in a single, round-robin format to account for the tournament.</li></ul></div>

Indiana VB

Big Ten Weekly Volleyball Central - Sept. 1-7

<div class="payload-richtext">Player of the Week  Marianna Singletary, UCLA  Fifth-Year – MB – Charleston, S.C.   <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Led UCLA to a pair of wins vs. Long Beach State during opening weekend </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Across two matches, Singletary combined for 25 kills on .385 hitting with 17 total blocks </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >In Friday’s four set win, tallied 16 kills on .429 hitting, adding nine blocks. On Saturday, recorded nine kills adding eight more blocks and finishing with 13 points </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last UCLA Player of the Week: Marianna Singletary (August 31, 2026) </li></ul> Defensive Player of the Week  Maija Howse, Washington  So. - OH – Woodside, Calif.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Led the Washington blocking effort with 1.50 blocks per set as the Huskies opened with a 3-0 week at home to win the Husky Invitational, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Set a career-high twice with seven blocks against San Diego State and IU Indy. Helped the Washington defense hold opponents to a combined .106 hitting percentage </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Set a career-high with 14 kills in the win over IU Indy, hitting .367  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Washington Defensive Player of the Week: Maija Howse (August 31, 2026) </li></ul> Setter of the Week   Bergen Reilly, Nebraska  Sr. – S – Sioux Falls, S.D.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Led the No. 1 Huskers to a sweep against UNLV and No. 2 Texas and was named the MVP of the Players Era Showcase </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >The Nebraska offense hit a combined .315, with Reilly setting four different Huskers to at least 10 kills on the weekend. Reilly averaged 10.33 assists, 2.50 digs and 1.17 kills per set over the weekend </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Against UNLV, Reilly recorded a double-double with 32 assists, 10 digs, five kills and three blocks </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Against No. 2 Texas, Reilly tallied 30 assists, five digs, two kills, two service aces and a block </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Last Nebraska Setter of the Week: Bergen Reilly (Nov. 10, 2025) </li></ul> Freshman of the Week  Kylie Kleckner, Washington  OH – Trophy Club, Texas <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Named MVP of first collegiate tournament, leading Washington to a 3-0 start at the Husky Invitational  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >Led Washington for the weekend with 41 kills, averaging 3.42 kills per set and hitting .269, adding four aces, 23 digs and 10 blocks for 4.17 points per set  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Recorded 15 kills against UC Irvine and IU Indy and 11 kills against San Diego State </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Last Washington Freshman of the Week: Julia Hunt (Sept. 16, 2024) </li></ul> 2026 Big Ten Players of the Week  Aug. 31  P: Marianna Singletary, Fifth-Year, UCLA  D: Maija Howse, So., WASH  S: Bergen Reilly, Sr., NEB  F:  Kylie Kleckner, WASH</div>

VB Weekly Awards 

Nebraska, UCLA and Washington Earn First Big Ten Volleyball Weekly Honors of 2026  

