The Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Wisconsin Badgers are two college volleyball titans who’ve been duking it out for years. Their matches are always a nail-biter, a high-flying spectacle that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. With every point, every serve, every block, and growing intensity, Nebraska vs. Wisconsin matches are always a heart-pounding spectacle. But their latest clash? It was off the charts. The stakes were higher than ever, especially for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

While there is no doubt that the Cornhuskers are a champion side, their performance against Wisconsin has been quite a jinx. Despite winning the Big Ten Championship, Nebraska has failed to win against Wisconsin for the last 11 years! Yes, that’s right. The Badgers have been phenomenal in protecting their home turf. Playing in the UW Field House, the Badgers have registered an 8-game winning streak against the Huskers that has lasted since 2024. 

And now, for the Cornhuskers, they will look to break the curse courtesy of some fiery form they have been carried in recent times. Nebraska women’s volleyball team’s last loss came way back on September 3, against SMU. Since then, the Cornhuskers have run riot in the league. They have registered 18 back-to-back victories to make a strong case for themselves to break the 11-year-old jinx. 

Now, if this seems like a straightforward advantage for the Huskers, here’s what awaits them at the UW Field House. In the past five seasons, the home advantage has really been utilized to the fullest by the Badgers. They have enjoyed a whopping 91% win percentage in the past five seasons. And in the last two seasons, the Wisconsin women have further upped the ante with 25 home victories.

Eyeing a repeat of their Big Ten Championship run, Nebraska has the top of the table cluttered with Penn State and Wisconsin. With the points going neck and neck, a victory would do a world of good to the Cornhuskers. On the flip side, a Wisconsin victory can also change the dynamics completely. As a matter of fact, the Badgers already trail Penn State and the Huskers by a game. Thus, losing another one would kind of give an open road for the other two teams. 

However, the best-case scenario for the Huskers will be to secure their victory and then wait for Iowa to upset Penn State. This way, Nebraska will be enjoying a healthy lead at the top of the table, getting themselves closer to the championship goals. And with the adrenaline-evoking matchup coming up soon, there are athletes from both camps who can turn the game on their heads. 

Players to watch out for in the Nebraska vs Wisconsin matchup

The Cornhuskers have a team of experienced women who have proved their credibility multiple times in the league. Four of their major pillars of strength—Harper Murray, Bergen Reilly, Lexi Rodriguez, and Merritt Beason have achieved the AVCA All-Americans honor last season. Among the four, Murray looks the most threatening of the lot, averaging the highest for her team with a 3.36 kills per set. Her hitting too remains impressive at .255. 

Cut to the Badgers camp, their mainstay of the team has been the daunting figure of Sarah Franklin. She is the reigning National Player of the Year, enjoying a .321 hitting in Big Ten play. In fact, Franklin is one of the reasons behind the Badgers’ sublime home record. Add to that the defensive prowess of Carter Booth.

In her recent matchup with Michigan this Sunday, Booth recorded a career-high 12 blocks in a single game, further intensifying the rivalry. Thus, with the battle lines drawn, it will now be interesting to see who comes out on top.