Badgers volleyball ranked No. 3 to open season, face No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Stanford in Milwaukee Sept. 1-2

After reaching the Final Four last season, the University of Wisconsin volleyball team has begun the new season ranked No. 3 in the country. 

In the first coaches poll released Monday, the Badgers trail only Texas and Nebraska. Texas defeated Wisconsin 3-1 in the semifinals last season before going on to sweep Nebraska for the championship. Wisconsin previously claimed the NCAA title in 2021 and reached the Elite Eight two seasons ago.

Marquette also made an appearance in the coaches Top 25 poll, coming in at No. 24.

The Big Ten's strength is evident with five teams ranked in the Top 10 and seven in the Top 25. Alongside Wisconsin, the ranked teams include No. 7 Penn State, No. 8 Purdue, No. 10 Oregon, No. 18 Minnesota, and No. 21 USC.

Wisconsin’s nonconference schedule is equally challenging. The Badgers will face five ranked opponents, including a match against Texas and No. 5 Stanford on September 1-2 at the Milwaukee Bucks arena.

Before that, the Badgers will open their season by hosting Bradley on Tuesday and will then visit No. 6 Louisville on August 27.