<div class="payload-richtext">Was there any doubt that Nebraska would be a championship contender this season? Of course not. They are the No. 1 team in the country after all. But a 25-19, 25-19, 25-16 sweep over Texas? The No. 2 team in the country? That’s not just a win. It’s a message — a challenge, for whatever teams stand between the Huskers and a national title. In Sunday’s heavyweight clash, Nebraska trailed at the beginning of the first two sets before mounting 10-0 and 6-0 rallies to take advantages that they’d never surrender. Manaia Ogbechie’s seven blocks created pressure at the net to force errors, while Bergen Reilly’s 30 assists and playmaking mastery kept the Longhorn defense off-balance. The one-two punch of Andi Jackson (nine kills) and Harper Murray (eight kills) proved too much for the SEC contender, as Nebraska left Las Vegas with its third ranked win already this season. <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2026/08/30/no-1-nebraska-sweeps-no-2-texas-in-players-era-showcase" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Read more from Nebraska
 </a>. <h2>More Weekend Updates </h2><ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >No. 14 Minnesota used dominant defense to <a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2026/8/29/volleyball-gophers-sweep-no-13-creighton" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 sweep No. 13 Creighton
 </a>. After dropping a 3-0 opener to No. 12 Arizona State, the Gophers rebounded behind Mckenna Wucherer, who led the attack with 10 kills. Junior setter Stella Swenson helped orchestrate the bounce-back victory with 29 assists, while Minnesota hit .298 as a unit and held the Bluejays to just .068. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >No. 20 USC <a href="https://usctrojans.com/news/2026/8/29/no-20-usc-womens-volleyball-sweeps-no-12-sun-devils-in-season-opener" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 trounced the 12th-ranked Sun Devils
 </a>, riding double-digit kill performances from London Wijay and Abigail Mullen to the 3-0 sweep. Lilli Etter anchored the Trojans with 36 assists while the defense kept Arizona State to just .143 hitting. USC was stymied by Creighton on Sunday, 3-1.  </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Despite a stellar debut from redshirt freshman Addy Tindall (22 kills, .463 attack percentage), No. 9 Purdue dropped a heartbreaker against Creighton. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >No. 6 Wisconsin fell in its contests against No. 5 Stanford (3-1) and No. 4 Pitt (3-0). </li></ul><h2>Thirty-Four Teams. Two Conferences. One Epic Week of Collegiate Volleyball.  </h2>The matchups only get better as volleyball season ramps up, with the Allstate Big Ten/SEC Challenge Week kicking off Sept. 1. Here are some of the best matchups to start. <h3>Marquee Matchups </h3><h4>No. 9 Purdue vs. No. 8 Texas A&M </h4>Looking to bounce back from a five-set heartbreaker, Purdue welcomes defending NCAA Champion Texas A&M to Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers need efficiency from pins Tindall and Mimi Mambu to out-swing the Aggies' physical net defense. If Purdue establishes a middle presence early, this top-10 clash could set the tone for the challenge.  <h4>No. 14 Minnesota vs. No. 17 Florida </h4>After the decisive sweep of Creighton, Minnesota brings momentum into a high-octane battle against Florida, who already faced a Big Ten opponent in Nebraska at Spikes Under the Lights in Texas. The Gophers will rely on Swenson’s quick distribution and Wucherer’s hot hand to bypass Florida’s net coverage. Neutralizing the Gators' dynamic slide attack and staying clean out-of-system will be key to securing a massive non-conference resume win. <h4>No. 16 Indiana vs. No. 8 Texas A&M </h4>Indiana also faces a massive early-season litmus test against the formidable Texas A&M squad. The Hoosiers must lean on low-error offensive execution and aggressive baseline serving to disrupt the Aggies' fast-tempo passing system. If Indiana’s primary pin hitters find seam gaps in transition early, an impressive top-10 upset is well within reach.  <h4>No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 17 Florida </h4>Wisconsin hosts Florida in a fifth straight ranked matchup for the Badgers. The Gators’ serve-and-pass pressure aims to test Wisconsin's passing unit, but the Badgers possess the net height and back-row stabilization to take over long rallies. After a pair of tough weekend losses, the Badgers' young team hopes to bounce back with a strong performance against the Gators. <h4>No. 20 USC vs. No. 2 Texas </h4>USC faces a significant challenge against powerhouse Texas, but the Trojans possess the pin firepower in London Wijay and Abigail Mullen to create chaos. If setter Lilli Etter keeps USC hitting efficiently out of system while disrupting Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears, the Trojans could push this titan to the limit. <h2>Challenge Starts Tomorrow </h2>Rutgers serves first in the 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Challenge Week against Arkansas on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The historic rivalry week will be capped off with the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/tickets/events/bigtenvolleyball" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 first-ever volleyball matches played at Wrigley Field
 </a>, but we’ll see plenty of championship-caliber contests before then — <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2026-08-17/big-ten/sec-volleyball-challenge-week-schedule-matchups-tv-channels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 See the full schedule
 </a>. </div>

