Last season’s Elite Eight upset still stings, no doubt about it, but the Nebraska women’s volleyball team is not letting it define them. They are back, ranked a commanding No. 1 in the nation, and primed to reclaim the dominance Cornhuskers fans have come to expect. Finishing a phenomenal 33-1 last season, that early exit from their national championship pursuit was a gut punch, especially since it came at the hands of the No. 7 seed Texas A&M, a team that then went on to win the whole national championship! That shocking defeat kept Nebraska out of the national semifinals for the first time since way back in 2002, snapping a legacy streak. It was a jolt, and everyone felt it.
Why Nebraska Is Ready To Reclaim The Throne
You can practically feel the collective hunger to reclaim their rightful spot at the top. The players’ response to that upset? Absolutely phenomenal. For a second straight season, there were zero outgoing transfers, which is a huge testament to the loyalty and commitment within this program. With second-year coach Dani Busboom Kelly at the helm, surrounded by a core of returning key pieces, this squad is locked in and back in full force. They are not just looking to compete; they are determined to completely reclaim volleyball dominance. And talk about commitment: the Cornhuskers spent $7 million on their 2026 roster. That’s the most of any NCAA women’s volleyball program in the country, a clear statement of intent. They mean serious business, and every team in the Big Ten knows it.
Loaded With Star Power, Ready To Deliver
This roster is absolutely loaded with talent, ready to light up every court they step on. They are bringing back stars like outside hitters Harper Murray and Skyler Pierce, setter Bergen Reilly, and middle blocker Andi Jackson. Reilly and Jackson both earned prestigious AVCA First-Team All-American honors, which is just insane. Murray was an offensive machine last season, leading the team with 379 kills and adding 34 service aces. Jackson was right there with her, delivering 288 kills and 16 total service aces. And remember that zero outgoing transfers stat? They also brought in transfer opposite Allie Sczech from Baylor, who is ready to step up and fill the roles left by Rebekah Allick and Taylor Landfair, after those two exhausted their eligibility. This team is deep, experienced, talented, and focused.
Longhorns Showdown: A Must-Watch To Kick Things Off
Nebraska’s history is legendary, with 18 total appearances in the national semifinals and six trips to the championship game. But for all that history, they have not hoisted that national title trophy since 2017, when they beat Florida 3-1. This season, they are kicking things off with a competitive nonconference slate, and it starts with a bang. This Sunday, the No. 1 Cornhuskers will face off against the No. 2 Texas in a huge rivalry matchup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This isn’t just any regular season opener; it is the first time these two powerhouses have met since the 2023 national championship, where Texas took them down in straight sets. A win over the Longhorns would be a massive statement and a strong start for their 2026 campaign, setting the perfect tone for their journey to a national title.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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