Ole Miss Women’s Volleyball will compete in the Big Ten/SEC Challenge this upcoming season after the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference officially announced a new partnership on Monday, March 30.
The Rebels will play two games as part of the challenge. They will face Ohio State in Norman, Okla., at McCasland Field House on Wednesday, Sept. 2, then play Washington in the same venue on Thursday, Sept. 3. Both matchups are labeled as home games for Ole Miss.
Games for the challenge will stretch from Sept. 1-6. The final two matchups — the first between Nebraska and Missouri and the second between Penn State and Kentucky — will take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill., the home of the Chicago Cubs.
“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,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. “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.”
Oklahoma will host both of Ole Miss’ games, as well as both of Oklahoma’s games. The other schools slated to host multiple games in the challenge are Purdue, Vanderbilt, Michigan, Wisconsin and Mississippi State. Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas will each host one game apiece.
“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,” Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said.
Every team in both conferences will participate in the challenge.
“This is a historic moment for the Chicago Cubs, Big Ten and the SEC that has been months in the making,” Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said. “We’re thrilled to welcome these incredible schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at Wrigley Field.”
Ole Miss’ full 2026 schedule has yet to be announced. Tickets for the games will go on sale on April 9. B1G+ and SECN+ will broadcast the games.
