Great news volleyball lovers, my fingers still work. So here we go.
Ramius is infamous for his “Too Early Top 10” article each year, so I thought it would be fitting to write the Appropriately Timed Top 10 with men’s season just around the corner. Reminder, these are the takes of one man which are without a shadow of a doubt, absolutely correct.
1. California Lutheran University
The defending champions return the nation’s most dynamic pin duo with All-American OH Jordan Cooper and NCAA Most Outstanding Player – RS Michael Stahl. While there are some question marks about who will replace the Brothers’ Marks (Taylor and Logan) at setter and libero respectively. But the Kingsmen have shown they can win on the biggest stage. And there is always the chance you can there will be a…. A HUGE BLOCK BY BORIS HORUK.
2. New York University
The Violets were the nation’s hottest team last April (Trine University as a close runner up) but this team went on an absolute tear, winning 10 straight matches, including the UVC Tournament before dropping an absolute heartbreaker to Vassar in the Final Four. Coach Pina’s squad returns all 7 starters from last season along with another talented first year class. You may think they lack the traditional “go-to pin” you see from national contenders, but keep an eye on OH Lucas Osiecki who is primed for a breakout season on the national stage.
3. Southern Virginia University
Very rarely can you look at a team who finished 27-1 and say their season was a disappointment, but after falling to aforementioned NYU in the National Quarterfinals – SVU may categorize their 2024 season that way. Region III Player of the Year & First Team All-American OH Christian Sheaffer will be leading the Knights on their revenge tour alongside All-American Libero Justin Madsen. While they have to replace Tyler Sheaffer at the setter position, something is telling me that Head Coach Tom Peterson has a 26 year old from Utah on ice ready to go for the season.
4. Juniata College
After two straight appearances in the NCAA Quarterfinals, Coach DeHaven and the Eagles are primed to take the next step in 2025. All-American MB Luke Hoffman returns for a 5th go around, along with longtime teammate Tyler Goldsborough and bevy of other impact athletes who bring a lot of size and athleticism to the table. Replacing longtime starting setter Reese Ganter won’t be easy, but JC has a lot of options – none more appealing than 6’7 senior Grant Lorelli.
5. Springfield College
Two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament would be a resounding success for most programs. With the history and tradition of the Springfield College Men’s Volleyball- that just doesn’t cut it. Coach Sullivan has this Pride roster fully reloaded after a few “down” years. Highlighted by All-American S Dylan Mulvaney and reigning AVCA National Freshman of the Year – RS Sam Levinson, the Pride are poised to return to the top. Also, keep an eye on incoming first year- Joey Preschie who is my pick for this year’s National Freshman of the Year.
6. Stevens Institute of Technology
I’m not sure any graduating class from a single school has meant more to a program than the Stevens group that graduated in the Spring of 2024. Losing 3 All-Americans, 1 additional starter, and a few key reserves – Coach Buehring has some decision to make. But I have a suspicion that Stevens will be reloading, not rebuilding. All-American RS Koby Sherman is a great piece to build around and Tyler Hoke may very well inherit the mantle of best blocking middle in the country from his former teammate Connor Feulner. Long story short, I expect to see the Ducks quacking in April.
7. Carthage College
JW Kieckhefer had a young & hobbled, but DYNAMIC squad in 2024. They dropped a few very important non-conference matches early in the season before they had discovered their true identity and found a groove. Because of those early results this squad missed out on the NCAA Tournament but grabbed a lot of very valuable experience along the way. Ben Heise and Owen Otto are going to be a devastating duo for years to come after both were selected to the Frogjump 2024 All-Freshman Team. They will need more from those two to replace the contributions of All-Americans Gene McNulty and David Markes.
8. Wentworth Institute of Technology
Similar to Southern Virginia, there aren’t many 31-2 season that can be looked at as a disappointment- but after spending a large portion of the year ranked at the top of both the FJ Top 100 and the AVCA Coaches’ Poll, I think the Leopards had their goals set beyond the National Quarterfinals. Losing National Player of the Year OH Jacob Labouliere, impact Grad Transfer MB Brandon Dunz, and bench captain Anthony Krzykowski – but with a number of returning starters led by Pre-Season All American S Josh Milke & impact transfer Andrew Ahn Coach Giglio will have this squad ready to compete.
9. Hobart College
Andrew Kim. All kidding aside, what the Statesmen were able to accomplish in Year 1 with no club or history was nothing short of astounding. I am seriously starting to think that Head Coach Steve England is a wizard or something. But seriously, with full year of college, another semester of training, and a 2nd talented recruiting class (led by transfer setter, Ben Lincoln) I think that Hobart is a true UVC & NCAA Contender in Year 2.
10. Vassar College
For all my waxing poetic about about what Stevens graduated last spring, the Brewers have an argument that they lost just as much if not more. All-American Jacob Kim’s versatile skill set unlocked so many options for Coach Gary, I am not sure there is an athlete on any roster in America who can replace what he did. When you account for additional graduates like Vaughan “Slim Reaper” Ramsey, AJ Erickson, and Colin Jones- the Brewers need a fresh batch. They return all 3 serve receivers (who have an argument of being the nation’s best unit last season) and if I have the motivation to write about the best breakout candidates- you will be reading about Armaan Desai.
Honorable Mentions (Alphabetical): Lasell University, Loras College, Nichols College, Misericordia University, St. John Fisher University
Yours Truly,
-Pepperjack