Nebraska volleyball celebrates its win at Spikes Under The Lights

Nation on Notice: Nebraska Sweeps Texas, Challenge Up Next

<div class="payload-richtext">Leading into a weekend full of ranked matchups, Nebraska looked every bit like the top-ranked team in the country.<h2>Nebraska Sweeps Spikes Under the Lights </h2>No. 1 Nebraska captured the inaugural showcase title at AT&T Stadium with back-to-back sweeps. In their semifinal match, the Huskers gritted out a tight 2-0 (21–19, 21–18) victory against No. 17 Florida behind a strong block. Teraya Sigler had six kills, along with five each from Andi Jackson and Virginia Adriano. Nebraska’s suffocating defense dominated, holding the Mustangs to an .068 hitting percentage en route to a 2-0 sweep and advancing to the final against No. 11 SMU. Surging out to early leads in both sets against the Mustangs, Sigler again led the team with seven kills while Harper Murray added six to fuel a dominant 2-0 (21–12, 21–11) championship sweep. Read the full recap <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2026/08/28/huskers-capture-spikes-under-the-lights-title" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. No. 10 Penn State fell to the Mustangs in the semifinals, dropping a hard-fought 2-0 (24–22, 21–18) matchup. Texas transfer Whitney Lauenstein starred in her debut, leading all players with 12 kills while hitting .450, while Florida transfer setter Alexis Stucky dished out 19 assists in her debut.  <h2>Weekend Previews </h2>Nebraska and Penn State kicked off the week with the marquee event in Texas, but they are far from the only Big Ten powerhouses diving into high-stakes non-conference action to start the season.  
 <img
 alt="5092E630-3907-4015-83E7-AC9C321425D4.jpg"
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 <h3>State Farm Women's College Volleyball Showcase</h3>Taking place at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., this premier early-season event serves as a major national stage for elite non-conference showdowns. Minnesota, Purdue, and USC — who are all rank in the top 20 — will represent the Big Ten in matches against national contenders, No. 12 Arizona State and No. 13 Creighton. Let’s look at what to expect from the Boilermakers, Gophers and Trojans: No. 9 Purdue (vs. Creighton Friday) The Boilermakers return to the court after a 2025 campaign where they went 27-7 and made it all the way to the Elite Eight, before losing to Pittsburgh. To get the season started on a good note, Purdue will lean on its lethal offense with All-American pin hitter Grace Heaney (3.05 kills per set), and setter Taylor Anderson (10.84 assists per set). Defensively, middle blocker Dior Charles (1.15 blocks per set) and defensive specialist Ryan McAleer (3.63 digs per set) need to disrupt Creighton’s tempo. No. 14 Minnesota (vs. Arizona State Friday & Creighton Saturday) Just like the Boilermakers, the Golden Gophers saw their 2025 season end at the hands of Pittsburgh, losing in the Sweet 16. But, in 2026, Minnesota has high expectations; preseason All-Big Ten selection Carly Gilk leads a star-studded roster that also has Stella Swenson (9.77 assists per set), McKenna Garr (3.35 digs per set), Jordan Taylor (1.32 kills per set, 1.23 blocks per set) and Lucie Blažková (2.80 kills per set) Also huge for the Gophers is the return of 2025 Preseason All-Big Ten selection McKenna Wucherer, who is back after missing all of last season with a back injury. No. 20 USC (vs. Creighton & Arizona State) Coming off a 25-7 campaign that reached the NCAA Tournament second round, the Trojans enter 2026 ranked 20th in the AVCA poll and picked to finish seventh in the Big Ten. To build on that foundation, USC needs its elite net defense — anchored by Leah Ford (1.35 blocks per set) and Mia Tvrdy (1.13 blocks per set) — to establish the physical tone after averaging 2.76 blocks per set in 2025. Preseason All-Big Ten picks Adonia Faumuina and Abigail Mullen must balance top pin-scorer London Wijay (3.48 kills per set) on the