VolleyMob Top 20 Men’s Power Rankings (Preseason) Full List

The 2018 Division I Men’s Volleyball season is almost upon us and in case you missed any of our VolleyMob Top 20 Men’s Power Rankings Preseason release, we’ve compiled all the teams and thrown in our teams ‘on the cusp’ of the poll.

As usual, the MIVA and MPSF make up a majority of the top National Championship contenders, but now a new conference with some similar logos emerges with the creation of the Big West. The EIVA and Conference Carolinas also make appearances in the poll, where we start at the top with the back-to-back National Champions:

1. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

• 2017: NCAA National Champions, #1 in final Coaches Poll, 32-2 (16-0 MIVA, 1st)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 9/3
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 5 (1)/4/1
• Key Losses: RS Miles Johnson (2017 Two-time AVCA First-Team AA), S Christy Blough (Two-Time AVCA Second-Team AA), L Gabriel Domecus (Two-Time AVCA All-America HM), MB Driss Guessous (2017 AVCA All-America HM, 2014 AVCA Second-Team AA)
• Key Returners: OH Nicolas Szerszen (Two-time AVCA First-Team AA, 2016 AVCA National Player of the Year), OH Maxime Hervoir (2017 NCAA All-Tournament Team, 2017 All-MIVA HM), MB Blake Leeson (2017 NCAA All-Tournament Team, 2016 All-MIVA HM)
• Top Newcomers: OH Robbie Murphy (AVCA Second-Team HS AA), L Chase Moothart (Transfer from Orange Coast College)
• Other Notes: Aaron Samarin returns after sitting out 2017
• Bottom Line: Ohio State loses a ton of key pieces to the roster, but with three talented starters back led by Szerszen, it’s tough to unseat the back-to-back National Champions from the top spot to open up the season. How long they stay there will depend on the quick growth of new players, as five freshmen and a total of 10 who didn’t play last year will look to mix into the team’s core. Even the backups have plenty of talent at Ohio State though, so depth won’t be a question. They’ll need some of that questioned talent to turn into solid contributors though in their quest of a three-peat, especially with a few teams right on their heels.

2. LONG BEACH STATE 49ERS

• 2017: NCAA Semifinalist, #3 in final Coaches Poll, 27-4 (16-2 MPSF, 1st)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 11/3
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 9 (1)/2/2
• Key Losses: L Andrew Sato (2017 AVCA First-Team AA), MB Amir Lugo-Rodriguez (2017 AVCA First-Team AA), MB Bryce Yould (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
• Key Returners: OH TJ DeFalco (2017 AVCA Player of the Year, Two-Time AVCA First-Team AA), S Josh Tuaniga (2017 AVCA First-Team AA, 2016 AVCA Second-Team AA), RS Kyle Ensing (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA)
• Top Newcomers: OH Spencer Olivier (AVCA Second-Team HS AA), L Jordan Molina (Redshirted at LBSU in 2015, CCCAA Men’s Volleyball State Championship MVP at Long Beach City College in 2016)
• Other Notes: Leaves the MPSF for the Big West this season
• Bottom Line: Just like some of the other teams at the top, Long Beach State loses several All-Americans and key pieces from previous years. Just like the other top three schools though, the 49ers also hold onto some star players. No star shines brighter though than outside hitter TJ DeFalco, who was the Player of the Year a season ago. With him, Tuaniga and Ensing up front, Long Beach State should post one of the best offenses in the country this season. The question will be the defense after they lose two middles and a libero, but if they can answer that question then there’s no reason that the 49ers can’t win the National Championship in 2018.

3. BYU COUGARS

• 2017: NCAA Runner-Up, #2 in final Coaches Poll, 26-5 (16-2 MPSF, 1st)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 12/3 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 7 (2)/0/1
• Key Losses: OH Jake Langlois (2017 AVCA First-Team AA, 2016 AVCA Second-Team AA), RS Ben Patch (Two-Time All-American)
• Key Returners: S Leo Durkin (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Brenden Sander (2017 AVCA All-America HM), MB Price Jarman (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
• Top Newcomers: OH/RS Garrett Halsey (AVCA First-Team HS AA), RS/OH Charlie Siragusa (AVCA First-Team HS AA), S/OH Cyrus Fa’alogo (Transfer from Long Beach City College)
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: BYU loses a couple big names headed into this season after they’ve won two straight MPSF titles. The most notable name is Ben Patch, who starred for Team USA in the FIVB World League this summer. Patch was injured at points through 2017 though, so although he played through it at times, he never could regain the play of his first two seasons. That may be beneficial to BYU this year, as they got extra experience for other players. Durkin, Sander and Jarman give the team plenty of starpower still too to go along with plenty of other highly recruited players ready to bust out. How quickly that happens could determine the final result of their season.

