The 2026 NCAA men's volleyball season reaches its thrilling conclusion this Monday night as the UC Irvine Anteaters face off against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at UCLA's historic Pauley Pavilion. It's a championship showdown that promises high-flying action and intense rivalries.

UC Irvine enters the title game with a 21-8 record, riding an impressive postseason wave. After powering past Penn State in the regional round, the Anteaters pulled off a stunning upset against No. 1 overall seed UCLA. They carried that momentum into the semifinals, defeating Ball State to secure their spot in the championship. This program knows how to win on the big stage—they're chasing their fifth national title, having previously claimed championships in 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013.

On the other side, Hawaii boasts an outstanding 29-5 season. The Rainbow Warriors earned a first-round bye before taking down USC and Long Beach State to reach the final. As the 2021 and 2022 champions, they're no strangers to this moment and are hungry to add another trophy to their collection.

These two teams met back in early April, and Hawaii came out on top in both matchups—a 3-2 thriller followed by a dominant 3-0 sweep. In fact, the Rainbow Warriors hold an 8-2 edge over UC Irvine in their last ten meetings. But as any volleyball fan knows, championship night is a fresh start, and the Anteaters are ready to rewrite the script.

Whether you're cheering for the underdog or the powerhouse, this is a must-watch clash. Gear up with your favorite team's apparel and get ready for an unforgettable night of collegiate volleyball.