If you’re following the latest Big Ten volleyball news, you know the 2024 tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. With 18 schools now competing, including new additions like UCLA, USC, Washington, and Oregon, the competition is fiercer than ever. This blog covers everything you need to know about this year’s Big Ten Volleyball Tournament, from the participating schools and tournament schedules to top players and how to catch the action live.
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Big Ten Volleyball Tournament 2024: What You Need to Know
Don’t miss the 2024 Big Ten Volleyball Tournament! Learn about the tournament format, schedule, and where to stream matches live.
Published 04:01, 10 Jan 2025
What is the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament?
The Big Ten Volleyball Tournament is an annual collegiate volleyball competition that showcases teams from the Big Ten Conference, one of the premier athletic conferences in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).
Founded in 1896, the Big Ten is the oldest Division I athletic conference in the United States and features 14 member institutions. These schools compete across various sports, including volleyball, which has become a highly competitive event within the conference.
Historically, the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament has been a significant part of NCAA women's volleyball. Since its inception in 1981, Big Ten teams have consistently been among the best in the nation, with eight out of the last 15 National Championships won by the Big Ten Conference.
How Many Schools Are in the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament 2024?
In 2024, there will be 18 schools competing in Big Ten Volleyball. This includes powerhouses like Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as newer members who have recently joined the conference, such as Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington.
Including these teams reflects the Big Ten's commitment to expanding its footprint in collegiate athletics, aiming to bring together some of the best talent in the country. Here is a full list of the schools:
- University of Illinois
- Indiana University
- University of Iowa
- University of Maryland
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- University of Minnesota
- Northwestern University
- Ohio State University
- Penn State University
- Purdue University
- Rutgers University
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of Washington
- University of Oregon
Tournament Format and Schedule
The Big Ten Conference has released the full schedule for the 2024 volleyball season, detailing the opponent rotation for all 18 member schools. Each team will compete in a 20-match conference schedule, facing all 17 other teams. This includes home and away matches against three specific opponents and single matches against the remaining 14 teams. The double-play opponents were chosen based on factors like competitive balance, geography, and rivalries.
The Big Ten volleyball season kicked off on Wednesday, September 25, with two exciting matches between Wisconsin and Minnesota and between Penn State and Purdue. Matches will run from Wednesday through Sunday, with teams playing two weekly conference matches. Here is a full schedule of the Big Ten Volleyball Conference.
Top Teams and Players to Watch
Historically, dominant teams like Nebraska and Wisconsin are always strong contenders due to their rich traditions and consistent recruitment of top talent. Nebraska’s Merritt Beason and Lexi Rodriguez, alongside Wisconsin’s Sarah Franklin and Anna Smrek, are standout players to watch. Wisconsin aims to build on its consistent Final Four appearances, while Nebraska seeks its first title since 2017.
Previous Tournament Highlights
The 2023 Big Ten Volleyball Tournament was marked by standout performances and thrilling moments. The top-ranked Nebraska volleyball team secured the 2023 Big Ten Conference championship with a 3-0 win (25-21, 25-21, 25-15) over Iowa at Xtream Arena. This marks Nebraska’s fourth Big Ten title and their first since sharing the crown with Penn State in 2017.
Key players like Merritt Beason and Harper Murray played pivotal roles, contributing significantly to Nebraska’s success. Lexi Rodriguez also excelled defensively with crucial digs during their final matches.
How to Watch the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament 2024
Several options are available for those eager to catch all the action of the Big Ten Volleyball Tournament. The matches are typically broadcast on various sports networks and streaming platforms, including Volleyball World. VBTV provides live and on-demand access to matches, including conference and non-conference games, featuring top teams and future stars of U.S. collegiate volleyball.
Subscribe to Volleyball World
The Big Ten Volleyball Tournament is ongoing, and there is still plenty to get excited about. Make sure to follow the action closely and support your favorite teams as they vie for the championship. Don't forget to subscribe to VBTV for the latest Big Ten Volleyball updates.