4. UCLA BRUINS

• 2017: MPSF Quarterfinalist, #6 in final Coaches Poll, 17-10 (10-8 MPSF, 5th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 7/5*
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 7 (2)/3/1
• Key Losses: MB Mitch Stahl (AVCA All-America HM)
• Key Returners: OH Jake Arnitz (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), S/RS Micah Ma’a (All-MPSF HM), OH JT Hatch (All-MPSF HM), MB Daenan Gyimah (All-MPSF HM, All-MPSF Freshman Team)
• Top Newcomers: MB Ian Parrish (AVCA First-Team HS AA), S Garland Peed (AVCA Second-Team HS AA), MB Chris Orem (Transfer from Orange Coast College)
• Other Notes: *Five starters are listed as returning by our ‘at least half of the matches’ requirement, but all started between just 15 and 19 of the team’s 27 matches.
• Bottom Line: The Bruins will have a lot of freshmen filling in to depth roles with so many true and redshirt freshmen. However, they are all very talented and should progress with time. The front end of things delays their need too with five starters back, including a top option in Arnitz. One player who didn’t garner awards but could in 2018 is Dylan Missry, who earned a starting spot toward the end of the season and showed his international experience. Beyond the two freshmen All-Americans, watch out for Adam Parks, who comes in as a top-tier recruit for UCLA.

5. LEWIS FLYERS

• 2017: MIVA Semifinalist, #7 in final Coaches Poll, 23-7 (13-3 MIVA, 2nd)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 13/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 3 (1)/4/0
• Key Losses: RS Jacob Schmeigelt (AVCA All-America HM), OH Trevor Weiskircher (2017 All-MIVA HM)
• Key Returners: OH Ryan Coenen (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA, 2017 AVCA Newcomer of the Year), RS Mitch Perinar (2017 AVCA All-America HM), S Matt Yoshimoto (2017 AVCA All-America HM), L Michael Simmons (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Kyle Bugee (2017 All-MIVA Freshman Team)
• Top Newcomers: MB Joe Kenzinger (AVCA Second-Team HS AA)
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: Lewis continued its strong run in recent history with their sixth 20-plus win season in seven years. They should be on track to make it seven in eight years with four players who earned some sort of AVCA All-America mention returning to the fold. They also have a small but solid recruiting class to go with four redshirts and 13 letterwinners back to provide depth. The biggest question will be can they unseat two-time defending National Champion Ohio State as the Buckeyes stand in their way to an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

6. STANFORD CARDINAL

• 2017: MPSF Quarterfinalist, #9 in final Coaches Poll, 13-13 (8-10 MPSF, T-6th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 14/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 4 (3)/1/0
• Key Losses: None with National/Conference Recognition
• Key Returners: MB Kevin Rakestraw (2017 AVCA All-America HM), L Evan Enriques (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Jordan Ewert (2017 All-MPSF HM)
• Top Newcomers: OH J.P. Reilly (AVCA First-Team HS AA), OH Leo Henken (AVCA Second-Team HS AA), OH/RS Jaylen Jasper (VolleyBall Mag HS Player of the Year)
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: Stanford brings back four players who started 15 or more matches and five others who started at least four matches on the year. They did lose Gabriel Vega but experience and depth is abound for the Cardinal who also add three high school All-Americans. Not to mention that none of their losses were award-winning players. This could be Stanford’s chance in a re-shaped MPSF to compete for and win a league title, although two more teams to come in the rankings land in the top five.

7. HAWAII RAINBOW WARRIORS

• 2017: NCAA Semifinalist, #4 in final Coaches Poll, 27-6 (14-4 MPSF, 3rd)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 12/3 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 4 (1)/4/1
• Key Losses: S Jennings Franciskovic (2017 AVCA First-Team AA), MB Hendrik Mol (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Kupono Fey (2017 All-MPSF HM)
• Key Returners: RS Stijn van Tilburg (2017 AVCA First-Team AA), L Larry Tuileta (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), MB Patrick Gasman (2017 MPSF All-Freshman Team), OH Rado Parapunov (2017 MPSF All-Freshman Team)
• Top Newcomers: L/DS Gage Worsley (AVCA First-Team HS AA) S Jayce Ashment (Transfer from Long Beach City College)
• Other Notes: Now part of the Big West instead of the MPSF
• Bottom Line: The Rainbow Warriors tied for the most wins in program history last year and finished the season ranked higher than any Hawaii team since 2010. They look ready to build off their success, but they’ll have to fill some holes first with the loss of three award-winning starters. A strong recruiting class though will add to the team’s depth and could help with any roster questions to pair with van Tilburg, Gasman and Parpunov in the front and Tuileta in the back. They’ve got enough talent where if those questions are answered, they will be right back in the National Championship conversation.