attack. The OpponentsNow for a look at the opponents, starting with the Bluejays, who enter the 2026 volleyball season as the bona fide favorites to win the Big East. Creighton returns powerful RS/MB Jaya Johnson and added Texas transfer MB Ayden Ames to maintain a lethal block. Despite losing Ava Martin, Creighton's fast-tempo offense and server efficiency (2.13 aces/set in 2025) remain top-tier threats. In only his second season, Brian Rosen has his team looking like the one that can bring its first ever national championship to Omaha. Then, there’s Arizona State, which was announced as the <a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2026/8/10/track-and-field-do-not-use-2026-big-12-volleyball-preseason-poll-awards-released.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 favorite in the Big 12’s Preseason Poll.
 </a> The Sun Devils — who have won back-to-back Big 12 titles — are led by senior opposite hitter Noemie Glover, the reigning Big 12 Volleyball Player of the Year. In 2025, Glover swept ASU's offensive leaderboards, leading the team in total points, total kills, points per set, and kills per set. Her 4.23 kills per set (eighth), 4.82 points per set (eighth), and 423 total kills (ninth) all ranked inside the top 10 of all Big 12 players, making her one of the most formidable individual scoring threats Minnesota and USC will clash with in Sioux Falls. <a href="https://www.sanfordsports.com/events/volleyball-showcase" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Check out the full State Farm Women’s College Volleyball Showcase schedule here
 </a>.  
 <img
 alt="05D787F8-B9A7-4AE6-8171-F4B3F76A6F56.jpg"
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 <h3>Opening Spike Classic</h3>At the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., No. 5 Wisconsin joins an elite four-team field with two top-tier non-conference battles on the ESPN networks. After a 1-1 split against top 10 teams at the AVCA First Serve, including a statement 3-0 sweep of No. 7 Louisville, the Badgers will now face two more top 10 opponents in No. 5 Stanford and No. 4 Pitt. Against Stanford, the Badgers will look to install a disciplined double block against outside hitter Julia Blyashov and setter Logan Parks. Then, when facing the Panthers, passing clean against Olivia Babcock's lethal jump-serves and containing setter Izzy Starck is vital; this will allow Fuerbringer to keep middle options open and avoid forced out-of-system plays. Emerging stars like Audrey Flanagan and Jaela Auguste, who both came up big in Wisconsin’s openers, will look to continue to step up on the big stage as the Badgers look to solidify themselves as national championship contenders. 
 <img
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 <h3>Clash of Titans: No. 1 Nebraska Meets No. 2 Texas </h3>Top-ranked Nebraska faces off against No. 2 Texas in an incredible early-season showdown. Coming off Thursday’s Spikes Under the Lights title, the Huskers meet a Longhorns squad returning exceptional firepower and a national championship pedigree.  Led by First-Team All-American senior outside hitter Torrey Stafford and 2025 All-SEC First Team member Cari Spears, Texas boasts one of the country's most lethal pin-attacking duos. Guided by veteran setter Ella Swindle and backed by a deep, physical block at the net, the Longhorns can score in bursts. Nebraska’s key to victory hinges on unanimous Preseason All-Big Ten stars Bergen Reilly, Harper Murray, and Andi Jackson maintaining high offensive efficiency. Passing clean, containing Texas' outer pins, and controlling the net will be essential for the Huskers to dictate tempo and pull out a statement of victory. After a title sweep in Texas on Thursday, the Huskers look to make an even bigger statement in Sin City. The matchups don’t stop here. Plenty of other teams in the conference are gearing up for big games, like No. 16 Indiana facing No. 7 Louisville. Check out the full schedule <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. </div>

