1/1/2026

D3 Men’s Volleyball Transfer Preview: 2026

Impact Transfers Reshaping the Division III Landscape

The transfer portal continues to reshape NCAA Division III men’s volleyball, with several notable moves set to influence the 2026 season. From D1 talent stepping down to compete at the D3 level to international players pursuing graduate studies, and key contributors finding new homes within Division III, these transfers represent some of the most significant roster changes heading into the new year. Note this is a preliminary list and more movements will become visible when the season is underway.

This analysis examines seven notable transfers, exploring their statistical contributions at their previous programs and projecting their potential impact on their new teams. However, it’s worth noting that several receiving programs face significant roster turnover themselves, which may temper immediate expectations.

Colin Stevens

Sacred Heart (D1) → Rutgers-Newark (D3)

Position: Setter  |  Class: Graduate Student

2025 Statistics at Sacred Heart: 51 assists, 4 digs, 3 blocks in 16 sets played, three year career.

High School/Club Background: Warren Six Pack and CBA in NJ where he led the Colts to a 21-2 record and sectional final as a senior.

Impact Analysis: Stevens brings Division I experience to Rutgers-Newark as a graduate transfer. His time at Sacred Heart, competing against top-tier programs in the Northeast Conference, has prepared him well for the transition to D3. As a setter, his ability to run an efficient offense and make quick decisions under pressure will be invaluable. Stevens replaces Derek Au who has graduated. Rutgers-Newark gains a seasoned floor general who can immediately elevate their offensive system and provide leadership to a developing program with many top freshman recruits that will be looking to make their mark.

Chris U’Glay

Merrimack (D1) → Misericordia (D3)

Position: Middle Blocker  |  Height: 6’7″  |  Class: Junior

2025 Statistics at Merrimack: 12 kills (.242 hitting %), 8 blocks, 7 aces in 19 sets played

High School Background: Delaware Valley HS records: 432 career kills, 301 service points, 134 aces

Impact Analysis: U’Glay is a physical specimen whose size and athleticism should translate well to the D3 level. His impressive high school career at Delaware Valley demonstrates his scoring potential, and his D1 experience at Merrimack has refined his skills against top competition. At 6’7″, he provides Misericordia with an imposing presence at the net. However, the Cougars are losing significant talent from their 2025 roster, so U’Glay will be asked to contribute immediately as part of a rebuilding effort rather than joining an already-established contender.

Nathan Knapp

Merrimack (D1) → Misericordia (D3)

Position: Opposite  |  Height: 6’4″  |  Class: Sophomore

2025 Statistics at Merrimack: 27 kills (.370 hitting %), 5 aces, 3 blocks, 10 digs in 14 sets played

High School Background: Pennsbury HS all-time kills leader with 682 career kills; set single-season school record as a senior; 46″ vertical leap with 12′ approach touch; led team to best record in program history

Impact Analysis: Knapp joins his former Merrimack teammate U’Glay at Misericordia, giving the Cougars two D1 transfers to help offset their departing talent with Jared Piontkowski and Anthony DePalma departing. Described by his high school coach as “probably the most outstanding jumper I’ve ever seen,” Knapp possesses elite physical tools with his 46″ vertical and 12′ approach touch. His .370 hitting percentage at Merrimack demonstrates efficiency, while his prolific high school career as Pennsbury’s all-time kills leader shows his scoring potential. The Merrimack duo will be central figures as Misericordia looks to reload for 2026.

Bram Griever

The Netherlands → MSOE (D3)

Position: Opposite  |  Height: 6’4″  |  Class: Graduate Student (MBA)

Background: From Sittard, The Netherlands; attended Trevlanum Scholengroep

Impact Analysis: Griever represents an intriguing international addition for MSOE. European volleyball development often emphasizes technical fundamentals and tactical awareness, skills that can translate effectively to the American college game. As a graduate student pursuing his MBA, Griever brings maturity and a unique perspective to the Raiders’ program. At 6’4″, he has good size for the opposite position and should provide MSOE with an experienced option in their offensive attack. International transfers have become increasingly common in D3 volleyball, and Griever could be a valuable pickup for a program looking to make strides in the competitive NACC.