8. UC IRVINE ANTEATERS

• 2017: MPSF Semifinalist, #5 in final Coaches Poll, 20-7 (13-5 MPSF, 4th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 12/3
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 7 (3)/4/0
• Key Losses: RS Tamir Hershko (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), S Michael Saeta (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), OH Thomas Hodges (2017 AVCA All-America HM), L Dillon Hoffman (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
• Key Returners: MB Scott Stadick (2017 AVCA All-America HM, MPSF Freshman of the Year)
• Top Newcomers: S Sean Farmer (AVCA First-Team HS AA), MB Zevan Williams (AVCA First-Team HS AA), L AJ Faille (AVCA Second-Team HS AA)
• Other Notes: Leaving the MPSF for the inaugural season of the Big West
• Bottom Line: UC Irvine will test how good they are in a tough schedule with the loss of three starters and the libero – all of which earned some sort of AVCA All-America honors. Still, the cupboards are full with talent and depth which gets infused with a top tier recruiting class. They may lack some experience, but easing things are the return of Stadick and OH Aaron Koubi, who didn’t play in enough matches to qualify for postseason awards but likely would have after being second on the team in kills per set (3.05) and averaging 1.31 digs per set.

9. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

• 2017: NCAA Tournament, #10 in final Coaches Poll, 21-11 (11-3 EIVA, 1st)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 12/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 5 (1)/4/0
• Key Losses: OH Chris Nugent (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA)
• Key Returners: RS Calvin Mende (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Aidan Albrecht (2017 EIVA Second-Team)
• Top Newcomers: OH Will Bantle (AVCA First-Team HS AA)
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: Penn State head coach Mark Pavlik is 542-173 in his career, so the Nittany Lions should have confidence that they will once again be near or at the top of EIVA play where they can earn an NCAA Tournament bid. They’ll be without Nugent, but Mende and Albrecht should provide a punch at the pins. If they can get strong middle play, as they also lose Matt Callaway, and serve receive to go with it, the Nittany Lions should be back in the NCAA Tournament.

10. PEPPERDINE WAVES

• 2017: MPSF First Round, #8 in final Coaches Poll, 10-12 (8-10 MPSF, 6th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 14/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 7 (3)/1/0
• Key Losses: None with National/Conference award recognition
• Key Returners: OH David Wieczorek (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
• Top Newcomers: OH Alex Gettinger (AVCA Second-Team HS AA), RS Troy Magorien (AVCA Second-Team HS AA), L Spencer Wickens (AVCA Second-Team AA)
• Other Notes: Moving from the MPSF to the Big West for 2018
• Bottom Line: Pepperdine’s record didn’t prove how tough of competition they were, but their final ranking did with their brutal schedule. They’ll look for improvement this year as although they lose Mitchell Penning (block leader) and Joshua Stewart (assist leader), they have plenty of depth back. That depth only gets better with one of the best recruiting classes in the entire country. If some of their freshman make big contributions, they could sneak even further up the rankings.

11. BALL STATE CARDINALS

• 2017: MIVA Semifinalist, #12 in final Coaches Poll, 19-10 (9-7 MIVA, T-4th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 13/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 7 (0)/0/0
• Key Losses: S Connor Gross (2017 MIVA Second-Team), OH Brendan Surane (2017 MIVA HM)
• Key Returners: OH Matt Szews (2017 AVCA All-America HM, MIVA Co-Freshman of the Year), MB Matt Walsh (2017 AVCA All-America HM), L Nick Lavanchy (2017 MIVA Freshman Team)
• Top Newcomers: None with National Honors
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: Last season for Ball State ended in a five set loss in the MIVA semifinals to eventual National Champion Ohio State. While the loss stung, it should give the Cardinals confidence that they can compete with the best. They’ll have a few roles to fill, but overall they have starters back at every position this year except for setter. Plenty of depth surrounds those starters too. They should have plenty of growth with some of the youth they counted on last season as well.