The Nebraska Volleyball bench reacts after winning a big point

Huskers Star on the National Stage, High-Profile Matchups On Deck

NEB VB 

Huskers Capture Spikes Under the Lights Title

Allstate Named Title Sponsor of Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week 

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/">
 Big Ten Volleyball   
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/standings/">
  Big Ten Standings  
 </a>| <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/?seasonFilter=2024">
  Big Ten Composite Schedule
 </a><a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/stats/">
 Big Ten Statistics 
 </a>| <a href="https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings?sport_code=WVB&division=1">
  NCAA Statistics  
 </a>| <a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/08.27.26BigTenVBWeeklyRelease-1.pdf">
 Big Ten Weekly Release - Aug. 27
 </a><ul class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
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 >Eight Big Ten volleyball programs were among the AVCA/TARAFLEX Preseason Top 25, announced on Aug. 10: #1 Nebraska, #6 Wisconsin, #9 Purdue, #10 Penn State, #14 Minnesota, #16 Indiana, #20 USC and #25 Oregon. Illinois, Michigan State and UCLA received votes in the poll.  </li><li
 class=""
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 value="2"
 >93 Big Ten volleyball matches will be nationally televised on Big Ten Network (BTN), FOX and FS1 during the 2026 season.83 regular season matches will air nationally, while the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament will be carried across BTN, B1G+ and FOX. BTN will broadcast at least 72 matches, featuring all 18 conference schools on linear television. The network’s season coverage begins Saturday, August 29, with Miami at Michigan at 2 p.m. ET, followed by UConn at Penn State at 4 p.m. ET. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Nebraska and Penn State will participate in the inaugural Spikes Under the Lights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event features a three-match tournament format optimized for a three-hour television window.</li><li
 class=""
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 value="4"
 >Minnesota, Purdue and USC will play in the 2026 State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D on Aug. 28-30. Friday’s matches feature #3 Creighton vs. #9 Purdue at 7 p.m. ET, followed by #14 Minnesota vs. #12 Arizona State, both live on FOX. Saturday’s action begins with #12 Arizona State vs. #20 USC at 3 p.m. ET, followed by #13 Creighton vs. #14 Minnesota, both on FS1. The weekend concludes with #20 USC vs. #13 Creighton at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday on BTN. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Wisconsin will face No. 5 Stanford and No. 4 Pitt at the Opening Spike Classic in Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 28 and Sunday, Aug. 30. The Badgers are set to play Stanford at 9 p.m. ET on Friday on ESPN2, before meeting Pitt at Noon ET on Sunday on ESPN. Wisconsin split its opening weekend at the AVCA First Serve tournament in Milwaukee, beating No. 7 Louisville in straight sets and falling to No. 3 Kentucky. </li><li
 class=""
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 >The Big Ten led the nation in attendance for the 18th consecutive season in 2025. The conference totaled 981,234 fans across 282 matches, nearly 500,000 more than the SEC, which finished second in attendance rankings (481,876). The Big Ten averaged 3,480 fans per match, with four Big Ten schools in the Top 10 across Division I attendance figures. </li><li
 class=""
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 >Eight All-Americans from 2025 return to fill Big Ten rosters in 2026. Nebraska returns a trio of First Team All-Americans in Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly. Purdue returns Taylor Anderson (Second Team), Kenna Wollard (Second Team) and Grace Heaney (Third Team). Penn State returns Kennedy Martin (First Team) and Oregon returns Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Third Team All-American Alanah Clemente. </li><li
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 >The Big Ten Conference will usher in a new era of collegiate volleyball this fall with the launch of its inaugural tournament November 20-25, 2026, at Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Ind. The top 15 teams in the regular-season standings will qualify for the tournament, bringing the nation’s premier volleyball programs together in one venue for the first time. Three matches will be played in the opening round of the tournament, followed by four second-round matches. The competition will then progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating with the championship match slated for November 25 on FOX. One off day will be built into the tournament schedule. The Big Ten regular-season schedule will decrease from 20 to 17 matches, in a single, round-robin format to account for the tournament.</li></ul></div>

