The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball to face Nebraska, TCU at Players Era Challenge in Las Vegas
05.08.2026 | Volleyball
Longhorns continue marquee 2026 non-conference slate with neutral-site showcase.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Volleyball will travel to Las Vegas for the Players Era Challenge, where the Longhorns are set to face TCU on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Nebraska on Sunday, Aug. 30, at T-Mobile Arena.
The matchup between Texas and Nebraska renews one of the premier rivalries in college volleyball. The programs last met in the 2023 NCAA Championship match in Tampa, Florida, where the Longhorns swept the Cornhuskers to secure the second of back-to-back national titles.
"Burnt Orange and Husker red in Vegas – the volleyball world will be watching, said Texas head coach Jerritt Elliot. "We are beyond excited to rekindle the biggest rivalry in college volleyball as Texas and Nebraska meet on one of the biggest stages imaginable in Las Vegas. The passion, tradition, energy, and fan support behind both programs make this something truly special for the entire volleyball world. This is going to be an unforgettable atmosphere, and I encourage fans to get their tickets now because this event will sell out fast. Vegas. Texas. Nebraska. Prime time. The biggest rivalry in college volleyball."
The Longhorns went 23-3 in 2025, advanced to the NCAA Regional Final for the 18th time in the last 20 seasons and finished as the Southeastern Conference Tournament runner-up.
Nebraska finished the 2025 season with a 33-1 record and reached the NCAA Regional Finals. Texas has won 11 of the last 14 meetings between the programs dating back to 2008, though the Longhorns trail the all-time series 25-33. Texas also holds a 6-5 advantage in neutral-site meetings.
Texas will open the event against TCU in the first neutral-site meeting in series history. The Longhorns hold a 25-1 all-time record against the Horned Frogs and have won the last 16 meetings overall. TCU finished the 2025 season with a 21-11 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
The Players Era Challenge adds to a loaded 2026 nonconference schedule for Texas, which also includes previously announced matches against Arizona State and Marquette at the AVCA First Serve in Milwaukee, Louisville at the Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party in Nashville, SMU in Dallas as part of the ACC/SEC Showdown at the Net, and Wisconsin at the Moody Center on Sept. 13. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early once information becomes available.
Texas will open Southeastern Conference play on Friday, Sept. 25, at Tennessee.
Start times, television information and ticket details for the Players Era Challenge will be announced at a later date.