12. LOYOLA-CHICAGO RAMBLERS

• 2017: MIVA Quarterfinalist, #14 in final Coaches Poll, 16-12 (9-7 MIVA, T-4th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 15/4
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 3 (1)/0/0
• Key Losses: OH Ben Plaisted (2017 MIVA Second-Team)
• Key Returners: MB Jeff Jendryk (2017 AVCA First-Team AA), OH Collin Mahan (2017 MIVA Second-Team), S Ian Cowen (2017 MIVA Freshman Team)
• Top Newcomers: S Garrett Zolg (AVCA First-Team HS AA)
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: Ohio State has taken the reigns, but prior the Buckeyes winning two straight it was Loyola-Chicago collecting back-to-back National Championships. Last year wasn’t quite as good though, but there is plenty to build off of for 2018. For one, they are healthier after fighting through injuries last season and second off they have a National Player of the Year candidate in Jendryk, who competed for Team USA at the FIVB World League last summer. If Cowen and Mahan take steps forward and they can fill some other holes, the Ramblers could be a surprise NCAA Tournament team.

13. CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE MATADORS

• 2017: No postseason, #15 in final Coaches Poll, 12-15 (5-13 MPSF, T-9th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 6/5
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 8 (0)/5/1
• Key Losses: None with National/Conference award recognition
• Key Returners: RS Arvis Greene (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Dimitar Kalchev (2017 MPSF HM)
• Top Newcomers: L Emmett Enriques (transfer from Cal Baptist)
• Other Notes: CSUN moves to the Big West this season after 33 years in the WIVA/MPSF
• Bottom Line: The Matadors should post better results in 2018 with depth at every position for Jeff Campbell in year 21 at the helm. Arvis Greene will be at the forefront of that, as they also have middle blocker Josiah Byers back in the fold, who missed the award podium last year after earning All-MPSF Honorable Mention in 2016. Enriques will be a key add if he can fill in the loss at the libero spot, but overall CSUN may have a few rough patches early with more than two third of their roster freshmen/redshirt freshmen.

14. USC TROJANS

• 2017: MPSF Quarterfinalist, #11 in final Coaches Poll, 14-14 (8-10 MPSF, T-6th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 9/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 9 (1)/2/0
• Key Losses: OH Lucas Yoder (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), MB Andy Benesh (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
• Key Returners: None with National/Conference award recognition
• Top Newcomers: S Chris Hall (AVCA First-Team HS AA, 2016-17 U.S. Boys Youth National Team), MB Sam Lewis (2016-17 U.S. Boys Youth National Team)
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: USC won eight of its final 10 matches last season in making the conference tournament as they doubled their win output from 2016. They have a majority of their starters back to go with a strong recruiting class, led by the duo of Hall and Lewis, who are familiar with each other from their time on the United States Youth National Team. The question for the Trojans becomes which returning starter can become a star, as the Trojans don’t welcome back any award recognized players and lose tp options in Yoder and Benesh. If they get someone to fill that go-to role, they could have a more balanced team in 2018.

15. PRINCETON TIGERS

• 2017: EIVA Semifinalist, NR in final Coaches Poll, 12-14 (8-6 EIVA, 4th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 11/5 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 5 (0)/0/0
• Key Losses: None with National/Conference award recognition
• Key Returners: MB Junior Oboh (2017 EIVA First Team), MB George Huhmann (2017 EIVA First Team, EIVA Newcomer of the Year), RS Parker Dixon (2017 EIVA Second Team)
• Top Newcomers: None with National recognition
• Other Notes: None
• Bottom Line: Princeton might be one of the best dark horse teams in the country. They had a taste of postseason EIVA experience and now bring back all but one starter. In fact, they only lose two letterwinners. They’ve got pop up front and should present a strong blocking game with Oboh and Huhmann, who is coming off a summer in which he played with the USA Junior National Team. Princeton had three freshman starters last year too and are now tied for most returning all-EIVA players in the league as they will look for more experience to potentially finish off those match points against Penn State that they couldn’t last season.

16. GRAND CANYON LOPES

• 2017: MIVA Tourn. Runner-Up, #13 in final Coaches Poll, 19-11 (11-5 MIVA, 3rd)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 11/3* + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 6 (0)/3/2
• Key Losses: MB Drake Silbernagel (2017 MIVA Second Team), S Michael Milstein (2017 MIVA HM)
• Key Returners: OH Cullen Mosher (2017 MIVA Second Team), L Sky Engleman (2017 MIVA HM)
• Top Newcomers: MB Jerod Alleman (transfer from Arizona State), MB Alex Schmelev (transfer from Utah Valley)
• Other Notes: Grand Canyon is moving into the MPSF this season
• Bottom Line: Coming off its winningest season in school history and first time ranked in the AVCA poll, Grand Canyon could be even better in 2018. They have nine seniors on the roster and should be strong in serve receive. They also technically have a fourth starter plus the libero back if you combine four others returning who combined for 27 starts. The reason that they start on the outskirts of the top 15 though is because of two big losses, ,mainly Silbernagel. If the two transfers can make a strong impact, Grand Canyon should be better than this ranking, but until that question is answered we rank them at 16.