ILL VB 

Big Ten Weekly Volleyball Central - Aug. 28-30

<div class="payload-richtext">The 2026 Big Ten volleyball season is officially underway, featuring premier non-conference showdowns right out of the gate. Before the rest of the league takes the court this weekend, the conference heavyweights set the tone in national showcase matches. Wisconsin showed poise in a top-10 split this past weekend, while Nebraska and Penn State prepare to compete in an NFL stadium on Thursday. <h2>Badgers Bounce Back: Wisconsin Earns Top-10 Split on Opening Weekend </h2>No. 6 Wisconsin showcased impressive poise at the AVCA First Serve, bouncing back from a tough opening-night loss to No. 3 Kentucky with a dominant 3-0 sweep of No. 7 Louisville. Led by junior setter Charlie Fuerbringer — who earned Match MVP honors with 33 assists and eight digs — a young Badgers squad displayed remarkable maturity in response to Friday's adversity. Wisconsin’s offense found its groove against the Cardinals, jumping from a .186 hitting percentage against Kentucky to a scorching .327 clip on Saturday. Freshman pin hitter Audrey Flanagan spearheaded the attack with 13 kills, while the Badgers racked up eight service aces (led by three from senior Grace Egan) to lock down their first victory of the season. Read the full recap <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2026/8/22/volleyball-no-6-badgers-sweep-no-7-louisville" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. Next up, the Badgers head to Pennsylvania for the Opening Spike Classic to clash with No. 5 Stanford on Friday, August 28, and No. 4 Pittsburgh on Sunday, August 30. Securing victories against either of these top-five foes would be a massive statement, proving that Kelly Sheffield's reloaded roster is already equipped to go toe-to-toe with national title favorites. <h2>Up Next: No. 1 Nebraska, No. 10 Penn State Open Seasons in Cowboys' Stadium </h2>Massive national showdowns take center stage as No. 1 Nebraska and No. 10 Penn State face No. 17 Florida and No. 11 SMU (respectively) in the opening matches of Spikes Under the Lights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Huskers enter the matchup seeking to establish early physical dominance, with seniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray, and Bergen Reilly — who were all unanimously named to the <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/article/60201/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Preseason All-Big Ten Team
 </a> for the 2026 season — leading the way. As the Huskers launch their pursuit of a sixth national championship, standing in their way of a hot start is a reloaded Gators squad led by Preseason All-SEC outside hitter Jordyn Byrd and middle blocker Alec Rothe. Shortly after, the Nittany Lions and AVCA Player of the Year Watch List member Kennedy Martin will take the court against a ranked SMU squad led by two Preseason All-ACC selections. Penn State will need to assert itself at the net against Favor Anyanwu (middle blocker) and Suli Davis (outside hitter). But with the playmaking ability of redshirt senior setter Alexis Stucky and Martin’s power, the Blue and White will test weapons of its own in the benchmark match. With a boisterous crowd expected and four national powerhouses on the floor, these opening clashes carry major early-season RPI and seeding implications. If Nebraska and/or Penn State win their opening match, they’ll compete in the championship match for an additional $200,000 in prize money.  The Huskers serve up the action at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday before the Nittany Lions take the court at 9 p.m, followed by the Spikes Under the Lights championship match. You’ll be able to watch every point on TNT. <h2>More to Come on Friday </h2>The rest of the Big Ten volleyball slate picks up on Friday with a packed schedule of opening-weekend action across the conference, including home openers for Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington. We’ll preview the next round of key matches later this week, but you can get ready with the full Big Ten volleyball schedule <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a>  Photo by Ashley Steltenpohl via <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/news/2026/8/22/volleyball-no-6-badgers-sweep-no-7-louisville" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 uwbadgers.com
 </a>. </div>

