Huskers Soar to Historic Victory on National TV

The Nebraska Volleyball team has once again etched its name in the annals of history, this time with a dominant 3-0 victory over Ohio State on their home court in Columbus. This match, which took place on October 19, 2024, marked a significant milestone for the sport of collegiate volleyball, as it was the first-ever to be broadcast on the prestigious NBC network.

Elevating the Game to New Heights

A Landmark Broadcast

The Nebraska Volleyball vs. Ohio State match on October 19, 2024, was a historic event that transcended the boundaries of the sport. For the first time, a collegiate volleyball match was broadcast on a renowned linear network, NBC, marking the network's debut in airing the sport. This groundbreaking move not only showcased the exceptional talent and skill of the players but also signaled the growing popularity and recognition of volleyball at the collegiate level.The significance of this broadcast extends beyond the confines of the court. With over 83 Big Ten Conference matches scheduled to be aired on television this season, the most ever, the sport is poised to reach a wider audience than ever before. Networks such as FOX, FS1, and Peacock, in addition to the Big Ten Network, have all committed to showcasing the thrilling action of Big Ten volleyball, further elevating the sport's profile.

A Conference on the Rise

The decision to feature so many Big Ten volleyball matches on national television is a testament to the conference's remarkable success in the sport. In fact, 20 of the last 24 NCAA volleyball finals have featured a Big Ten team, solidifying the conference's dominance. This impressive track record has not gone unnoticed, and it is no surprise that networks like NBC are eager to capitalize on the growing interest and excitement surrounding Big Ten volleyball.Beyond the Nebraska Volleyball vs. Ohio State match, NBC has scheduled several other high-profile Big Ten volleyball matchups in the coming days, including Wisconsin vs. Purdue, Penn State vs. Wisconsin, and a showdown between debut conference members Oregon and UCLA. This strategic programming decision underscores the network's commitment to bringing the best of collegiate volleyball to a national audience.

A Husker Masterclass

The Nebraska Volleyball team, as the reigning Big Ten champions, recognized the historic significance of this NBC broadcast and seized the opportunity to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion. Led by standout players like Harper Murray and Merritt Beason, the Huskers dismantled Ohio State's plans, securing a convincing 3-0 victory on their opponent's home court.Murray's outstanding performance, which included 14 kills and a .406 hitting efficiency, was a testament to the team's depth and talent. Beason, too, made her mark, recording 13 kills and a .345 hitting efficiency. The Huskers' dominance was evident throughout the match, as they maintained control and never allowed the Buckeyes to gain a foothold.The Huskers' success on the court has been nothing short of remarkable this season. Just recently, they set a new ESPN viewership record when they took on Louisville, becoming the most-watched regular-season volleyball game in the network's history, with an average of 684,000 viewers and a peak of 808,000.As the Huskers continue to make waves on the national stage, the question on everyone's mind is whether they can secure another Big Ten title. With their impressive performances and the growing attention on collegiate volleyball, the Huskers are well-positioned to cement their status as one of the premier programs in the sport.