Huskers Secure Top Seed for NCAA Tournament

Huskers earn top overall seed in NCAA tournament

London, December 02, 2025

Nebraska volleyball has secured the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship, reflecting their undefeated 30-0 season and dominant performance. The Huskers will host the first-round match on December 5 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, positioning them among the tournament favorites.

Dominant Season Performance
Nebraska enters the NCAA tournament having lost only seven sets all season and leading Division I in hitting percentage at .352. Their impeccable 30-0 record underscores a season of consistent dominance. The team’s exceptional play has earned them the top ranking and the opportunity to host key early rounds on their home court.

Tournament Schedule and Hosting Duties
The Huskers will open their tournament campaign against Long Island University (LIU) on Friday, December 5, at 7 p.m. Central Time. If victorious, Nebraska will face the winner of the San Diego versus Kansas State match on December 6. Beyond the first two rounds, Nebraska is also set to host the Regional rounds from December 11 through 14, marking a significant home-court advantage. The NCAA Final Four is scheduled for December 18 to 21 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Coaching Leadership and Transition
This season marks the first under head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, who took over following John Cook’s retirement. Busboom Kelly brings recent success, having led Louisville to the NCAA final in 2024, and her leadership is a critical factor in maintaining the program’s high standards and competitive edge.

Competition and Seedings
Alongside Nebraska, Kentucky, Texas, and Pittsburgh round out the No. 1 seeds, setting the stage for potentially high-stakes matchups. Notably, Penn State—the defending national champion—is seeded No. 8, while Stanford, a historic powerhouse with nine national titles, earns the No. 2 seed in Texas’ region. Nebraska’s bracket also includes strong teams such as Louisville, Texas A&M, and Kansas, promising a competitive path forward.

Historical Context and Home Court Dominance
Nebraska’s volleyball program boasts five national titles, with their most recent championship coming in 2017. The Huskers currently hold a nation-leading 60-match home winning streak and have won 26 consecutive NCAA tournament matches at the Devaney Center, underscoring their formidable presence on familiar ground. This will be their 44th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and their 40th time hosting the first round, reflecting sustained program excellence.

With the No. 1 overall seed, Nebraska is positioned as a clear favorite to vie for the national title. Their undefeated regular season, coupled with strong leadership and a competitive regional lineup, highlights their dominant status in collegiate volleyball. The team’s success under new leadership exemplifies organizational resilience and sets a high benchmark in NCAA women’s volleyball competition this December.