The latest AVCA Division III Men’s Volleyball Top 20 Poll saw a shakeup at the top as Carthage claimed the No. 1 spot, highlighting a competitive national landscape filled with strong programs across the country.

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The Firebirds lead a group of contenders that includes Messiah, Springfield, Juniata, and Cal Lutheran, rounding out the top five in the most recent rankings. The poll continues to reflect the depth of Division III men’s volleyball as teams across multiple conferences stack impressive wins and build momentum heading deeper into the season.

With conference play heating up and postseason positioning starting to take shape, several ranked teams have turned in strong performances over the past week to solidify their standing.

Carthage Volleyball Continues Dominant Run

Carthage climbed to No. 1 in the AVCA poll after an undefeated week, continuing a season that has positioned the Firebirds as one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

The program has been one of the most consistent contenders in Division III volleyball in recent years. After finishing the 2025 season with a strong 23–4 record and an NCAA Regional Quarterfinal appearance, the Firebirds entered 2026 ranked near the top of the national rankings and have continued to deliver results.

Carthage’s balanced attack and efficient offense have been key to their success. The team has ranked among the national leaders in hitting percentage and assists per set, showcasing an offense capable of producing from multiple positions.

With the Firebirds now sitting atop the poll, they will look to maintain their momentum as conference play continues.

Springfield Volleyball Sweeps Sage

Springfield, ranked No. 3 nationally, delivered another strong performance with a straight-sets win over Sage.

The Pride controlled the match from the opening serve and demonstrated the depth that has made the program one of the most successful in Division III men’s volleyball history. Springfield has been ranked in every AVCA Division III poll since the rankings began in 1996 and has held the No. 1 spot more than any other program.

The sweep over Sage added another convincing victory to Springfield’s résumé as the team continues to push toward the top of the national rankings.

Juniata Building Momentum

Juniata continues to hold steady among the nation’s elite, currently ranked No. 4 in the country.

The Eagles have consistently been a national contender and remain one of the most respected programs in Division III men’s volleyball. Alongside Springfield, Juniata is one of the only programs to have reached the top of the AVCA rankings more than 100 times in program history.

Strong defensive play and efficient offense have helped the Eagles maintain their place among the top teams in the country as the season progresses.

Cal Lutheran Climbing the Rankings

Rounding out the top five, Cal Lutheran continues to show why it is among the West Coast’s premier Division III programs.

The Kingsmen have surged up the rankings this season thanks to key victories and strong team play. Their ability to rally from deficits and close out tight matches has helped them remain firmly in the national conversation as one of the teams to watch moving forward.

As the season continues, Cal Lutheran will aim to build on its recent performances and challenge the teams ahead of it in the rankings.

NYU Earns Straight-Set Victory

NYU also delivered a convincing performance this week, defeating Emmanuel College in straight sets.

The Violets controlled the match with strong offensive execution and disciplined defense, earning another win that reinforces their place among the top teams in Division III volleyball.

With momentum continuing to build, NYU remains a team capable of climbing even higher in the rankings as conference play intensifies.

AVCA Division III Men’s Volleyball Top 20 Rankings

1. Carthage
2. Messiah
3. Springfield
4. Juniata
5. Cal Lutheran
6. NYU
7. Southern Virginia
8. Stevens
9. Loras
10. Baldwin Wallace
11. Vassar
12. Wentworth
13. UC Santa Cruz
14. St. John Fisher
15. North Central
16. Hobart
17. Rutgers–Newark
18. Marymount
19. MIT
20. Elmira

AVCA Division III Men’s Volleyball Preseason Poll

1. Springfield, 588
2. Carthage, 533
3. Juniata, 499
4. Southern Virginia, 471
5. Messiah, 449
6. Stevens, 441
7. Vassar, 435
8. NYU, 409
9. Cal Lutheran, 374
10. Aurora, 335
11. Wentworth, 272
12. SUNY New Paltz, 264
13. UC Santa Cruz, 253
14. Loras, 133
15. Baldwin-Wallace, 120
16. Hobart, 101
17. St. John Fisher, 89
18. North Central (IL), 78
19. MIT, 67
20. Misericordia, 62

Others receiving votes and listed on two or more ballots: Benedictine (IL) 45; Lasell 43; Rutgers-Newark 37; Mount Union 34; Nazareth 32; MSOE 28; Nichols 21; Randolph-Macon 20; Marymount 14; Dominican 10; Baruch 7; Buffalo State 7; Wittenberg 3

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