SMU Volleyball Announces 2026 Non-Conference Schedule
SMU Volleyball Head Coach Sam Erger has finalized the team’s 2026 non-conference schedule, according to an official release from SMU Athletics. The schedule includes 12 matches against teams from the Big 12 Conference and other Power Five programs, setting the stage for a competitive early-season campaign.
Key Matches and Opponents
The Mustangs will face six teams ranked in the final 2025 NCAA Volleyball Top 25 poll, including a season-opening match against Texas A&M on August 27. The schedule also features home games against Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State, with road trips to Colorado and Iowa State. Erger emphasized the importance of these matchups in preparing the team for Conference USA play.
“These games are critical for building depth and testing our strategies against high-level competition,” Erger said in a statement. “Our goal is to enter the conference season with confidence and cohesion.”
Season Implications
The non-conference slate includes a mid-September showdown against UCLA, a program with 11 NCAA championships. Analysts note that SMU’s ability to secure wins against top-tier opponents could impact their seeding in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The schedule also features a November clash against Texas, a traditional rival in the State of Texas Athletic Conference.
According to college sports analytics platform CollegeVine, SMU’s non-conference strength of schedule ranks 18th nationally for 2026, indicating a challenging but manageable path to build momentum.
Historical Context
SMU’s volleyball program has increased its national visibility in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2023 for the first time since 2012. The 2026 schedule reflects a strategic focus on regional rivals and national contenders, a pattern seen in other mid-major programs aiming to elevate their national profile.
“This schedule is a clear signal of SMU’s ambition,” said college sports analyst Sarah Lin. “Facing Power Five teams early helps build credibility and attract top recruits.”
What’s Next?
The Mustangs will begin fall training in June, with the first match against Texas A&M scheduled for August 27. Fans can track the team’s progress through SMU Athletics’ official website and social media channels.
“We’re excited to bring our energy to the court and set a tone for the season,” Erger added. “This schedule is a challenge we’re ready to embrace.”