NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb University volleyball program will make a statement out of the gate of the 2025 season. Head coach Brandon Rosenthal has announced the program's schedule that will start with back-to-back opponents that made it to the final eight of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. 

The 2025 schedule will feature 26 matches, including 16 inside Allen Arena. The 16 home matches are the most in the program's history since 2002, the first year of volleyball inside Allen Arena. The Bisons hold a 193-85 record inside the friendly confines.

No strangers to tough non-conference scheduling, the Bisons finished the 2025 season ranked 100th in the final Rating Percentage Index, or RPI. In 2024, the Bisons played nine matches against the top 100 teams in Division I. 

In 2025, Lipscomb is scheduled to play five teams in the top 100 of the RPI, with three in the top 25. 

The Bisons will be inside Allen for eight of the first 12 matches, including six straight to start the season, and the first two will be memorable for the program as Nebraska and Kentucky come to Allen Arena for the LUV Invitational. 

"We are incredibly proud of our 2025 schedule. This marks our 25th year in NCAA Division I and what better way to kick off the season with the University of Nebraska and the University of Kentucky on back-to-back days. Both programs are former National Champions and have some of the best fanbases in the country. That weekend will mark the anniversary and celebrate the growth and accomplishment of the LUV program. Our plan is to recognize and celebrate all those that have had a hand in on the success that Lipscomb Volleyball has achieved over the years," said Rosenthal.

The Cornhuskers will be the first regular season opponent for the Bisons when they come to Allen Arena on Friday, Aug. 29 for a 6 p.m. first serve. 

Making it to the semifinals of the NCAA Championship last season, Nebraska has played Lipscomb once in program history, when the Bisons travelled to Lincoln to open the 2023 season. 

No rest for the weary, as the Bisons will have a quick turnaround and will play Kentucky the following day, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. Winners of the Southeastern Conference last year, the Wildcats advanced to the region final in the 2024 NCAA Championship. 

While it will be the fifth time the programs have squared off on the volleyball court and the first time they have squared off since 2016, the Wildcats will be making their second trip to Nashville. The previous time was 2013.

The LUV Invitational will wrap up on Sunday afternoon with a match against Seton Hall in the first-ever matchup between the two schools. 

The second weekend of the season features Vanderbilt and Minnesota in the Lippy Invitational on Sept. 4 and 6, respectively.

The Commodores are bringing back volleyball for the first time in over 45 seasons. 

The Golden Gophers will meet the Bisons for the first time in program history on Sept. 6. Minnesota finished 13-7 in a tough Big 10 schedule and advanced to the Round of 32 of the NCAA Championship in 2024.

"Not to be outdone by the first week, but we are also excited to host Vanderbilt and perennial Big 10 Conference contender University of Minnesota in week two," added Rosenthal. 

The six-match homestand will wrap up with crosstown foe Tennessee State on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

The Bisons' first road trip of the season will be out west in California, starting in Malibu with Pepperdine on Sept. 12. The following day, they will head out to Cal State Northridge. That weekend will be a special one for Rosenthal, as he returns to his alma mater in Pepperdine for the third time as head coach. 

Lipscomb will return home for back-to-back matches with California Irvine and Belmont on Sept. 18 and 19. 

ASUN play will start on the road for the Bisons, as they will head to Central Arkansas (Sept. 26) and North Alabama (Sept. 28). 

As the calendar shifts to October, the Bisons will play its next four matches at home, starting with contests against Bellarmine (Oct. 3) and Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 4). The next weekend, they will host North Florida (Oct. 10) and Jacksonville (Oct. 11). 

Five of the next six matches for Lipscomb will be away from Allen Arena. Lipscomb will play at Florida Gulf Coast (Oct. 17) and Stetson (Oct. 19) in Florida. 

Following a quick trip to Austin Peay on Oct. 24, the Bisons will return home to face West Georgia on Oct. 26. 

After trips to Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 31) and Bellarmine (Nov. 1), Lipscomb will wrap up the home schedule with North Alabama (Nov. 7), Central Arkansas (Nov. 8) and Austin Peay (Nov. 11). 

The regular season will conclude at Queens on Nov. 15. 

The 2025 ASUN Championship will take place on Nov. 20-23 in Fort Myers, Florida on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University. 

"The 2025 season will see the most home matches that the program has ever had. We look forward to competing for another championship in the ASUN as we have fallen short in the championship matches the past two seasons. I feel great about the prospect of making an incredible run in this special year. This team has worked extremely hard to be in position for another great run and we are excited to face some great opponents in the ASUN. It is truly awesome to see where this program has gone in 25 years and I have no doubt that our fans and volleyball fans in Nashville will be treated to an incredible year," said Rosenthal.

To see the full schedule, click here.

Fans can purchase single game or season tickets now by clicking here. Fans can purchase a season-ticket package for $100.