1/14/2026
The 2026 NCAA Division III men’s volleyball season launches this weekend with a loaded slate featuring preseason top-25 teams in action across the country. From Springfield’s championship redemption tour to a West Coast showdown between ranked programs, the opening weekend offers immediate data about who’s ready to contend and which players will emerge as early-season stars.
Friday’s Marquee Matchups
Springfield (No. 1, 25-5, national runner-up) vs. Concordia Irvine (D2)
The Pride begin their quest to return to the championship match despite losing key pieces Rouleau and Carrion from last year’s finals team. However, Springfield welcomes Ball State transfer Goh to bolster their attack alongside returnees Mulvaney, Levinson, Durivage, Deslauriers, Ortiz, and Goin. Springfield’s physical, disciplined system will get an immediate cross-division test. Watch for how the Pride’s chemistry develops with Goh integrated into the system that produced a Championship tournament final visit last season.
Vassar (No. 5, 22-7) at UC Santa Cruz (No. 10, 19-8)
The weekend’s first ranked collision features compelling individual battles. Vassar lost Fan, Akato, Lounsberry, Clark, and Villamil but returns offensive weapons Birnbaum, Desal, Zheng, and Shearn. UC Santa Cruz counters with a powerful offensive attack led by Norman, alongside Ownbey, Contreras, Valente, Pak, and Poister after losing Foreman, Makashima, and Espinoza. The Brewers’ balanced attack against the Banana Slugs’ offensive firepower (anchored by Norman’s impressive stats) could determine early momentum in this cross-country clash. This shapes up as an offensive showcase between Vassar’s multi-dimensional attack and UCSC’s ability to score in transition.
Concordia Wisconsin vs. NYU (No. 3, 26-1, .963)
The Violets’ historically dominant 2025 season (just one loss and a quarterfinals appearance) makes them the team everyone wants to measure against. NYU lost Knudson, Osiecki, Cohen, and Kagan but returns a loaded roster featuring Evans, Du, Nguyen, Tchaikovsky, and Miller. Concordia Wisconsin faces the unenviable task of opening against one of the nation’s most complete rosters. NYU’s serve-and-pass game, which overwhelmed most opponents last year, faces its first 2026 challenge. Look for Evans and Du to establish NYU’s offensive tempo early. If they’re sharp, this could get ugly fast.
Stevens (No. 7, 25-5) vs. St. Joe’s Long Island
Stevens opens after losing Ho, Knuckles, Wierick, Sherman, and Huyke from their 25-win squad. The Ducks counter with returnees Hoke (middle blocker), Schmitt, Schmidt, and Olcott. Stevens’ MAC tournament run ended in the quarterfinals, but this roster has enough firepower to make another deep push. This opener allows Stevens to establish rotation depth before the conference grind. Watch how the Ducks’ returnees handle key responsibilities with so many departures.
Misericordia (No. 25, 22-12) vs. Hobart (No. 26, 20-9)
Friday’s 25-26 matchup pits Misericordia’s U’Glay, Knapp, Clendening, Kozak, and Feihel against Hobart’s Sappia, DeLong, Farren, Malcolm, Kemora, and Meador. Misericordia lost DePalma, Piontkowski, Young, DeFrain, and Albrecht but added transfers U’Glay (Merrimack) and Knapp (Merrimack). Hobart lost all-world Andrew Kim and Lincoln from last year’s 20-win team. The narrow ranking gap makes this a true toss-up. Misericordia’s Merrimack transfers could provide the difference if they’ve integrated quickly.
Concordia Wisconsin vs. Cal Lutheran (No. 15, 23-7)
Concordia Wisconsin gets a brutal opening weekend draw. Cal Lutheran lost Weber, Stahl, Brown, Cooper, and Horiuk but added impressive transfers: Hom (Lewis), Erickson (GCU), and Ford (Belmont Abbey). The Kingsmen’ returning core of Crawford, Hendry, Galanski, and Gonzales combined with high-level transfers makes them dangerous. Watch the Crawford-Hendry connection. If Cal Lutheran establishes chemistry early with the new transfers, they could surprise people this season.
