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Previewing Wisconsin volleyball's Final Four matchup vs. Kentucky

Let's break down the national semifinal matchup between the Badgers and Wildcats, with the help from the voice of Wisconsin volleyball.

Jake Kocorowski's avatar
Jake Kocorowski
Dec 17, 2025
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Sophomore Charlie Fuerbringer prepares a set during Wisconsin’s NCAA second-round win over North Carolina earlier this month at the Field House in Madison, Wisconsin. Credit: Jake Kocorowski/Badger Observer

It’s now the University of Wisconsin volleyball program’s turn to face a Kentucky team in a Final Four matchup.

Wisconsin (28-4) looks to dethrone yet another No. 1 seed, Kentucky (29-2), during one of the national semifinals of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. The Wildcats, who won the SEC regular season and tournament championships, are riding a 26-game winning streak into Kansas City, Missouri, and boast a few All-Americans the Badgers will need to contain.

Whichever program comes out victorious will face the winner of the other national semifinal between Pittsburgh and Texas A&M on Sunday.

Badger Observer sat down with the voice of Wisconsin volleyball, Jon Arias, earlier Wednesday to discuss the following:

  • Comparing the 2025 Badgers to other teams he’s seen make it to the Final Four

  • Recapping what led to Wisconsin’s upset of No. 1 seed Texas on Sunday

  • Setter Charlie Fuerbringer’s astounding return from a shoulder injury

  • Previewing Kentucky and what to watch for against the Wildcats

  • What Arias will remember from this 2025 Wisconsin team regardless of this weekend’s outcome

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