Nebraska Volleyball Starts 2026 at No. 1 in AVCA Preseason Poll
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Nebraska was named the No. 1 team in the country in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll for 2026, following a strong 33-1 season in 2025 and aiming to return to the national championship match for the first time since 2023.
- The Huskers received 1,568 points and 57 first-place votes, significantly ahead of No. 2 Texas, which had 1,427 points and one first-place vote; Kentucky and Texas A&M also received multiple first-place votes.
- Nebraska faces a challenging schedule with 11 regular-season matches against preseason top 25 teams, including four in the top 10, testing their ability to maintain their top ranking.
- This marks Nebraska's 124th week ranked No. 1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, the most of any program, and their third time starting a season at No. 1 in the last five years.
- The Huskers open their 2026 season on August 27 at AT&T Stadium against No. 17 Florida, followed by a high-profile weekend in Las Vegas facing unranked UNLV and No. 2 Texas, setting an early test for their championship aspirations.
