Volleyball's Marquee Non-Conference Slate & Opening Weekend Storylines

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  eight teams in the AVCA preseason top 25  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. 

Key Matchups & Top-10 Showdowns (8/21–8/23) 

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. 

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 

With the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament 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 uwbadgers.com .