The 2026 NCAA men's volleyball season is coming to an electrifying close, with only three matches standing between us and a new champion. This year's Final Four promises high-stakes drama, featuring powerhouse programs and thrilling underdog stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The semifinals showcase a blend of familiar contenders and surprising newcomers. No. 2 Hawaii, No. 3 Long Beach State, and No. 4 Ball State are all back in the mix, but the biggest story is unseeded UC Irvine. The Anteaters pulled off a stunning upset by defeating No. 1 overall seed and Final Four host UCLA in the regional finals, proving that anything can happen in March—or in this case, April.
Speaking of underdogs, keep an eye on Ball State. The Cardinals have never won a men's volleyball championship, making this weekend a potential history-making moment for the program. Meanwhile, Long Beach State enters as the reigning national champions, and Hawaii is looking to add to its legacy after back-to-back titles in 2021-22. With so much on the line, every serve, spike, and block matters.
All the action takes place at the iconic Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, a fitting stage for college volleyball's biggest event. If you're planning to watch, here's what you need to know: Every match of the tournament can be streamed live via the ESPN app. The championship final will also air on ESPN2, and you can catch it through streaming services like fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, this is the perfect time to gear up and show your support for your favorite team.
As we look ahead to the 2026 champion, it's worth noting the recent history of the tournament. Over the past decade, teams like UCLA, Hawaii, and Long Beach State have dominated, but this year's bracket is wide open. Will Ball State break through? Can UC Irvine continue its Cinderella run? Or will a traditional powerhouse reclaim the throne? One thing's for sure: this Final Four is unmissable for any volleyball enthusiast.