Saturday’s Data Points
MIT (16-14) vs. Rutgers-Newark (No. 21, 24-10)
Rutgers 24-win campaign in 2025 marked significant progress. The Scarlet Raiders lost captains Au, Apito, and Parades but added SHU transfer Colin Stevens alongside returnees Rocco, Solodiky, Kolodziej, Lopez, and Suarez. MIT, sitting just above .500 last year, provides an opportunity for Rutgers-Newark to validate their ranking. The statistical battle: Rutgers-Newark’s attacking efficiency (particularly if transfer Stevens meshes quickly) against MIT’s analytical approach to defensive systems.
Vassar (No. 5) vs. Cal Lutheran (No. 15)
After opening at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, Vassar faces another challenging West Coast opponent. This matchup features Vassar’s Birnbaum and Desal attacking against Cal Lutheran’s Crawford-led offense supplemented by three high-level transfers (Hom from Lewis, Erickson from GCU, Ford from Belmont Abbey). The Kings’ 23-7 independent record shows their quality. Vassar’s distribution against Cal Lutheran’s attack (now featuring D2 talent) could dictate tempo in this ranked showdown. The battle between Vassar’s firepower and Cal Lutheran’s new weapons will be appointment viewing.
Benedictine (No. 17, 16-10) vs. Loras (No. 11, 18-5, .783)
A midwest battle that doubles as an opening statement game. Loras lost only Mayotte from their .783 win percentage team, returning Brainerd, Krygsfeld, Rothermel, Jaral, and Dziadkowiec. Benedictine lost Armstrong but returns Radomski, Van Engen (setter), O’Toole, Thomas, Lambert, Cardenas, and Feudner. Regional familiarity means both teams know each other’s tendencies. Execution under pressure determines the winner. Loras’ continuity with Brainerd and Krygsfeld gives them an edge, but Benedictine’s depth could keep this close.
MSOE (No. 14, 14-12) vs. Mount Union (No. 23, 20-9)
Two top 25 programs: Mount Union’s 20 wins against MSOE’s .538 record. MSOE lost Shavitz, Chavez, and Clausz but added transfer Griever alongside returnees Harris, Thomas, Schultz, Rings, and Zippay. Mount Union lost McClure, Heeney, Weeg, Nussdorfer, Armour, and Kaiser, returning Bowler, Geissman, and Koszelak. Opening weekend provides MSOE a chance to prove their ranking. Watch MSOE’s serving game to see if they can disrupt Mount Union’s rebuilt roster.
Nichols vs. Wentworth (No. 18, 26-7, .788)
Wentworth’s 26-win season featured one of the division’s highest win percentages. The Leopards lost Waga, Milke, Roller, Etter, Jack, and Cebula but return Ahn, Dubcak, Andrade, Foxwell, Green, Bell, and Burns. Despite heavy losses, Wentworth’s experienced returning core makes them the favorite. Wentworth’s serve pressure (particularly from Ahn and Dubcak) will test Nichols’ passing immediately. If Wentworth’s offense finds rhythm quickly despite roster turnover, this could be a statement win.
Cal Lutheran (No. 15) vs. Hobart (No. 26)
Cal Lutheran faces a second ranked opponent on Saturday. The Crawford-Hendry-Galanski-Gonzales core plus high-level transfers (Hom, Erickson, Ford) gives Cal Lutheran firepower against Hobart’s Sappia-DeLong-Farren attack. Hobart’s 20-win 2025 season shows they’re capable, but Cal Lutheran’s transfer additions provide an X-factor. This West Coast-East Coast matchup offers contrasting styles: Cal Lutheran’s attack-heavy approach against Hobart’s steady, fundamental volleyball. Hobart will need to adjust in a new era without Andrew Kim for the first time in their existence.
