Big Ten Announces B1G/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced a partnership for Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week beginning in the 2026 season, on Monday, March 30. As part of the challenge week event, USC will travel to Austin, Texas, to face perennial power Texas at Gregory Gymnasium on Sept. 2. Match time, tickets, and coverage details will be released later.

This first-of-a-kind initiative—highlighted by a doubleheader at iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago—brings together the nation's premier conferences in competition that reflects the growth and national momentum of women's college volleyball.

All 18 Big Ten schools and all 16 SEC institutions will match up beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1, culminating with a historic outdoor doubleheader at Wrigley Field on Sunday, Sept. 6. 12 of the Big Ten's teams will play two matches and the other six will play in a single match—including USC—for a total of 30 contests designated as challenge week matches.

"Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week culminating at Wrigley Field brings together the highest level of women's volleyball competition, at one of the most iconic venues in the country," said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. "As women's volleyball participation, sponsorship, attendance, and viewership continue to grow, we look forward to providing this unique opportunity to showcase the exceptional competition."

The Wrigley Field event will feature three national champions with Nebraska taking on Missouri and Penn State battling Kentucky. The matches will mark the first time volleyball has been played at Wrigley Field, creating a unique experience for teams and fans alike and adding a new chapter to one of the most recognizable venues in sports.

"This is a historic moment for the Chicago Cubs, Big Ten, and the SEC that has been months in the making," said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. "We're thrilled to welcome these incredible schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at Wrigley Field."

Both outdoor matches will be broadcast live on FOX, with the first scheduled for 6 p.m. CT followed by an 8 p.m. start for the second match. Challenge week showcases elite competition while elevating women's sports on the national stage. Several sites will serve as hosts to two Big Ten teams and two SEC teams. Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas will host single home matches against Big Ten foes. Linear coverage will be available across FOX, FS1, B1G Network, ESPN, and SEC Network, with additional coverage on B1G+ and SECN+.

"Bringing the SEC and Big Ten together for a championship-caliber volleyball showcase, culminating at an iconic venue like Wrigley Field, reflects the extraordinary momentum of the sport," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "This initiative not only elevates volleyball on a national stage but also underscores a continued growth and investment in women's athletics. We are proud to be part of an event that celebrates the competitive excellence of these student-athletes while helping shape an even more prominent future for women's athletics."

Tickets for the matches at Wrigley Field will be available for purchase starting April 9. For more information, visit cubs.com/bigtenvolleyball. The complete Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week schedule can be found at BigTen.org/wvb.

Last fall, USC finished the regular season tied for third in the Big Ten. The Trojans were 25-7 overall with a 15-5 record in the Big Ten and were awarded one of 33 at-large berths—and a hosting bid—into the 2025 NCAA tournament. USC made its fourth straight appearance in the tourney under head coach Brad Keller (41st all-time) and moved into the second round for the fourth consecutive year with a 3-0 sweep of Princeton. The Women of Troy were eliminated from postseason play in a hard-fought five-set loss to Cal Poly in the second round.

For more information on the USC women's volleyball team, please visit USCTrojans.com/WVB. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow @USCWomensVolley on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Big Ten Announces B1G/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week

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