Full Breakdown
Big Ten Unveils 2026 Women’s Volleyball Opponent Rotations and First Tournament
5/5/2026, 4:39:10 AM
New 17-Match Schedule and Inaugural Tournament
On May 4 the Big Ten announced that each of its 18 schools will play a 17-match single-round-robin conference schedule in 2026, down from 20 matches. The reduction creates space for the league’s first Big Ten Volleyball Tournament, a 15-team postseason event slated for November 2026 in Fishers, Indiana. Home-and-away assignments will reverse in 2027, establishing a two-year rotation.
Nebraska’s Home-and-Away Slate
Nebraska will host nine conference matches at the Devaney Center—Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC and Wisconsin—and travel to eight opponents: Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State and Washington. Five of the top seven finishers from 2025—Wisconsin, Purdue, USC, Minnesota and UCLA—are slated for home games.
Conference Rotation Overview
All 18 programs receive either nine home or eight away matches. For example, Indiana will host Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA and USC, while traveling to Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oregon, Rutgers, Washington and Wisconsin. The opposite-site schedule flips for 2027.
Official Statements
The conference said the new format “is designed to accommodate the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament in November 2026” and that “rotations will operate on a two-year cycle, with home and away matches flipping in 2027.” Nebraska’s athletic department confirmed the schedule and noted that dates, times and TV coverage will be released later.
Coach Dani Busboom Kelly’s Outlook
Kelly said the Huskers will weigh home-court balance when planning non-conference games and will use the new schedule’s flexibility to address financial and competitive goals.
Impact of the Change
The tournament adds a postseason chance for 15 teams and can boost revenue and exposure. A shorter conference slate frees dates for marquee non-conference matchups, such as Nebraska’s opening against Texas and an exhibition at AT&T Stadium.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The years we lose one game, versus years we lose two, we’ll probably take into consideration how many games we’re playing at home in a nonconference,” — Dani Busboom Kelly, Nebraska head coach
- “There are so many opportunities now for our sport that we’re going to do what’s best for that year’s team and financially, and consider both those things as we build our schedule.” — Dani Busboom Kelly, Nebraska head coach
What’s Next
The Big Ten will release exact dates, kickoff times and TV assignments in the coming weeks. The 15-team tournament begins Friday, November 20, 2026, and the regular season starts August 3, 2026.