Jake Schawo-McAlister

Westminster (MO) → Wittenberg (D3)

Position: Setter  |  Height: 6’2″  |  Class: Graduate Student

2025 Highlights at Westminster: Men’s Newcomer of the Year; recorded 5 blocks and 20 digs vs. Wittenberg

Previous Experience: Fontbonne University (2023-24); from Affton, MO

Impact Analysis: Schawo-McAlister earned Men’s Newcomer of the Year honors at Westminster after transferring from Fontbonne, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact at a new program. At 6’2″, he has excellent size for a setter and showed his defensive versatility with a 20-dig performance against Wittenberg earlier this season. Now he’ll join the Tigers, bringing his experience and proven ability to adapt quickly. Wittenberg competes in the MCVL, and Schawo-McAlister’s combination of setting skill and defensive ability should make him a valuable addition to their roster.

David Ward

Eastern Mennonite → Southern Virginia

Position: Outside Hitter  |  Class: Senior (2026)

2023 Statistics at Eastern Mennonite: 272 kills (2.96 per set), 42 blocks, 19 aces in 92 sets

Southern Virginia 2025 Season: National Champions (35-1 record); defeated Springfield 3-0 in championship match

Impact Analysis: Ward joins the defending D3 National Champions, though the Knights face significant roster turnover heading into 2026 with numerous seniors departing from their championship squad. His 2.96 kills per set at Eastern Mennonite demonstrates consistent production, and his experience competing in the ODAC against quality competition has prepared him for the national stage. While Southern Virginia’s historic 35-1 championship season sets the bar high, Ward will be part of a retooling effort rather than simply slotting into an established lineup. His ability to terminate from the pins gives them a reliable scoring option as they work to defend their title with a new-look roster.

Danny Smithers

North Central (D3) → Menlo College (D1)

Position: Libero  |  Height: 6’0″  |  Class: Senior

2025 Statistics at North Central: 220 digs (team leader), 58 assists in 84 sets; previously recorded 192 digs in 2024

Previous Experience: Concordia-Irvine (D1): 109 digs and 29 assists over two seasons (2022-23)

North Central 2025 Record: 15-7 overall (7-3 CCIW); lost in conference semifinals to Loras

Impact Analysis: Smithers’ departure represents a significant loss for North Central, as the Cardinals lose their top defensive player and a leader who had been instrumental in their competitive CCIW campaigns. His move to D1 Menlo College reunites him with top-level competition after his earlier stint at Concordia-Irvine. For North Central, replacing 220 digs and his floor leadership will be a challenge as they look to improve upon their 2025 season. Smithers leaves as one of the most productive liberos in recent program history.

Transfer Statistics Summary

Looking Ahead

These seven transfers illustrate the evolving landscape of D3 men’s volleyball recruiting. The influx of D1 talent, particularly the Merrimack duo of U’Glay and Knapp heading to Misericordia, and international additions like Griever at MSOE, signal that programs are casting wider nets to find impact players. Graduate transfers like Stevens, Griever, and Schawo-McAlister bring immediate experience and maturity to their new programs.

However, context matters. Both Southern Virginia and Misericordia face substantial roster turnover, meaning incoming transfers will be asked to help rebuild rather than simply complement existing talent. The Knights must replace key contributors from their championship run, while the Cougars are undergoing significant changes of their own. Meanwhile, North Central must regroup after losing Danny Smithers to D1, though his success story demonstrates that elite D3 performers can compete at any level.

As the 2026 season approaches, these moves will be worth monitoring closely. The transfer portal has fundamentally changed how rosters are built at every level of college volleyball, and Division III is no exception. The programs that best integrate new talent while developing returning players will emerge as contenders.