1/29/25
With new teams slated to join D3 next season, we wanted to have a bit of fun as well as solicit some input on what the future landscape might look like for D3 Men’s Volleyball. We have laid out all of the teams at D3 as well as new teams expected in 2026. The 2026 presentation should be pretty close. The 2027 “predictions” are just guesses on where we think certain programs will land as additions to each conference.
Some NAIA teams have jumped up to D2 this past year. Programs like Menlo and Vanguard have made the jump. The question is… will any D3 programs try to do the same? We think not. But if this was to occur, we see 3 programs as the top candidates. Cal Lutheran and UC Santa Cruz appear to be a forever independent. With the closest D3 program over 1,000 miles away, it would seem like this could be an option. Especially with so many D1/D2 schools in close proximity. Both are quality programs and have history of being ranked in the top 10 at D3. The third candidate in our opinion is Springfield. Again, a traditionally dominant team at D3 could certainly compete at D2 and has never opted to be included in a conference. Maybe the new system for ranking and selection into the NCAA tournament will affect their decision making going forward. In this analysis, we have them migrating to the NEVC in 2027.
Here is our analysis:
What do you think? Did we get in right? Drop us a line at insidehitter@gmail.com or just add a comment to the article to share your view.
Here are conference alignments and predictions for Non-D3 programs…
And lastly, many players cannot make the commitment to D1/D2/D3/NAIA programs and rely on club teams to continue playing volleyball competitively at the academic college of their choice. These teams are usually less vigorous in their training schedules and time commitment. Here is a full list of the schools that offer these programs…