In December 2024, Nebraska and Penn State clashed in a high-stakes battle that lived up to the hype. Both teams left everything on the court, pushing each other to the brink in a five-set thriller. In the end, it was Penn State who edged out the victory, handing Nebraska a crushing 3-2 defeat that ended their run just shy of the national championship. Two teams have been fierce competitors for years, and there’s reason to think that that rivalry isn’t going to come to an end anytime soon.

Of course, John Cook, who’s now taken up fresh responsibilities for the Omaha Supernovas, will not be there in the Huskers’ corner anymore. But his successor, Dani Busboom Kelly, is no slouch, and although there has been a coaching change, the expectations remain the same. One thing is abundantly clear: Nebraska volleyball remains in fearless hands, and its quest for greatness is far from over. 

While they are preparing for the battle with fierce competitors, Nebraska volleyball, and in fact, their biggest rival, Penn State, have done something unprecedented. Per the latest update by the Big Ten conference on the pre-season poll, “The Big Ten has the top two teams in the AVCA Volleyball preseason poll for the first time in conference history.” Following them, the Penn State volleyball team was ranked 2nd by the coaches. 

And after it was announced that the coaches have voted for Nebraska volleyball as the No. 1 preseason, head coach Dani Busboom Kelly has reacted to it. After all, Kelly wasn’t even aware of the update until the press conference. So, when asked about the No.1 spot on preseason polls, Kelly said, I didn’t even know that to be honest. I don’t know when that came out. Ten minutes ago. So, I’m not surprised. I got a vote, and I voted ourselves number one. I think we’re pretty talented.” The head coach has pulled up her socks.

She also added, “We’re going to talk about that and talk about what it means to be number one. But we’re not going to dwell on that or talk about it for more than about ten minutes. I also don’t want to avoid it, and I don’t think anybody on our team is going to be surprised that we’re preseason number one. I also don’t think anybody believes that that’s what we’ll be in December, just because that’s where we are right now, because they’ve been through it all.” That’s quite consistent given that Kelly has never been one to sit on her laurels, and firmly believes that the Huskers that’ll take the court in August will be very different from what they were last year. 

Nebraska finished fourth in last season’s final AVCA poll, while they also posted an impressive 33-3 record during the 2024 campaign. The Huskers shared the Big Ten regular-season championship with longtime rival Penn State, showcasing their dominance throughout conference play. The Nittany Lions, ranked No. 2 entering the 2025 season, dashed their national title hopes heartbreakingly by defeating them in a hard-fought five-set thriller.

But despite the loss, Nebraska has now proved its elite status once again and remains one of the premier programs heading into the new season. Now, the Huskers are expecting to meet the same high expectations their fans always have—winning the title. And Dani Busboom Kelly feels she has the personnel for it.

Nebraska Volleyball HC not ready to name starting setter

As the Huskers geared up for the start of their highly anticipated season, head coach Busboom Kelly didn’t hesitate to praise her talented setter group. She has confidently called it the best in the country, thanks to the dynamic combination of veteran Bergen Reilly and standout freshman Campbell Flynn. However, what the Nebraska volleyball team’s head coach isn’t ready to name just yet, though, is who will take the coveted starting role when the team hits the court.

Busboom Kelly said, “Bergen is a fantastic leader and, no matter who came in with her, they would have a great experience (playing with her). I’ve seen Campbell get more confident, and they have more conversations together instead of Bergen telling Campbell what to do. They have really started to push each other and are really supportive as a group.” There’s no questioning the talent this dynamic duo brings to the table.

Reilly earned Big Ten Setter of the Year honors in both of her first two college seasons. And also secured AVCA All-American recognition for her consistent playmaking and leadership on the court. Meanwhile, Flynn, the 2024 Gatorade National Player of the Year, has already proven she can run the offense at a high level. She logged valuable reps as the starting setter during Nebraska’s spring matchups against Kansas and South Dakota State. Per the Hastings Tribune, entering fall practices, Busboom Kelly said she has noticed that both Reilly and Flynn are hitting harder. Let’s see what decision Kelly takes as the season starts.