17. GEORGE MASON PATRIOTS

• 2017: No postseason, NR in final Coaches Poll, 13-14 (6-8 EIVA, T-6th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 13/4* + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 2 (0)/3/1
• Key Losses: RS Jack Wilson (2017 EIVA First Team), OH Radoslav Popov (All-EIVA in 2014 and 2015)
• Key Returners: L Johnny Gomez (2017 AVCA All-America HM), S/RS Brian Negron (2015 EIVA First Team)
• Top Newcomers: OH Travis O’Gorman (transfer from Long Beach City College)
• Other Notes: OH Christian Malias returns after redshirting last season with injury
• Bottom Line: George Mason won their first conference title in 25 years in 2016, but couldn’t defend the crown last year in a season filled with injuries. On the bright side, the Patriots had plenty of freshman get playing time. That should help this season when they return four starters plus the libero, although they basically have a fifth starter with the return of Bryce Gatling, who started 12 matches in 2017. The loss of Wilson will sting though and the Patriots will have to find an identity of top options on offense. If they can do that then they could easily rise the ranks.

18. UC SANTA BARBARA GAUCHOS

• 2017: No postseason, NR in final Coaches Poll, 10-16 (5-13 MPSF, 10th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 13/5
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: Unknown
• Key Losses: OH Jacob Delson (2017 MPSF HM)
• Key Returners: MB Keenan Sanders (2017 MPSF Freshman Team)
• Top Newcomers: N/A
• Other Notes: UCSB joins the Big West in 2018
• Bottom Line: UCSB is a rare team that doesn’t have its 2018 roster up, so some of those numbers are assumptions based on last year’s roster transitioning to this season while no post on the team’s page has indicated newcomers. From what we know though they have five starters back and plenty of returning faces. They do lose their top attacker, but should be better all around just from that in a competitive Big West. How high of a ceiling they have might depend on Sanders, who will be looking to make a big jump in his second season.

19. BARTON COLLEGE BULLDOGS

• 2017: NCAA Tournament, NR in final Coaches Poll, 23-6 (16-2 Conf. Carolinas, 1st)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 9/5
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 1 (0)/2/0
• Key Losses: S Federico Pagliara (2017 Conference Carolinas First Team)
• Key Returners: OH Vasilis Mandilaris (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Aleksa Brkovic (2017 Conference Carolinas First Team), RS Aggelos Mandilaris (2017 Conference Carolinas First Team, CC Freshman of the Year), MB Justice Lord (2017 Conference Carolinas Third Team)
• Top Newcomers: None with National recognition
• Other Notes: S Oscar Fiorentino comes off a redshirt year after transferring from Park University.
• Bottom Line: Barton is one of the more intriguing teams out there because they aren’t getting any love from the coaches poll since they play in an easier conference and have an easier schedule compared to teams in other leagues. However, they are the favorite once again in the Conference Carolinas, which would put them as a threat since they’d earn an NCAA Tournament bid. They also have five starters back with all kinds of firepower at the front. If they can replace the libero and setter position seamlessly, this team’s experience losing to BYU in the first round last year could fuel an even better season in 2018.

20. UC SAN DIEGO TRITONS

• 2017: No postseason, NR in final Coaches Poll, 7-20 (3-15 MPSF, 11th)
• Returning Letterwinners/Starters (at least half of matches): 11/4 + Libero
• Incoming Freshmen (AVCA All-Americans)/Redshirts/Transfers: 10 (0)/2/0
• Key Losses: None with National/Conference award recognition
• Key Returners: RS Tanner Syftestad (2017 MPSF Second-Team)
• Top Newcomers: None with National recognition
• Other Notes: UC San Diego joins the Big West for 2018
• Bottom Line: 25 seasons in the MPSF are done for UC San Diego as 13 year head coach Kevin Ring will lead the way into the Big West. The six-member conference will be extremely difficult to pair with UC San Diego’s difficult non-conference slate, but they will look to find a spark from last year when they won five straight matches. They’ll mix plenty of returners who will be looking for improvement with a big recruiting class as they hope the blend leads to results.

On the Cusp/’Receiving Votes’:

Sacred Heart

Saint Francis

Concordia University Irvine

King University