Mizzou volleyball faces some stiff tests in 2026 schedule
The Mizzou volleyball schedule is set for 2026. Included are chances for historic wins against Nebraska and Oregon and matchups against all 15 SEC opponents.
Mizzou volleyball coach Dawn Sullivan listens to a question during a news conference Aug. 13, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. Sullivan’s team has some historic opportunities on the 2026 schedule, which was released Tuesday.
The 2026 Mizzou volleyball schedule has been finalized.
After finishing 17-11 overall and 8-7 in Southeastern Conference play last year, the team signed three transfers and a handful of notable incoming freshmen this offseason.
The Tigers will begin the season with a pair of exhibitions, first against Drake on Aug. 15 at home and then against Tulsa on Aug. 20 in Springfield. The Mizzou Invitational will follow Aug. 28-30, as the Tigers take on Western Illinois, Towson and Idaho to begin the regular season.
On Sept. 1, as part of the SEC/Big Ten Challenge, Mizzou will host the Oregon Ducks. The match will be the third meeting between the teams and first since 1998. In the second match of the challenge, on Sept. 6, the Tigers will head to Wrigley Field in Chicago to play Nebraska, which went undefeated until the regional final of the NCAA Tournament last season, finishing 33-1.
The Tigers also will head to Louisville for a match with the Cardinals in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Tigers have not beaten the Cardinals since 1984 and have lost six straight since that match.
Mizzou will be tested in conference matchups, starting with Vanderbilt on Sept. 27 and ending with Arkansas on Nov. 15.
Last season, the Tigers started and finished poorly in SEC play. They went 1-4 to start conference play before hitting their peak between Oct. 12 and 31, winning seven straight games, six of which featured conference opponents.
Despite the turnaround, Mizzou dropped another four of five games to end the season, with the final loss coming in the second round of the SEC Tournament. Seeded No. 6 in the tournament, the Tigers were stunned by No. 14 Ole Miss, their NCAA Tournament hopes ending there.
Last year’s NCAA champions, the Texas A&M Aggies, will be the ultimate test for Mizzou. They will travel to play the final match at the Hearnes Center next season, with that game scheduled for Nov. 8.
Mizzou sustained significant losses after last season, as Tyrah Ariail and Regan Haith left, vacating the middle blocker spots. Maya Sands and Janet deMarrais graduated as well, and elite setter Marina Crownover transferred to Oregon.
The Tigers have signed transfers Ainoah Cruz and Lauren Larkin to add experience and help mold the incoming freshmen while filling in gaps. Ceylin Kuyan, a Turkish outside hitter, adds depth as a standout freshman signee.
Tickets for home games and the Nebraska game at Wrigley Field can be purchased through Mizzou Athletics. Season tickets also are available for purchase.