A look at Wisconsin’s Big Ten volleyball opponents for 2025. Will Nebraska visit the Field House at UW?
The Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team is coming off another successful season in the Big Ten, and the 2025 season promises to bring even more excitement to the Field House. As one of the premier volleyball programs in the country, Wisconsin’s schedule is always highly anticipated, and the Big Ten remains one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA volleyball. Among the many exciting matchups, one question on the minds of Badger fans is whether their rivals, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, will be visiting the Field House in 2025.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at Wisconsin’s Big Ten volleyball opponents for the 2025 season, delve into the current state of the Badgers’ volleyball program, and examine the potential for a thrilling showdown with Nebraska. From high-profile games to the teams that will challenge Wisconsin, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2025.
The Big Ten Landscape: A Brief Overview
The Big Ten conference has long been regarded as one of the strongest volleyball leagues in the country. With teams like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Purdue, the Big Ten offers fierce competition year in and year out. The 2025 season will continue that tradition, with teams jostling for positioning in the league standings and aiming for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Wisconsin, under head coach Kelly Sheffield, has become a powerhouse in the Big Ten, frequently finishing near the top of the standings and earning high NCAA Tournament seeds. The Badgers are known for their dynamic style of play, strong recruiting, and solid fundamental volleyball, and the 2025 squad is expected to continue that trend.
Who Are Wisconsin’s Main Big Ten Opponents for 2025?
In addition to Nebraska, several other teams in the Big Ten will provide tough competition for Wisconsin in 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the main teams Wisconsin will face and what makes each of them a formidable opponent.
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska is arguably Wisconsin’s biggest rival in the Big Ten, and the matchup between these two teams is always one of the most anticipated games of the season. The Cornhuskers are a perennial powerhouse in NCAA volleyball, with multiple national championships to their name. Led by head coach John Cook, Nebraska is known for its disciplined, high-efficiency play and its remarkable depth of talent.
In recent years, Wisconsin and Nebraska have traded blows at the top of the Big Ten standings, with each team regularly vying for conference championships and NCAA Tournament supremacy. The rivalry between these two teams reached a fever pitch in the 2021 NCAA Tournament when Wisconsin defeated Nebraska in the national championship match, a victory that added even more fuel to the rivalry.
As of the 2024 season, Nebraska remains a major force in the Big Ten, with a mix of veteran players and top-tier recruits. For Wisconsin, a visit from the Cornhuskers to the Field House in 2025 would be a crucial match in determining conference standings, and it’s likely that this game will be packed with energy and intensity.
Will Nebraska visit the Field House in 2025? Given the annual rivalry and the balanced schedule in the Big Ten, it’s highly probable that Wisconsin will host Nebraska for a home match. Historically, both teams have hosted each other on alternating years, so Badger fans can expect this highly anticipated matchup to take place in Madison.
2. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Another key opponent for Wisconsin will be the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota has been a top contender in the Big Ten for several years, and their rivalry with Wisconsin is marked by high stakes and competitive play. The Gophers are known for their dynamic offense and disciplined defense, making them a tough team to break down.
Head coach Hugh McCutcheon has built Minnesota into a perennial contender, and the Gophers have been a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament. They have a solid mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging stars, and their ability to execute under pressure makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the Big Ten.
Matches between Wisconsin and Minnesota have often been closely contested, and the 2025 season promises to deliver another exciting chapter in this rivalry. Whether these teams face off in Madison or in Minneapolis, the matchups are sure to be intense.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
The Penn State Nittany Lions are another team that can never be overlooked in the Big Ten. Historically one of the most successful programs in NCAA volleyball, Penn State is always in the mix for a national championship. With head coach Russ Rose at the helm, the Nittany Lions are known for their excellent recruiting, consistent play, and strong defense.
Penn State’s roster is always stacked with talent, and their competitive nature in the Big Ten makes them one of Wisconsin’s toughest opponents each year. The Nittany Lions’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason, means that the Badgers must be at their best when they face them.
These two teams have a long history of intense battles, and the 2025 season will likely be no different. Whether the match is played in Wisconsin or in State College, these games are always high-stakes and high-intensity, and the outcome could have significant implications for both teams in terms of NCAA Tournament positioning.
4. Purdue Boilermakers
The Purdue Boilermakers are another rising team in the Big Ten, with head coach Dave Shondell building a program that consistently competes with the best. Purdue has the distinction of being one of the most athletic teams in the conference, with strong outside hitters and a dynamic defense.
In recent seasons, Purdue has been a tough matchup for all teams, including Wisconsin. The Boilermakers are well-coached, and they know how to execute in both offense and defense. Matches against Purdue are always tightly contested, and the Badgers will need to bring their A-game to ensure victory.
With Purdue’s improving talent and Wisconsin’s strong roster, expect another intense showdown between these two teams in 2025.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are also worth mentioning as a team that could challenge Wisconsin in 2025. Under head coach Kevin Burch, Ohio State has been steadily improving, and the team’s depth and balance make them a dangerous opponent in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have been known for their explosive offense and ability to score quickly, making them an unpredictable team to face.
While Ohio State may not have been a top contender in recent seasons, they are a program on the rise, and their matchups against Wisconsin have historically been competitive. The 2025 season could see the Buckeyes continue to make strides in the conference, and their meetings with Wisconsin will be critical for both teams in their quest for a high NCAA Tournament seed.
What to Expect from Wisconsin in 2025
The Wisconsin Badgers enter the 2025 season with high expectations. Coming off a season where they were once again at the top of the Big Ten and deep into the NCAA Tournament, the Badgers are poised to be one of the favorites in the conference. Wisconsin’s strong recruiting class will bring in fresh talent, while returning stars will continue to carry the team forward.
Key players like Devyn Robinson, Sarah Franklin, and Dana Rettke (depending on eligibility) will continue to be central to Wisconsin’s success. The leadership and experience of these players, combined with the strategic coaching of Kelly Sheffield, will give Wisconsin the tools it needs to challenge every opponent in the Big Ten, including Nebraska.
Given Wisconsin’s history of excellence and its consistent position among the top programs in the country, the Badgers are expected to be one of the most dominant teams in the Big Ten in 2025. Their matches, particularly those against rivals like Nebraska and Minnesota, will be crucial not just for conference standings but also for national seeding.
The Big Question: Will Nebraska Visit the Field House in 2025?
As mentioned earlier, the big question for Wisconsin fans is whether the Nebraska Cornhuskers will visit the Field House in 2025. Based on historical scheduling trends in the Big Ten, it is highly likely that Nebraska will indeed make the trip to Madison.
The rivalry between these two teams is one of the fiercest in college volleyball, and the atmosphere at the Field House when Nebraska visits is electric. The stakes are always high, and both teams will be playing with passion and intensity. With both programs consistently competing for top spots in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament, this is a matchup fans do not want to miss.
Given that the Badgers and Cornhuskers have traded home court advantages in recent seasons, fans can expect a memorable showdown at the Field House in 2025. Whether it’s a midseason clash or a key match toward the end of the conference schedule, this game will have implications for both teams’ championship aspirations.
