Iowa Hawkeyes Picked Near Bottom of Big Ten Volleyball Preseason Poll

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa Hawkeyes volleyball team has been projected to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten Conference this season, according to the league's preseason coaches poll released Thursday. The Hawkeyes were picked to finish 14th out of 18 teams, a ranking that underscores the challenges ahead for head coach Jim Barnes' squad.

The poll, which reflects the unanimous expectation that Nebraska will repeat as conference champions, places Iowa alongside Northwestern and Washington in the bottom third of the standings. Only Ohio State, Rutgers, and Maryland were picked lower.

What does this mean for Iowa volleyball?

For Iowa fans, the low preseason ranking signals a rebuilding year. The Hawkeyes finished 12-18 overall and 6-14 in Big Ten play last season, missing the inaugural Big Ten Tournament. This year, only the top 15 teams qualify for the postseason event, which will be held in Fishers, Indiana, in late November.

Iowa returns several key players, including senior outside hitter Courtney Buzzerio and junior setter Bailey Ortega, but faces a daunting schedule against powerhouse programs like Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Penn State.

Nebraska dominates preseason predictions

Nebraska, the three-time defending Big Ten champion, was the unanimous pick to win the conference again in 2026. The Huskers went 20-0 in league play last season, dropping only one set to UCLA. Head coach John Cook's program continues to set the standard for excellence in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin was picked second, followed by Penn State, Purdue, and Minnesota to round out the top five. The full predicted order of finish: Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota, Indiana, USC, Oregon, UCLA, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Washington, Northwestern, Iowa, Ohio State, Rutgers, Maryland.

Iowa's path forward

While the preseason poll may seem discouraging, Iowa has shown flashes of competitiveness under Barnes, now in his fourth season. The Hawkeyes have improved their recruiting and are building depth. A strong non-conference schedule could help prepare the team for the rigors of Big Ten play.

For Iowa fans, the focus will be on player development and securing enough wins to sneak into the conference tournament. Every match counts, and with a young roster, the Hawkeyes have an opportunity to exceed expectations.

What are the biggest challenges for Iowa this season?

The Hawkeyes face a brutal conference slate. They will play Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Penn State twice each. Those three programs combined for a 56-4 conference record last season. Iowa also travels to Minnesota and Purdue, two other top-tier teams.

Injuries and inexperience could also be factors. Iowa lost several seniors from last year's team, and the newcomers will need to adapt quickly to the speed of Big Ten volleyball.

How can Iowa fans stay engaged?

Fans can follow the Hawkeyes through the season by attending home matches at Carver-Hawkeye Arena or streaming games on Big Ten Plus. The team's schedule includes several winnable non-conference matchups that could build momentum heading into league play.

Iowa's first conference match is against Northwestern on September 24. The Wildcats were picked 15th, just one spot ahead of the Hawkeyes, making that a critical early-season contest.

For now, Iowa volleyball faces an uphill climb. But in sports, rankings are just predictions. The real story will be written on the court.