1/5/2026
In collegiate men’s volleyball, where competition is fierce and resources can be limited, strategic scheduling is key to building a successful program. For NCAA Division III (D3) teams, incorporating games against National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) opponents has emerged as a savvy move. These matchups, often overlooked in broader discussions, offer a host of advantages without the risks associated with intra-division games. As the 2026 season kicks off, a closer look reveals why these cross-association contests are not just fillers on the calendar but valuable opportunities for growth, preparation, and efficiency. Of the 1801 matches played in 2025, only 82 or 5% were scheduled against NAIA opponents. Surprisingly, of the 82 matches played, NAIA teams held a narrow 43-39 advantage in 2025.
The NPI Advantage: Risk-Free Competition
One of the most compelling positives of D3 teams playing NAIA squads is how these games interact, or rather, don’t interact, with the NCAA’s primary ranking tool: the NCAA Power Index (NPI). Unlike games against fellow D3 teams, which directly influence a program’s NPI through winning percentage and strength of schedule, NAIA matchups are entirely neutral in this metric. They don’t boost or drag down the index, allowing D3 coaches to experiment freely without jeopardizing playoff aspirations.
This neutrality is a game-changer. D3 programs can use these contests to test new lineups, strategies, or player rotations in live-action scenarios against quality opponents. Imagine a team fine-tuning its blocking schemes or integrating freshmen setters mid-season, doing so against an NAIA rival means valuable reps without the high stakes of a D3 loss that could tank their ranking. It’s like having a scrimmage that counts toward overall experience but not toward the all-important postseason math.
Proximity and Practicality: Building Rivalries on a Budget
A glance at the 2026 schedules shows that most of these D3-NAIA games are geographically convenient, minimizing travel costs and fostering potential rivalries. In an era where athletic budgets are stretched thin, especially at the D3 level, scheduling nearby opponents makes fiscal sense. It reduces expenses on buses, hotels, and meals, allowing programs to allocate resources elsewhere, perhaps toward equipment upgrades or recruiting trips.
Moreover, these close-proximity matchups often build organic rivalries that energize fans and players alike. Teams from neighboring states or regions can turn one-off games into annual traditions, creating buzz in local communities and boosting attendance. This not only enhances the game-day atmosphere but also strengthens ties between associations, promoting a more interconnected collegiate volleyball landscape.
Here’s a cross-sample of the scheduled D3 vs. NAIA men’s volleyball games for 2026, highlighting their locations and proximities where available. Unlike many Northeast matchups where multiple teams are in close proximity, Midwest and West teams do not have that advantage. Note that many are clustered in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, underscoring the emphasis on regional play:
- January 19: Warren Wilson (D3, Asheville, NC) vs. Carolina University (NAIA, Winston-Salem, NC) – Roughly 2-hour drive; a Carolinas showdown that keeps things local.
- January 24: Illinois Tech (D3, Chicago, IL) vs. Dordt (NAIA, Sioux Center, IA) – About 7 hours apart; Midwest connectivity at play.
- January 27: Spalding (D3, Louisville, KY) vs. Midway (NAIA, Midway, KY) – Under 30 minutes; practically neighbors, ideal for cost savings.
- January 28: Wittenberg (D3, Springfield, OH) vs. Mount Vernon Nazarene (NAIA, Mount Vernon, OH) – Less than 2 hours; Ohio-based, building in-state intrigue.
- January 30: Rockford (D3, Rockford, IL) vs. Calumet (IN) (NAIA, Whiting, IN) – About 2 hours; Chicago-area proximity.
- January 30: Simpson (D3, Indianola, IA) vs. Calumet (IN) (NAIA, Whiting, IN) – Around 5-6 hours; still manageable for a Midwest trip.
- January 31: Edgewood (D3, Madison, WI) vs. Viterbo (NAIA, La Crosse, WI) – Just 1 hour; a Wisconsin border battle.
- February 3: Marian (WI) (D3, Fond du Lac, WI) vs. Judson (IL) (NAIA, Elgin, IL) – About 2 hours; Great Lakes efficiency.
- February 6: Maranatha Baptist (D3, Watertown, WI) vs. Trinity Christian (IL) (NAIA, Palos Heights, IL) – Roughly 2 hours; another short hop.
- February 7: Spalding (D3, Louisville, KY) vs. St. Mary-Woods (NAIA, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN) – Under 2 hours; Ohio River region rivals.
- February 11: Edgewood (D3, Madison, WI) vs. Viterbo (NAIA, La Crosse, WI) – Same close proximity as January 31.
- February 12: Maranatha Baptist (D3, Watertown, WI) vs. Trinity Christian (IL) (NAIA, Palos Heights, IL) – Repeat short-distance matchup.
