Coming off of another Final Four run, Wisconsin is off to another good start in the 2026 season. The No. 6 ranked Badgers enter Thursday’s matchup in Madison against No. 15 Indiana with a record of 8-4 and 2-0 in Big Ten play. Wisconsin is a storied program with a lot of recent success under head coach Kelly Sheffield. Since 2013, Wisconsin has appeared in six Final Fours which includes a national title in 2021.
To start this season, Wisconsin has played one of the hardest non-conference schedules in the entire country. They have notched some impressive wins on the season so far: sweeping then-No. 7 Louisville and going on the road and beating the defending national champions Texas A&M in five thrilling sets (a team Indiana also beat on Sept. 2).
With those great wins there have also been losses to some losses to great teams: national runners-up No. 3 Kentucky, No. 5 Stanford, No. 4 Pittsburgh and No. 9 Texas. It is safe to say that the Badgers are battle tested and ready for Big Ten play, and they have proved that so far.
Wisconsin has started off Big Ten play with two dominating victories over No. 20 Oregon and No. 10 Purdue. Purdue is currently the third highest ranked Big Ten team in the AVCA poll, and Wisconsin swept them in West Lafayette.
Similarly to 2025, Indiana has started off the season 2-0 in Big Ten play again. It’s the first time they have started 2-0 in conference play in consecutive seasons since 1987 and 1988. Indiana has a tall task ahead of them though. In order for Indiana to have a chance at victory they are going to have to figure out a way to shut down Wisconsin’s high-powered offense.
Outside hitter and freshman breakout Audrey Flanagan leads the Badgers offense with 126 kills. She is complemented nicely by senior Eva Travis who is second on the team in kills with 119. Wisconsin’s offense is facilitated by junior setter Charlie Fuerbringer who has 508 assists so far on the season.
While having a strong tandem between Flanagan and Travis is nice, Wisconsin’s offense is at its peak when they spread the ball around. On any given night players like Lynney Tarnow, Decelise Champion or Jaela Auguste could lead the match in kills. The strategy of spreading the ball around has been Wisconsin’s bread and butter under Sheffield. This team has been so dominant because they can beat you in so many different ways.
Wisconsin has veteran and young players all across the court, which is why they have been able to remain nationally relevant for years. For Indiana, this is not their first time going on the road to face a top 10 foe. The Hoosiers started off their season getting swept by No. 7 Louisville. This time Indiana is riding a seven game win streak into Madison looking to secure a signature win for head coach Steve Aird.
