Nebraska Volleyball Schedule 2026 vs 2025
A complete comparison of regular-season matches, Big Ten scheduling, roster changes, returning stars, and the new conference tournament format.
When I compare Nebraska’s 2026 volleyball schedule with the 2025 season, one of the first differences I notice is the number of regular-season matches. Nebraska played 30 regular-season matches in 2025, including 20 Big Ten matches and 10 non-conference matches.
The 2026 schedule includes 28 regular-season matches, consisting of 17 Big Ten matches and 11 non-conference matches. This means Nebraska will play two fewer regular-season matches overall, while the number of conference matches has dropped from 20 to 17.
Nebraska completed the 2025 regular season with a perfect 30-0 record, including a 20-0 record in Big Ten play. The Huskers’ only defeat of the entire season came against Texas A&M in the regional final, leaving Nebraska with a final record of 33-1.
I have been covering volleyball for the past 10 years, and it has always been my goal to provide honest, helpful, and accurate information to volleyball fans. Below, I have prepared a detailed comparison of the 2025 and 2026 Nebraska volleyball seasons.
2025 vs 2026 Quick Match Comparison
The table below compares the number of matches, conference format, tournament structure, records, and strength of schedule for Nebraska’s 2025 and 2026 volleyball seasons.
Swipe or scroll horizontally to view the complete table.
| Category | 2025 Nebraska Volleyball | 2026 Nebraska Volleyball |
|---|---|---|
| Regular-season matches | 30 | 28 |
| Big Ten matches | 20 | 17 |
| Non-conference matches | 10 | 11 |
| Big Ten format | Some conference teams played twice | Single round-robin with every Big Ten opponent played once |
| Big Ten Tournament | No conference tournament | Yes, November 20–25 in Fishers, Indiana |
| Regular-season finish | 30-0 | Upcoming |
| Big Ten record | 20-0 | Upcoming |
| Final season record | 33-1 | Upcoming |
| Top-ranked schedule note | Eight matches against teams from the 2024 AVCA top 10 | Nine matches against teams from the 2025 AVCA top 25 |
What Changed in the 2026 Big Ten Schedule?
Fewer Conference Matches
Nebraska’s Big Ten regular-season schedule decreases from 20 matches in 2025 to 17 matches in 2026.
Single Round-Robin Format
Nebraska is scheduled to face every Big Ten opponent once instead of playing selected conference teams twice.
Big Ten Tournament Returns
The conference tournament is scheduled for November 20–25 in Fishers, Indiana, adding another path toward a championship.
Key takeaway: Although the Huskers have two fewer regular-season matches, the addition of the Big Ten Tournament means Nebraska could still play several important postseason matches before the NCAA Tournament begins.
Player Comparison: 2025 Roster vs 2026 Roster
Nebraska returns several experienced players for the 2026 season, while younger athletes will have opportunities to compete for larger roles. The following table shows how each returning player’s class and possible role changes from 2025 to 2026.
Swipe or scroll horizontally to view every player and comparison.
| Player | Position | 2025 Class | 2026 Class | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keri Leimbach | DS/Libero | Freshman | Redshirt Freshman | Redshirted in 2025 and enters the competition for a place in the defensive rotation. |
| Bergen Reilly | Setter | Junior | Senior | Returns as Nebraska’s experienced setter and offensive leader. |
| Virginia Adriano | Opposite | Freshman | Sophomore | Could take on a larger role on the right side of Nebraska’s attack. |
| Campbell Flynn | Setter | Freshman | Sophomore | Gives Nebraska an experienced second setter and additional flexibility in its offensive system. |
| Laney Choboy | DS/Libero | Junior | Senior | Returns as one of Nebraska’s most experienced back-row defenders. |
| Kenna Cogill | Middle Blocker | Freshman | Redshirt Freshman | Could compete for the second starting middle-blocker position. |
| Olivia Mauch | DS/Libero | Sophomore | Junior | Remains an important contributor in serve receive and back-row defense. |
| Teraya Sigler | Outside Hitter | Freshman | Sophomore | A candidate for an expanded attacking or six-rotation role. |
| Manaia Ogbechie | Middle Blocker | Freshman | Sophomore | Could compete for the opportunity to replace Allick in the starting lineup. |
| Andi Jackson | Middle Blocker | Junior | Senior | Returns as one of the most talented and experienced middle blockers in the country. |
| Ryan Hunter | Opposite | Freshman | Redshirt Freshman | Adds athletic depth and competition behind Adriano at opposite. |
| Skyler Pierce | Outside Hitter | Redshirt Freshman | Sophomore | Will be part of the competition for Nebraska’s second outside hitter position. |
| Harper Murray | Outside Hitter | Junior | Senior | Returns as Nebraska’s leading attacker and one of the team’s most important senior leaders. |
Experienced Leaders Returning in 2026
Nebraska’s senior leadership should be one of the team’s greatest strengths in 2026. Bergen Reilly returns to direct the offense, while Harper Murray provides proven production as an outside hitter. Andi Jackson gives Nebraska an elite presence in the middle, and Laney Choboy brings valuable experience to the back row.
The development of younger players will also be important. Virginia Adriano, Teraya Sigler, Manaia Ogbechie, Skyler Pierce, Campbell Flynn, and other returning players could receive expanded responsibilities as Nebraska builds its new rotation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe Nebraska volleyball’s 2026 season will look different from 2025 because of the shorter Big Ten schedule, the return of the conference tournament, and several important roster changes. Although the Huskers will play two fewer regular-season matches, we still face a challenging group of conference and non-conference opponents. Nebraska also returns experienced stars such as Bergen Reilly, Harper Murray, Andi Jackson, and Laney Choboy, while several younger players will compete for larger roles. With talented newcomers, strong senior leadership, and a new Big Ten format, the 2026 season should be competitive, exciting, and full of championship expectations for Nebraska fans.