Penn State women's volleyball's 2026-27 schedule isn't set, but there's one match that's definitively in the books.
Izzy Starck turns her back on Penn State volleyball for in-state rival
The Nittany Lions are slated to participate in a match versus Kentucky at Wrigley Field on Sept. 6. This will be the site of an inaugural Big Ten/SEC Challenge, according to Penn State Athletics' announcement.
The 18-team Big Ten and 16-team SEC conferences match up starting on Tuesday, Sept. 1 and the event concludes with a doubleheader at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill.
"This initiative brings together the nation’s premier conferences in competition that reflects the growth and national momentum of women’s college volleyball," the Big Ten published.
Alongside the Penn State vs. Kentucky game, Nebraska and Missouri will also face one another in the doubleheader. One match will be broadcast live on FOX at 7 p.m. ET with the other following at 9 p.m. ET. The time slot the Nittany Lions play in has yet to be announced.
“This is a historic moment for the Chicago Cubs, Big Ten and the SEC that has been months in the making,” Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said, according to the Big Ten's press release. “We’re thrilled to welcome these incredible schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at Wrigley Field.”
The Wildcats and Nittany Lions are two of the last five national champions with title wins in 2021 and 2024, respectively. Kentucky was also the runner-up in the 2025 national tournament, losing to Texas A&M in the championship match.
Nebraska was the runner-up in 2023 and was ultimately defeated in a historic 2025 season to the Aggies in the semifinals.
As for the other matches for the Big Ten/SEC Challenge, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas are set to host home matches against Big Ten squads. More information on matchups, times, and how to watch have yet to be announced.
Tickets for the event at Wrigley Field go on sale for the general public at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 9. These tickets are for both matches in the doubleheader.