- February 17: Spalding (D3, Louisville, KY) vs. Midway (NAIA, Midway, KY) – Local repeat.
- February 18: Greenville (D3, Greenville, IL) vs. St. Mary-Woods (NAIA, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN) – About 2 hours; Illinois-Indiana border.
- February 21: Maranatha Baptist (D3, Watertown, WI) vs. Midway (NAIA, Midway, KY) – Longer at 7-8 hours, but still feasible for development.
- February 21: Franklin (D3, Franklin, IN) vs. Midway (NAIA, Midway, KY) – Around 2 hours; Kentucky-Indiana convenience.
- February 24: Calvin (D3, Grand Rapids, MI) vs. Trinity Christian (IL) (NAIA, Palos Heights, IL) – About 3 hours; Michigan-Illinois link.
- February 25: UW-Stevens Point (D3, Stevens Point, WI) vs. Viterbo (NAIA, La Crosse, WI) – Under 2 hours; Wisconsin focus.
- March 3: Augustana (IL) (D3, Rock Island, IL) vs. Clarke (IA) (NAIA, Dubuque, IA) – Just 1 hour; Quad Cities area.
- March 10: Franklin (D3, Franklin, IN) vs. St. Mary-Woods (NAIA, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN) – Local Indiana affair, under 1 hour.
- March 12: Maranatha Baptist (D3, Watertown, WI) vs. St. Mary-Woods (NAIA, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN) – About 5 hours; broader Midwest.
These sample games illustrate a pattern: over 80% are within a 3-hour drive, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and the potential for budding rivalries.
Opportunities for Growth: From Development to Tune-Ups
For emerging D3 programs still building their rosters, NAIA teams provide like-skilled opponents that match their developmental stage. NAIA volleyball often features competitive squads with similar enrollment sizes and athletic philosophies, making these games ideal for gaining confidence without overwhelming mismatches. A win here can boost morale, while a close loss offers teachable moments, all without denting the NPI.
On the flip side, established D3 contenders can use NAIA games as tune-ups before marquee conference clashes or tournaments. Facing a higher-caliber NAIA team (some of which compete at a level comparable to top D3 programs) allows for exposure to diverse playing styles, such as faster tempos or innovative offenses. This preparation can be invaluable, sharpening skills against unfamiliar competition and simulating the unpredictability of postseason play.
Beyond the court, these crossovers foster broader benefits. They expose athletes to different coaching philosophies and team cultures, enriching their collegiate experience. For coaches, it’s a networking opportunity that could lead to shared recruiting insights or joint clinics. In a sport like men’s volleyball, where growth is ongoing with programs expanding across both associations, these games help elevate the overall level of play nationwide.
A Win-Win for Collegiate Volleyball
As the 2026 season unfolds, D3 teams embracing NAIA opponents are positioning themselves for smarter, more holistic development. Free from NPI constraints, these matchups offer low-risk highs: testing strategies, saving budgets through proximity, nurturing rivalries, and providing tailored competition for programs at various stages. In an increasingly interconnected athletic world, such scheduling isn’t just practical, it’s progressive. Whether it’s a budding D3 squad finding its footing or a powerhouse gearing up for glory, playing across lines is proving to be a net positive for everyone involved.
2025 NCAA D3 vs NAIA Men’s Volleyball Game Results
Here is a sample of available data from team schedules, athletic sites, and recaps as of early 2026, below is a compilation of some identified games between NCAA Division 3 (D3) and NAIA men’s volleyball teams in 2025. We have included 2025 games with results, organized chronologically in a table for clarity. We have noted set scores and any notable context.
- Neutral Impact on Rankings: As discussed previously, these games do not affect the NPI for D3 teams, making them ideal for testing lineups and strategies without risking playoff eligibility.
- Proximity and Development: Many matchups (e.g., Midwest clusters like Edgewood/Viterbo or Franklin/Midway) were local, reducing costs and allowing for skill-matched competition. Developing D3 programs like Franklin and Maranatha Baptist benefited from facing NAIA opponents, gaining valuable experience in close or decisive sets.
- Overall Trends: NAIA teams won 43 of 82 documented games, often in straight sets, suggesting they provided a slight step-up in competition for D3 squads preparing for tougher matches. No major upsets, but several games featured competitive sets, highlighting their value as tune-ups.
- Teams scheduling the most in 25: For D3 teams, Greenville, Calvin, and Franklin scheduled the most NAIA matches while Fisher, St. Mary’s Woods and Carolina University were the most likely NAIA team to schedule with D3 opponents.
PRESEASON RANKING FOR NAIA 2026