Wisconsin Volleyball celebrates

Wisconsin Volleyball Delivers, Nebraska and Penn State Take NFL Stage

<div class="payload-richtext">College volleyball opens the 2026 season at an all-time high in popularity. At the center of the storm is the Big Ten, which has <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/volleyball-women/d1/avca-rankings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 eight teams in the AVCA preseason top 25
 </a> and four in the top 10; headlining the group is No. 1 Nebraska, who takes the top preseason ranking for the ninth time in program history behind the senior trio of Bergen Reilly, Andi Jackson, and Harper Murray. The 2026 campaign also marks a historic turning point for the league, featuring major milestones across the calendar capped off with the launch of the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament this November. With a deep field of national contenders across the league, this season promises to be one of the best yet. With opening weekend officially here, the race for volleyball supremacy begins with the Big Ten testing its mettle on the national stage, headlined by 2021 national champion Wisconsin. The Badgers — who captured their first national title in 2021 —kick off their campaign at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum in the AVCA First Serve, taking on Kentucky and Louisville in a pair of high-stakes opening weekend showdowns. From the Badgers’ marquee matchups to other teams opening up their seasons, here’s what you need to know for the first weekend of the 2026 volleyball season. <h2>Key Matchups & Top-10 Showdowns (8/21–8/23) </h2>Matchup of Week: No. 6 Wisconsin opens season in Milwaukee with two top-10 matchups Fresh off their seventh Final Four appearance in program history, the No. 6 Badgers begin their 2026 campaign an hour down the road at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum in the Jeep AVCA First Serve. Head coach Kelly Sheffield tests his squad immediately with back-to-back marquee showdowns: opening against No. 3 Kentucky on Friday, Aug. 21 — a high-stakes rematch of last season's NCAA National Semifinal where the Wildcats won 3 sets to 2 — before turning around to face No. 7 Louisville on Saturday.  Five years after capturing their 2021 national title, Wisconsin brings a reloaded roster to the NBA floor, anchored by a pair of AVCA Player of the Year Watch List selections in junior setter Charlie Fuerbringer and middle blocker Jaela Auguste. Surrounding Fuerbringer in an explosive attack are pin hitters Madison Quest and Eva Travis, along with freshman outside hitter Audrey Flanagan, while sophomore Kristen Simon and Italian freshman Anna Bardaro shore up the back row. Against two top-10 non-conference heavyweights, Wisconsin gets an immediate gauge of its national championship potential. Outside of the Badgers’ opening two games, four Big Ten teams open their seasons on August 22. Here’s what to know about each of the matchups. <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
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 >Northwestern hosts Chicago rival Loyola Chicago in Evanston. The Saturday afternoon showcase serves as a crucial tune-up for the Wildcats as they test their new offensive and roster depth before officially embarking on the 2026 campaign. With senior outside hitter Campbell Paris leading the charge after appearing in all matches in 2025, Northwestern will look to establish a rhythm early and set a dominant tone on its home floor to start the season strong. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
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 >Minnesota hits the road to Ames for an immediate border-state clash against Iowa State at Hilton Coliseum. Powered by fifth-year outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer on the pin, Minnesota gets an instant barometer for its rotation and net defense against a physical Big 12 opponent. </li><li
 class=""
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 value="3"
 >Iowa travels to Chicago for a non-conference road test against Big East foe DePaul at McGrath-Phillips Arena. Iowa enters the opener determined to set up a physical tone at the net. Relying on an experienced roster with 10 upperclassmen, the Hawkeyes aim to pass a road test to open the season. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >In-state bragging rights are on the line in Columbus as Ohio State welcomes Ohio to the Covelli Center for an energetic season opener. With a young contingent of middle blockers, the Buckeyes look to establish their front-row physicality early. Against a disciplined Bobcats squad, the Buckeyes' ability to win the serve-and-pass battle will be critical in locking down a victory. </li></ul>With <a href="https://bigten.org/wvb/article/59826/">
 the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament
 </a> awaiting in November, the stakes are elevated from day one. From Milwaukee to Columbus, the 2026 season launches with unprecedented momentum, setting the stage for what promises a competitive race for volleyball supremacy.   Photo via <a href="https://uwbadgers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 uwbadgers.com
 </a>. </div>

Big Ten Women's Volleyball News

Headlines