Springfield (No. 1) vs. Vanguard (D2)
After Friday’s test, Springfield gets another look with Goh integrated into the Mulvaney-Levinson-Durivage system. The Pride’s depth and championship experience should shine through. These early matchups help Springfield establish rhythm and build chemistry with their Ball State transfer before conference play begins. Watch for Goh’s transition to the D3 game. His success could determine Springfield’s ceiling.
Sunday’s Showdown
NYU (No. 3) at UC Santa Cruz (No. 10)
The weekend’s marquee finale pits the Violets against the Banana Slugs on their home court. The individual matchups are compelling: NYU’s Evans and Du attacking against UCSC’s offensive firepower led by Norman. Tchaikovsky and Miller provide additional weapons for the Violets, while UCSC counters with Norman’s impressive offensive production alongside Ownbey, Contreras, and Valente.
This matchup offers an early referendum on East Coast polish versus West Coast athleticism. NYU’s one-loss season established them as elite, but they lost four key players. UC Santa Cruz needs this statement win to validate top-10 status. Norman’s offensive output against NYU’s defense will be the key individual battle. Can UCSC’s star find seams in the Violets’ system? If Norman gets rolling early, the Banana Slugs could pull the upset on their home court.
Weekend Storylines
Transfer Portal Impact: Multiple ranked teams integrated key transfers: Springfield (Goh from Ball State), Cal Lutheran (Hom from Lewis, Erickson from GCU, Ford from Belmont Abbey), Misericordia (U’Glay and Knapp from Merrimack), and Rutgers (Stevens from SHU). How quickly these players mesh with their new programs could determine early season success.
Springfield’s Cross-Division Schedule: The Pride face two non-D3 opponents to test their championship mettle against different styles. With Ball State transfer Goh joining Mulvaney and Levinson, Springfield’s offensive firepower should overwhelm both opponents, but chemistry development is the real test.
Concordia Wisconsin’s Gauntlet: Perhaps the toughest opening weekend draw belongs to Concordia Wisconsin, which faces three opponents including No. 3 NYU (Evans, Du, Nguyen, Tchaikovsky, Miller) and No. 15 Cal Lutheran (Crawford, plus three high-level transfers). Win or lose, they’ll know exactly where they stand.
Continuity vs. Reload: Loras (lost only Mayotte) and NYU (returns Evans, Du, Nguyen, Tchaikovsky, Miller despite four losses) bring continuity. Springfield, Stevens, Wentworth, and Cal Lutheran face the reload question after significant roster turnover. Opening weekend reveals who rebuilt successfully.
Players to Watch
Evans & Du (NYU): The Violets’ primary attacking duo faces their first test after a dominant 26-1 season. How they perform at UCSC on Sunday sets NYU’s tone.
Norman (UC Santa Cruz): The Banana Slugs’ offensive star leads UCSC’s attack against two top-five opponents. His prowess faces Vassar on Friday and NYU on Sunday. If Norman maintains his impressive offensive production against elite competition, UCSC could vault into legitimate contender status.
Goh (Springfield): The Ball State transfer joins a championship-caliber program. His integration determines Springfield’s ceiling.
Hom, Erickson & Ford (Cal Lutheran): Three high-level transfers (from Lewis, GCU, and Belmont Abbey respectively) join Crawford’s established system. If chemistry clicks immediately with the Crawford-Hendry-Galanski-Gonzales core, the Kings could surprise.
Brainerd (Loras): Returns to the nation’s most stable roster (lost only one player). Against conference rival Benedictine, Brainerd’s leadership sets the tone for Loras’ season.
U’Glay & Knapp (Misericordia): The Merrimack transfers give Misericordia an immediate upgrade. Their opening weekend performance against closely ranked Hobart will show if they’ve meshed quickly.
Stevens (Rutgers-Newark): The SHU transfer joins a Scarlet Raiders program that won 24 games last season. His impact versus Au’s departure could determine whether Rutgers-Newark validates their No. 21 ranking.