GRANTHAM, Pa. – With the 2026 Messiah University men's volleyball season beginning on Saturday, check out the season preview below.
 

2025 Recap

The Falcons ended the 2025 season with an overall record of 26-4, going 7-1 in MAC Commonwealth play. The Falcons advanced to their fourth MAC Commonwealth final and earned their third NCAA tournament appearance in program history. The Falcons had a bye into the second round of the tournament, where they defeated Lancaster Bible College in four sets to advance to the Elite Eight. The Falcons fell in the Elite Eight to Southern Virginia University in four sets.
 

2026 Roster Outlook

After advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight a year ago, the Falcons return many strong players to the 2026 roster. MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year, Todd Snyder, returns alongside MAC Commonwealth first team members Alex Kagoro and Brandon Sharp. The Falcons also return Seth Graybill and Tyler McConnell, who played a key role for the Falcons last year. Jonathan Nixon, Sean Gillespie, Jake Eby, Ethan Espenshade, Ethan Earhart, Cooper Henseler, and Seth Rajnic return as depth pieces for the Falcons. The Falcons also brought in six Freshmen who will look to make an instant impact for the team.
 

2026 Schedule

The No. 5 ranked Falcons open the 2026 season with a home tri-match on Saturday, Jan. 10, against Cairn University and Grove City College. The Falcons aren't back home for almost a month when No. 3 Juniata College comes to Grantham. The Falcons begin conference play at No. 20 Misericordia University on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7:00 p.m. The Falcons play eight teams ranked in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason Top 20: against No. 11 Wentworth (Jan. 23), versus No. 3 Juniata (Feb. 6), at No. 15 Baldwin-Wallace (Feb. 13), against No. 16 Hobart (Feb. 14), versus No. 4 Southern Virginia (Feb. 21), at No. 24 Misericordia (Feb. 24), versus No. 7 Vassar (Mar. 7), and at No. 6 Stevens (Mar. 21).
 

American Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason

1. Springfield
2. Carthage
3. Juniata
4. Southern Virginia
5. Messiah
6. Stevens
7. Vassar
8. NYU
9. Cal Lutheran
10. Aurora
 

MAC Commonwealth Preseason Poll

1. Stevens - 62 (6)
2. Messiah - 58 (3)
3. Misericordia - 51
4. Stevenson - 44
5. Arcadia - 35
6. Widener - 27
7. Eastern - 22
8. King's (Pa.) - 17
9. Hood - 9  
 
 

Related Videos

Now Playing:

• Play Video