Texas volleyball just kicked off its SEC schedule Friday, facing a serious challenge at No. 13 Tennessee after a wild nonconference ride. The Longhorns are sitting at 4-4 overall, 0-0 in the SEC, but the real story is their brutal 1-5 record against top 10 teams.
Longhorns’ Gauntlet Nonconference Schedule Was Wild
Seriously, Texas went through arguably the toughest nonconference schedule in the entire country. Seven out of their eight games were against teams currently ranked in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. That’s a ridiculous gauntlet, and it explains some of their struggles against the nation’s elite. Even with star setter Rella Binney celebrating big wins and libero Ramsey Gary leading the charge, that 1-5 mark against the absolute top tier sticks out. And don’t forget Nya Bunton, who’s been biding her time; she’s definitely one to watch as the 2026 season heats up.
Tennessee’s Hot Start and a Familiar Foe
Meanwhile, the No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers are cruising at 9-1, 1-0 in SEC play. They haven’t played quite the same murderer’s row schedule as Texas, but they did snag a big win on the road at No. 9 Penn State last weekend. Historically, Texas has owned this matchup, winning all three matches over the last three seasons. But here’s the kicker: last year’s game in Austin went a full five sets, so you know Tennessee isn’t backing down easily.
This Friday, the Longhorns and Volunteers duked it out at Thompson-Boiling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., with the action kicking off at 6 p.m. on the SEC Network. This wasn’t just another game, it was Texas’s SEC opener, setting the tone for their conference run.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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